Technical author
Technical authors are also known as information designers, technical writers and technical communicators.
They explain technical information in way that's easy to understand. This involves interpreting technology or applications and then designing and writing documentation. The information may be presented in the form of user guides for software applications, reference manuals, training guides or online help incorporated into software and operating guides. Technical authors also provide packages of assistance including software demos and interactive tutorials, in a range of media such as video, illustrations, graphics and PowerPoint.
Technical authors work for a range of industries including automation, avionics, chemical, defence, finance, government, manufacturing, medical and pharmaceutical supplies, nuclear energy, quality assurance, hardware, software, telecommunications, transport and utilities.
The work of a technical author varies between industries and employers although typical activities include:
Assessing the audience and the nature of the documentation required:
Researching and gathering the information required:
Presenting the information:
Related administration:
Salary figures are intended as a guide only.
This area of work is open to all, although a degree is often required. A qualification in technical writing or evidence of formal training is often necessary as well. Experience producing software documentation can be helpful.
Knowledge and experience of a range of software packages is advantageous, and a working knowledge of publications software such as Word, Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator and Paint Shop Pro is particularly useful.
Experience in the following may also be helpful or required:
This is not an exhaustive list.
The following degree/HND subjects may improve your chances or may be required:
Although a pre-entry postgraduate qualification is often not needed, specialist courses are available and usually prove useful.
Pre-entry practical experience of the subject is an advantage in job applications.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Competition is moderate, although trainee vacancies may be difficult to find. The availability of opportunities depends upon the sector and location. To increase chances of employment, it is a good idea to sign up to receive newsletters from companies such as Cherryleaf , and join networking groups such as Ecademy .
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Technical authors can gain formal qualifications by undertaking courses at educational institutions.
Sheffield Hallam University offers an MA/PgDip/PgCert in Technical Communication. This involves distance learning and lasts three years. This course is for experienced technical communicators seeking a qualification in the field and to expand knowledge and skills, or for graduates seeking to enter the growing field of technical communication.
The University of Portsmouth offers an MA in Translation and Technical Communication which is a full-time or part-time course lasting one or two years. The entry requirements are a good honours degree in any discipline and advanced knowledge of one other language.
The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC) aims to improve the quality and availability of technical communications training and education in the UK. To achieve this, it has created the ISTC Accreditation Scheme by assessing training offered by existing training providers. TCeurope is an umbrella organisation representing national societies for technical communication in Europe, of which ISTC is a member.
Technical authors may undertake continuing professional development (CPD) by attending conferences organised by professional associations such as ISTC and TCeurope or increase their knowledge by reading technical magazines and literature.
Cherryleaf offers self-study and classroom training courses in developing technical documents, business communication and copywriting.
Armada offers Autodesk training courses, technical author training courses at introductory and advanced levels, e-learning training, and print and design training.
Eston Training offers courses in technical/commercial authorship.
Larger employers may offer their own in-house training and utilise internet training courses.
Often, junior technical authors become senior technical authors, which can lead on to become project leaders or editors. Alternatively, they may become managers, sometimes in allied areas such as information management, project management, training, quality assurance and customer service.
Some technical authors may find that they have to move between organisations to achieve career progression, especially as the numbers employed in any one organisation tend to be low. Mobility may be a key issue in achieving promotion.
Technical authors can freelance or become consultants. Others become business analysts or move into other technology related fields.
Technical writing is seen by some as a transitional job, a stepping stone to another role, such as business analyst, usability specialist, information architect, or project manager.
Technical authors may move into related areas, such as medical writing, where some combine both technical and medical assignments, especially if they are freelance or part of a consultancy. Opportunities also exist in print or in online technical/scientific journalism.
Consultancy and freelance work is very popular, as the work is often project-based, and these options may lead to a higher salary and offer the freedom to choose assignments.
Technical authoring can be adversely affected during economic downturns, when subject matter experts may be asked to write the manuals or existing technical authors are asked to do more work.
There are opportunities for technical writers and for those with training in a specialised field. The demand for technical authors and writers with expertise in areas such as law, medicine or economics is expected to increase because of the continuing expansion of scientific and technical information, which has to be communicated. Legal, scientific and technological developments and discoveries generate demand for people who can interpret technical information for a wide audience.
Increasingly complex applications, systems and products are being developed for a widening range of users. The result is a greater need for people to write user guides, instruction manuals and training material. This work requires people who are technically skilled as writers and also familiar with the subject area.
Some companies employ technical authors in-house. These are often in the larger computing, telecommunications, engineering and defence industries.
Other potential employers include:
There are also specialist technical communication companies employing technical authors to work for a variety of clients.
Vacancies are handled by specialist recruitment agencies such as:
See the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) for more agencies.
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