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Technical author: Job description and activities

Job description

Technical authors communicate technical messages to a specific audience at levels the user can fully understand. This involves interpreting the technology then designing and writing documentation. The information is often presented through an instruction manual, leaflet, CD-rom or online help. Other media may also be used, for example, video, PowerPoint or presentations.

Technical authors work for a range of industries, including defence, electrical and electronic engineering, information technology, telecommunications, life sciences, and business and financial services.

Outside the UK, technical authors are called technical writers. The wider term 'technical communicator' covers technical illustration, information architecture and development of online help.

Typical work activities

The work of a technical author varies between employers and sectors, but typical activities include:

Researching and information gathering:

• understanding the business systems and applications for which documentation is to be prepared;
• gathering and analysing the information needs of the user.

Communicating and collaborating:

• attending team planning/briefing meetings;
• questioning developers and managers to clarify technical issues and obtain information;
• satisfying user requirements by liaising with in-house subject matter experts and sales and marketing specialists;
• working with translators, printers and service providers.

Writing and editing content:

• writing, editing and presenting information in clear and simple English and to fit with the agreed style, making sure the information is organised effectively;
• commissioning, coordinating or preparing illustrations;
• indexing and cataloguing material;
• copy-editing the work of colleagues within the organisation.

Managing projects:

• planning and managing the authoring project;
• creating work schedules and working on and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Continuing professional development:

• keeping up to date with developments and trends in the industry and attending training courses as necessary;
• marketing and publicising services and skills to potential clients.

The work of a technical author provides one of the interfaces between the developers and the user. It allows the user to understand the system, product or application and, to some extent, help troubleshoot problems without recourse to the developer or manufacturer.

AGCAS

Written by Martine Storey, University of Manchester

Last updated:

February 2008

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