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I have been writing on different topics for few years, how can I transition into technical writing in a short period of time?

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Question added by Samar Saleh , Community Manager , Bayt.com
Date Posted: 2016/01/19
Siji Linoy
by Siji Linoy , PMO , Unilever

If you have a knack for explaining the most complex subjects to total newbies, then you should consider the world of technical writing.

 

Technical writing is all about simplifying complex topics and teaching users how to accomplish a specific task or goal. You don’t have to be an expert in the subject matter; your end user is typically a newbie, so the level of instruction and detail you are providing is introductory. However, in the course of your work, you’ll learn about new software applications, the latest technology products and the inner workings of systems and businesses — and this knowledge is transferable to other industries and projects.

One of the ways I found (that works for me) is to document a procedure you may happen to come across like troubleshooting an error or a task. For example, I recently had to burn a few files into a CD to submit for a technical bid. It is a simple task but my collegue was unfamiliair with the process. Hence I wrote up an instruction guide on how to burn a CD (that finished with reminding the user to label the CD) so that she could do the same when I am not in the office. This is just a small example.

Other ways you could go about it are writing instruction guides for open source softwares, practise online technical writing exercises and tests, look up and observe how companies publish their technical documents.

JUST TRAINING FREQUENTLY CAN MOVE ONE FROM LEVEL TO ANOTHER

 

Technical writing is all about simplifying complex topics & teaching users how to accomplish a specific task or goal. For example, a technical writer wrote the manual on operating your remote control, as well as the “Help” guide for your favorite writing program.

alok jana
by alok jana , technical writer/engineer , sonovision aetos

i am a good technical writer.

Having been into academic writing, its very easy considering my improved research capabilities

Afaq Al Azzam
by Afaq Al Azzam , teacher , personal

I write, edit texts very good

Mumtaz Hussain Dar
by Mumtaz Hussain Dar , ISO 9001 - 2015, QA/QC and HSE Manager , Al Arabia Electro Mechanical LLC

I am already a technical writter

Chris Warner
by Chris Warner , SPECIALIST LEAD - QUALITY ASSURANCE , BAE SYSTEMS

the easiest way to transfer into technical writing would be to have a background in the area that you are currently looking at. The best technical writers can get their point across in the minimum amount of words in the simplest terms.

Michael Finner
by Michael Finner , BPM Technical Writer , Belcan

I studied tech writing to enter the field but I think most people are self-taught, get hired in the field and carry on that way.  You can read up on tech writing, practice the principles involved and document products or processes you use.

nael abed al-razack mahmoud mansoor
by nael abed al-razack mahmoud mansoor , technical, developer, programmer, data entry, copy editing, copy writing , shamsan shop for computer

that is the way that you should be connected with the the sours of the information about that topic or the subject that  is the technique should you now about ,and its available on the internet ,(and you should have a skill for this sources to get now the thing that you looking for).

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