Technical Writer

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How to Become a Technical Writer
By Susan Bilheimer

Format(s): PDF (ebook)
Pages: 99

Ebook Price: $14.95

If you are creative and can write clear, concise instructions, then you can be a technical writer. How to Become a Technical Writer will guide you through the process of developing your skills and landing your first job. Learn, step by step, how to turn your writing talent into a rewarding and lucrative writing career.

This e-book is in .pdf format and can be opened with Acrobat Reader 4.0 or higher (a free download at www.adobe.com if you don't already have it).

*Note:* All information is in PDF format. DALLAS MORNING NEWS INTERVIEW with Susan Bilheimer REVIEWS Review #1 Review #2 Review #3 (Go to middle of page 5) FEEDBACK FROM READERS Full of practical advice ... lively and engaging. Rick Davis, San Francisco I've read it front to back and am excited - hopeful - uplifted ... wow ... it gives me hope that I may be able to find a job that I actually like and get paid nicely! Cindy Green, Canal Fulton, Ohio
About the Author

Susan Bilheimer is a highly successful technical writer. Among her accomplishments, she has produced Oracle Financials, RoboHELP, and cross-platform WebHELP documentation. Once a struggling freelance writer, she seized the opportunity to blend creative writing with the structure of technical writing, and turned a VERY part-time writing career into an exceptionally lucrative full-time writing profession!

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1: Common Misconceptions About Technical Writers

"Tech writers are all techno-geeks."

"Tech writing isn't creative."

"Tech writing is boring."

"You need to be a computer wiz to be a tech writer."

Chapter 2: Tools You Need

Buying Online

Computer

Monitor

Printer

Word Processing Software

Confidence in Your Ability to Learn

Chapter 3: Personal Profile: Lorrie Cook—Job Fairs DO Work!

Chapter 4: The Scope of Technical Writing

Categories of Technical Writing

Specifications documentation

Reference/user manuals

Process and procedure manuals

Online help documentation

Writing for the internet

Chapter 5: How to Begin

On Making Writing Every Day a Part of Your Life

Analyze Your Audience

Hone Your Interviewing Skills

Chapter 6: Personal Profile: Lynda Cameron—Steady Steps to Success

Chapter 7: About Technical Writing Software

Is Help Helpful?

Help Authoring Software

RoboHELP

Other Help Authoring Software

About the Table of Contents and the Index

Word Processing Software

Chapter 8: Publishing Software

Adobe FrameMaker

Other Publishing Software

Screen Capturing

Diagrams and Flowcharts

Chapter 9: How to Land Your First Job

Building Your Confidence

Be Open to Opportunities

Ask Questions!

Chapter 10: Personal Profile: Bob Bruno—Easier Than Creative Writing

Chapter 11: Online Tutorials

More about HTML

Basic HTML

Tables

Stylesheets

HTML Reference Guides

JavaScript Tutorials

Paint Shop Pro® Tutorials

Chapter 12: Personal Profile: James Travers—From Engineer to Technical Writer

Chapter 13: Two Additional Areas of Interest

Quality Assurance Tester

Indexer

Chapter 14: Contract Vs. Permanent Employment

"How Long Does a Contract Last?"

Become a Tech Writer, See the World!

A Rare Opportunity

"What is a Contract to Perm Job?"

"How Do I know When to Move On?"

Always Get a Contract!

Develop a Portfolio

Chapter 15: Personal Profile: Lisa Kasanicky—Making Choices, Making Changes

Chapter 16: Resumes

Designing Your Own Resume

Resume Services

Where To Place Your Resume

Chapter 17: Searching for Jobs Online

Chapter 18: How to Post Your Resume Online

My Abbreviated Resume in Microsoft Word

My Abbreviated Resume in ASCII Format

"How do I Find a Recruiter?"

Chapter 19: Personal Profile: Kathy Taylor—Hell-Bent on Making it!

Chapter 20: Exercises
Chapter 21: Organizations
Chapter 22: Must-Join Lists
Chapter 23: Final Thoughts

Sponsored links

Ring binders

Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer!

How to find a book publisher

Home

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