Edith Said:

I want to be a salaried technical writer. How can I avoid constant turnovers in regards to my jobs.?

We Answered:

Get a job in local, state or federal government.

Shannon Said:

How does a new freelance technical writer find employment?

We Answered:

Well, which pizza restaurant would you like to deliver pizzas for?

Newsflash. Nobody is looking to pay a writer who hasn't written anything.

Virginia Said:

What are the prospects for a would-be technical writer?

We Answered:

Ok - I may not be your favorite answerer, but my honest opinion: A communications background is helpful to have, but my own advice would be to do an academic degree with a minor in Communications. Communications programs provide you with vocational training but that can be limiting, especially since technology changes. And you won't get the quality of education that a good humanities program will give you. I did an English Lit degree, no Comms whatsoever, and I've worked in Comms for years. I presently work as a tech writer for a multi-national technology firm. (If you like science, you could do one of those majors too. If you want to write for the pharma companies, it's essential.)

Back to why I think an academic route is best: the people who went to school at the same time I did who got Comms degrees did not learn a thing about the methods (programs, media) most communications experts are using today. But Shakespeare is forever! :) Enjoy school and get good grades. You'll learn much of what you need to know about the media and methods from the work itself.

On finding work and telecommuting - yes, you can. There are lots of opportunities for working remotely. The issue - frequently - is getting your career started. Start early, as a communications assistant and beg for assignments. You may need to take a job in a nearby city for awhile until you can build your skills and portfolio. Be open to freelance and get clips up on the internet. Even if you are only writing about your favorite TV shows, put a blog together. There are tons of little jobs on Craigslist that can help you build your resume.

Also, if you have to take a job straight out of college to support yourself - as I did - try to get the boss to give you writing assignments even if it is not part of the job description. I worked as an assistant (non-comms job) for a large company that was in the midst of rewriting their SOPs (standard operating procedures.) My boss, who started as a salesperson somehow got that assignment. (I seriously don't know how - he didn't know the difference between "there," "they're" and "their" - LOL.) I offered to do them for him and he was relieved. I learned everything I could about the format (just by searching the internet) and went at it. The next year, I did the updates. The next year, I was doing SOPs for that company and a few others on a freelance basis.

One last thing: the best thing about getting a non-Comms degree is that you can change careers easily if you ever want to. There is a very high burnout rate for tech writing. It's demanding work and I think it would be very hard to do for an entire career. (I am presently looking to transition into another career entirely.)

I hope some of this helps - good luck!

Brian Said:

What are the career prospects of a technical writer in India?

We Answered:

wow who told you companies pay less to technical writers .
There is really great scope .

Peggy Said:

What skills do i need to become a successful technical writer?

We Answered:

Which career path are you asking about?
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You mentioned three: technical writer, technical manager, and project manager.
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Technical writing demands a command of English grammar, especially language & punctuation.