Several major responsibilities go with being a technical writer. In addition, various skills are needed to be successful as a technical writer. These skills can be developed and enhanced over time.

They gather facts from specific subject areas (e.g., computer science, engineering, manufacturing, and other sciences) and use their writing expertise to market written merchandise for communication at several degrees of difficulty or for unique audiences. For instance, a technical writer might collect data on the best way to put together a complicated piece of equipment and then write the facts so that a person with limited technical or mechanical knowledge can assemble or fix the item. Many people have purchased an item that comes with a huge packet of directions with the wording "some assembly required." If you have, then you may know the difference between an excellent technical writer and a poor technical author.

A proficient tech writer can take an extremely specialized report about an important issue such as pollution control and toxicity ranges to produce an easily understood guide for publication that could be read by people who did not have complex scientific knowledge about these issues but who were concerned.

Successful technical writers are required to offer excellent writing, editing, and subject matter area expertise to ensure that he or she can communicate clearly about the topic using common vocabulary instead of specialized jargon that only people in a certain field would understand. To do this, technical writers must know how to break down complex, and sometimes overwhelming, material into simplified but accurate writing.

Excellent technical writers are those who can adjust their writing to meet the distinct requirements of various audiences. For example, educational writing in specialized subject areas calls for a sophisticated understanding of the subject area. This is because the audience who is likely to read the writing might be experts in the specific field or area. To gain and increase this expertise, technical writers can examine other peer-reviewed educational journals to gather the knowledge, or take subject area specific courses, collaborate with experts in the field, or teach themselves. Peer reviewed journals, for example, provide superb information in diverse fields and utilize different manual styles, which are also important for technical writers to understand.

Arguably, the most difficult task for the technical writer is taking this information and publishing it in a format, such as a manual, article, Web page or blog, which individuals devoid of this high level of knowledge can understand.

When you have produced technical writing, use a professional editor with knowledge in the specialized field to review and then offer their view on how to improve your product. FirstEditing.com can provide professional editing of technical writing along with unbiased critiques and suggestions for improvement. Because we have a variety of professional editors with diverse backgrounds, you may request an editor who is proficient in the field in which you are writing. We can help you perfect your technical writing!

Ms. Todd is an award-winning, full-time professional editor, published writer and marketing consultant whose passion is to help others create a letter-perfect presentation in their writing. Her extensive experience in coaching and management has allowed her to independently consult for numerous international editing services and websites.

Ms. Todd is an independent contractor who provides advisory and consulting services worldwide to numerous corporations, a small sampling of such businesses include: www.firstediting.com