Technical writing is the translation and organization of complex products and services information into documents that any person can easily understand and use. It is the creation of the documents for the products and services we use, such as user guides, documentation during the development phase, and training manuals.
Technical writers need to be able to break down a complicated topic into simpler terms. A tech writer may work for a technical writing company, or in any general company as their staff technical writer, or as a freelance technical writer. A good tech writer can generally make $20-$60 per hour. There are many companies that specialize in tech writing.
A technical writing company usually offers all aspects of tech writing services. Sometimes they will focus on a specific types of tech writing--such as training manuals, or a specific industry--such as the medical industry. Either way, providers of writing for technical documents supply invaluable writing services to many different segments of the business, academic, and social world.
Some technical writing companies operate exclusively online. They specialize in the intricacies of online tech writing services, which brings with it its own set of challenges and techniques. These companies exist to help other people or companies get their tech writing properly published online. Some of these people or companies do not have the time, energy, or money to do their own online writing.
One of the premier organizations for technical writers is the Society for Technical Communication (STC), found at www.stc.org. The STC has around 20,000 members and is dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of technical communication. It helps technical writers network, get technical writing jobs, get published, and find instruction.
I highly recommend a few excellent books and guides on technical writing:
Technical Writing: Process and Product. This book guides users through the entire technical writing process-prewriting, writing, and rewriting-developing an easy-to-use, step-by-step technique for creating the types of technical documents they will encounter on the job.
The Handbook of Technical Writing, Seventh Edition. This is an accessible and easy-to-use technical writing guide, with entries on research, documenting sources, brochures, formal reports, newsletters, proposals, sales letters, presentations, and visuals. Also includes in-depth treatment of grammar, usage, and the writing skills.
The Internet has great directories of tech writing companies, services, and instructional courses:
- Google's directory for Business Technical Writing
- Google's directory of Tech Writing Resources
- Yahoo's directory for Technical Writing