Sherry Said:

Career change: Journalism to Technical Writing. What is different about tech writing and how would I prepare?

We Answered:

Journalists often make good tech writers because they try to write with the user in mind and are less prone to use tech jargon. A good technical writer knows how to research thoroughly, how to interview people to tease out the information needed, and how to put this all together in a document or other materials for users.

Wikipedia has a nice description of technical writing, so you can understand the difference with journalism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technical_w…

If you work at a small company, is there any technical writing there you can do now? For instance, you say you are very web savvy -- are your fellow reporters and other staff members? If not, could you write a set of troubleshooting guides or a short tutorial that would help?

Also, consider volunteering in order to get practical experience and build up your technical writing portfolio. Lots of nonprofits need help with writing up procedures (they often have procedures, but they aren't documented), annual reports, getting-started guides for new volunteers, film or video scripts, tailored reference documents, tutorials and user guides for clients, etc.

Katherine Said:

What is the preferred format for technical writing?

We Answered:

Generally, APA is more concerned with the reliability of the source so that the reader not only knows what is the source but that they are able to retrieve it. So it's used more for social sciences: psychology, business, law, medicine, etc.

MLA is more concerned with just giving credit to a source that isn't yourself, so it's used more for literature, media, communications, etc.

So unless a publication or company specifically requires a certain citation format, use APA for technical writing.

Terry Said:

Is a research paper an example of technical writing?

We Answered:

For that purpose, it should be fine. I hope that your research for the paper was "hands-on", rather than just a literature search. It may not matter but real research makes you look better.

Billy Said:

What's a good book for the technical side to writing screenplays?

We Answered:

The only book you need is the Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier. It answers every question you'd ever have.

Elsie Said:

What can I expect from a career in technical writing?

We Answered:

Depends on the industry you go into - but it all still boils down to writing publications and tech manuals that provide instructions for people to use that piece of equipment or provide that defined proceedure (I used to and periodically still do write tech stuff for the medical field) - it is well paying but frusrtrating at times - revisions , people reading the material you develop thoroughly to use the equipment properly - but all in all it pays well and as you develop better skills and wider network can allow you to become an independent writer/editor which for me is a plus because of the flexibility and income - it also helped greatly in my two master's degrees - reasearch and writing where not as tedious and it allowed me more time to have fun - while my peers where grinding the midnight oil trying to put their papers and research together

Tyler Said:

What is the way to get a technical writing job in US/UK while working in Pakistan?

We Answered:

No way.
For example, let's say I ask you to come in for an interview . . . . .

Comprehendie?

Julio Said:

What is the difference between Instructional Designing and Technical Writing?

We Answered:

Instructional Design (also called Instructional Systems Design (ISD)) is the practice of maximizing the effectiveness, efficiency and appeal of instruction and other learning experiences. The process consists broadly of determining the current state and needs of the learner, defining the end goal of instruction, and creating some "intervention" to assist in the transition. Ideally the process is informed by pedagogically and andragogically (adult learning) tested theories of learning and may take place in student-only, teacher-led or community-based settings.

A technical writer is a professional writer who designs, writes, creates, maintains, and updates technical documentation—including online help, user guides, white papers, design specifications, system manuals, and other documents. Engineers, scientists, and other professionals may also produce technical writing, sometimes handing their work to a professional technical writer for editing and formatting. A technical writer produces technical documentation for technical, business, and consumer audiences.
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