Technical Writing - getting started

[eabeth76]

Hello everyone,

I am a WAHM - but I haven't been making a consistent income, I think it is because I haven't really been doing something that I am passionate about. So, I've decided that I'd like to get into Technical Writing on a freelance/telecommute basis.

I have a mechanical engineering degree and I can write very well - so I have the aptitude for technical information and can write so I think I will do very well. Plus, it is what I enjoy.

I was wondering if anyone has any advice/information/places I can get started. Perhaps someone knows of an online certificate program I can take in technical communication that might help me get started or someone might know of a place that will hire technical writers who are just getting started.

Thank you for any advice or suggestions you can provide, I appreciate it.

Liz Martinez

[technista]

I would also love to see how the rest will reply.

I would suggest that you get your start by trying out ehow, AC and blogging in the tech niche to provide samples and all. That might help you get your feet right and give you some published credits.

Good luck!

[TXWriter]

Hi eabeth76 and Technista!

I worked as a technical writer for years.

You might look into joining the Society for Technical Communication (Welcome to the Society for Technical Communication). Nearly every large city has a local chapter and there is a national organization as well.

A membership can be a bit pricey - around $60 a year for a student membership and goes up from there - but, you should have access to their local and national job bank and receive their publications. In addition, the local meetings provide excellent opportunities to network with other technical writers. They also offer training opportunities.

The STC is very respected among technical writers, so just listing a membership on your resume may help. (One employer put it this way, "it shows that you're serious about technical writing."

Be aware that many technical writing jobs do want you onsite at least part-time. This is going away, but many companies still prefer it.

In addition, some community colleges are offering Tech Writing certification programs (some are online). You could also look into one of those. Those programs may also have job bank opportunities through the sponsoring college.

Finally, make sure that your resume and website reflect that you do technical writing.

Good luck! (And let us know how it turns out. . .)

[Del S]

Hi Liz,

If you check out Deb Ng's freelance writing site (Freelance Writing Jobs), look under Writing Job Leads (bar at the top of the page). She often breaks down the jobs according to category, including Technical. This way, you can scan right to the jobs you're best suited for and most interested in.

Also, try looking in the current Writers Market -- they list all kinds of publications, such as trade magazines that aren't as mainstream but perfect for a particular niche.

[eabeth76]

Thank you very much TXWriter and Del S. I am working on my resume and updating my website this week. I will look further into the STC membership. I knew about STC, but hadn't pursued it, I will definitely get a membership now, since it is clear that it will be worthwhile.

I did know that some jobs require onsite work - but it is nice to know that that particular requirement is starting to go away since with technology it really is unnecessary.

This is just a side note....

Since the "facelift" of the WAHM.com forum -- the links in signatures are messed up. There are added "http://" and in some cases a "\" is added to some links - it is very screwy. I recommend that everyone check out their signature to make sure that the links are still working properly.

Liz Martinez