How to Start a Technical Writing Career in 2023
Introduction
Technical writing is a valuable skill that allows you to communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. It is used to create a variety of types of documentation, including user manuals, technical reports, and whitepapers.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for technical writers is expected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2029. This faster-than-average growth rate reflects the increasing need for clear and concise communication of technical information in a variety of industries.
As a technical writer, you can earn a competitive salary of around $72,850 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, your earning potential doesn’t stop there. The amount that a technical writer earns can vary depending on several factors, including their level of experience, the industry they work in, and their job location.
For example, technical writers with more experience or higher levels of education may earn higher salaries. Technical writers who work in industries such as software or computer systems design may also earn higher salaries compared to those who work in other industries. Additionally, technical writers who work in certain geographic locations, such as major cities or regions with a high demand for their skills, may have the opportunity to earn higher salaries.
If you are interested in becoming a technical writer, here are some steps you can take to get started.
How To Become A Technical Writer
Step 1: Educate yourself on the subject matter
A strong understanding of the subject matter you will be writing about is essential for effective technical writing. Consider taking online courses or reading books and articles to learn about the basics of your chosen field and understand the terminology used. For example, if you are interested in writing about blockchain technology, you might take a course on the subject or read articles and books that explain how it works.
Another form of education is learning the art of writing as a Technical writer. There are a variety of courses you can enroll in to ground you on the basic skill set you need to start on this career path. Some of them include:
Technical Writing Fundamentals (Lynda.com): This course teaches the basics of technical writing, including writing clear, concise instructions, creating user guides, and developing technical documentation. You can access the course through the Lynda.com platform (part of LinkedIn Learning).
Technical Writing Certificate (UC Berkeley Extension): This certificate program includes four courses that cover the principles of effective technical communication, including writing for different audiences, using appropriate tone and style, and creating clear and concise documents.
Step 2: Practice writing
Gaining writing experience, even if it is outside the field you are interested in, is important for improving your skills. Consider starting a blog or writing for online publications to get experience writing about various topics. This can help you develop your writing style and improve your ability to communicate technical concepts to a wider audience.
If you choose a growing industry as I did, you might need to double your interest in being in the know with every concept as they surface. Here are some reputable sites you can plug into to keep your knowledge base constantly updated. Theblock.co, Beincrypto.com, coindesk.
Where can you practice Technical writing?
There are a number of applications to practice technical writing, depending on what you want to achieve with your writing. For example, if you intend to learn how to write concisely, as found in technical API documents and guides, you may start with word processors or online pubs.
Word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs are commonly used for technical writing and are a good place to start practicing. These programs have features like spell check, grammar check, and the ability to save and share documents, which can be helpful when writing and revising technical documents.
You can also practice on Medium. It allows you to share your writing with a wider audience and receive feedback from other writers. This can be a good way to get feedback on your technical writing and see how others approach similar topics.
If your goal is to work on your article structure or create topic bases authoring, there are also specialized technical writing software programs like DITA XLM or Adobe Technical Communication Suite that can help you create professional-quality technical documentation. These programs often have features like templates, formatting tools, and the ability to create interactive content.
Step 3: Start with a kind of documentation.
Technical documentation can come in many forms, each with its own features and requirements. While it may be tempting to try to master all of them at once, it is often more effective to focus on one or two types of documentation to start with.
Trying to write all the different types of technical documents as a new writer can be overwhelming and may not lead to the best results. Instead, choose a few specific types of documentation to focus on and become proficient in those. As you gain experience and confidence, you can gradually add more types of documentation to your skillset. By focusing on one task at a time, you can become an outstanding technical writer more efficiently.
Below are the different types of documentation you can start with.
User manuals: These documents provide instructions on how to use a product or system. They may include information on installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Reference guides: These documents provide detailed information about a product or system, including technical specifications and information on features and functionality.
Technical reports: These documents present the results of technical research or testing in a formal format. They may include data, analysis, and conclusions.
Maintenance manuals: These documents provide instructions on how to maintain and repair a product or system. They may include information on parts lists, repair procedures, and preventive maintenance schedules.
Online help: Online help is a type of technical documentation that is accessed through a website or software application. It may include step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and FAQs.
API documentation: API documentation provides information on how to use and integrate an application programming interface (API). It may include information on API functions, parameters, and examples of usage.
In my case, I started with writing Technical reports and later added API documentation and user manuals.
Step 4: Seek feedback and mentorship
Receiving feedback on your writing from more experienced writers or mentors can be extremely valuable. It can help you identify areas for improvement and give you insights into how to better communicate technical concepts. Consider working with a mentor or joining a writing group to get feedback on your work and learn from others in the field.
In conclusion,
Technical writing is a valuable skill that is in high demand in the field of blockchain technology and other industries. To become an effective technical writer, it is important to educate yourself on the subject matter and gain writing experience through practice and dedication. There are many resources available to help you improve your technical writing skills, including online courses, software programs, and writing communities.
Additionally, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field by plugging into education sources for your niche.
