Technical writers often have a degree in English, technical writing, the technical field for which they are writing, or a combination of these.

It is most important that they have enough expertise to understand their audience’s background and needs.

For example, writers who develop documentation for software APIs, microcontroller operation, and other technical subjects are often paid more than those who write guides for a nontechnical audience (for example, how to use email), because it is difficult to find good writers with advanced technical knowledge.

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After the documentation is written, it is normally reviewed for accuracy by one or more “subject matter experts” (SMEs).

Technical Writers Software

The most popular technical writing software includes:

• Adobe Acrobat
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Adobe FrameMaker
• Adobe RoboHelp
• AuthorIT
• Chm2web
• Corel Paint Shop Pro
• DocBook
• Interleaf
• MadCap Software
• Microsoft Visio
• Adobe Photoshop
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• SnagIt
• Microsoft Word
• XML editor

What is Technical Communication?

Technical communication is the process of conveying information about technology to an intended audience. A technical communicator is a person whose job involves technical communication.

Roles in the Technical communication industry include the following job titles:

• Technical writer
• Technical editor
• Information architect
• Usability expert
• User interface designer
• Technical artist
• Technical trainer

The technology can be of any kind, including the sciences, high technology including computers and software, consumer electronics, and so on.

Role of Technical Writing

Technical communications are created and distributed by most employees in service organizations today, especially by professional staff and management.

Effective communications require quality content, language, format, and more. The entire point of communications is to disseminate information; this is where written content comes in. To present the appropriate content, it is imperative to understand one s audience and writing purpose.

If a document does not communicate the information that the writer intends and what he or she wants the reader to understand, then the communication is meaningless.

The writer has an interest in making the extra effort: Looking credible is as important as being credible and getting results in business.

Respect and credibility of the writer/speaker are integral to effective communications. Readers will not trust the information from an author if they do not believe that author is a valuable source of information or the purveyor of worthwhile ideas.

Cold calls! No! I can’t do it. Yes, you can. They’re only human and won’t bite.

Here’s how I make cold calls and it works

When I started out I hated this. I’d do anything to avoid it. In the end I cut a deal with myself. I would call between 10-11 every morning for 1 hour and 1 hour only. Somehow this worked. I’d make the calls and get it over with. In time it got easier and making cold calls became more enjoyable. Yes, imagine that. Cold calls that you enjoy!

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Before you make your first cold call

Before you make the call, look at their site, download their brochures and see what type of documents they might need. For example, software development companies may need user guides, release notes, and installation manuals.

Web companies will need online text, technical support material and help pages. After a while you’ll get a feel for what these companies want and you can tailor your cold calls accordingly.

Don’t be shy about calling. Expect to get turned down 9 out of 10 times at first. It’s nothing personal. And don’t be hard on yourself. Starting up is the hardest part. Once you land your first contract, the next will be much easier.

1. Start with small companies that don’t have dedicated in-house tech writers.

2. Don’t contact the HR Manager. Their job is to screen you out. They won’t be interested.

3. Contact the IT Manager or the Training Manager. These people may actually need your skills. Drop them an email and ask if you can send over a brochure. No hard selling. Gently does it

4. Offer your services on a contract basis

5. If asked, give them estimates of your daily rates – but keep it general.

6. Avoid getting locked into low rates before you have met the client.

Tip: This is a numbers game. The more you call, the more interviews you’ll get. It’s not rocket science. Just persevere.

Remember the words of Churchill: “Never, Never, Never give up.”