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**What it takes to be a technical writer**
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Technical writing combines the power of writing and coding. It is explaining complex things and breaking them down for your target to understand.
If you can explain to an old person who has never used a phone how to use TikTok, then you have a superpower. There are various types of technical writing, like explaining how to use products. In this article, we will discuss the one of the explaining tutorials and how-to guides.
What you need to get started
You can't explain something you do not know. Technical writers do better when they know how to code. Pick a coding language to get started. Never try to be a jack of all trades. This can be anything from Python, Java, Javascript, C, C++ and others. Do thorough research to know which one is best for you. Knowing the end goal of what you want to achieve eases the research. JavaScript is good for front-end development while python does a better job for back-end development and data analysis.
You should also learn HTML and CSS. These are the building blocks of any website. You do not need a lot of gear to get started. Just a laptop and access to the internet. There are a lot of resources online to get you started. Freecodecamp is one of the sites that offers free learning.
You should also have some writing skills. You should be able to break down the technical jargon into simple language. There are numerous resources to help you. Check out a course by google, https://developers.google.com/tech-writing . There are numerous books too that talk about how to go about technical writing.
Build a portfolio
You have to put your work out there. Building a portfolio is a great way to showcase your work to potential recruiters. It is also a chance for you to hone your writing skills. Sites that are great for showcasing your work are:
- Hashnode
- Dev.to
- Medium
There are many other popular sites. The above sites are technical writer-friendly. Some people prefer to build an online brand for themselves, displaying what they have been up to. They can achieve this by using either Twitter or LinkedIn, or both. You never know where your next employer might be. Online branding is important.
Applying for jobs
Once you are confident that you can explain a topic well, it is time to apply for some jobs. You should aim at applying to the blog sites where you enjoy consuming their content. As long as more people are transitioning into tech jobs, there will always be an increase in demand for technical writers.
Popular sites that pay technical writers include:
- Digital Ocean-pays up to $400 per article.
- Arctype-pays up to $300 per article.
- Linode-pays up to $400 per article.
- LogRocket - pays up to $350 per article.
- Neptune - pays up to $500 per article.
There is a detailed list of where to apply. https://whopaystechnicalwriters.com/ is a comprehensive site with a list of most sites that pay technical writers, together with their rates.
Conclusion
Breaking into technical writing might look daunting at first if you do not know how to code. However, with the right attitude and patience, it is achievable.
Our Standard Review
Date created: 16 Aug 2024 05:45:24
Critical Evaluation:
The article presents a clear argument about the importance of coding knowledge for technical writers. It effectively emphasizes that understanding technical concepts is crucial for breaking them down into simpler terms. However, the reasoning could be strengthened by providing specific examples of how coding knowledge directly enhances writing quality. The article mentions various programming languages but does not explain why one might be preferable over another in specific contexts, which could leave readers unclear about their choices. Additionally, while the article encourages building a portfolio, it lacks a discussion on how to select the best pieces to showcase, which is essential for attracting potential employers. The tone appears neutral, but it could benefit from a more balanced view of the challenges faced by aspiring technical writers, such as competition and the evolving nature of technology. In the real world, the ideas presented could help individuals transition into technical writing roles, but the lack of depth in certain areas may leave readers wanting more guidance.
Quality of Information:
The language used in the article is generally accessible, making it easy for a broad audience to understand. However, some technical terms, like "front-end development" and "back-end development," are not explained, which could confuse readers unfamiliar with these concepts. The information appears accurate, but there are no citations or references to support the claims made, which raises questions about reliability. The article does not show signs of fake news or misleading information, but it does not adhere to strict ethical standards in research, as it lacks proper sourcing. While it introduces some new ideas, such as the importance of online branding for technical writers, much of the content seems to reiterate common knowledge in the field. Overall, the article could enhance its value by providing more detailed insights and references.
Use of Evidence and References:
The article mentions several resources and platforms for learning and showcasing work, but it does not provide detailed evaluations of these sources. The lack of specific examples or case studies to support claims about the effectiveness of coding knowledge in technical writing is a notable gap. Furthermore, while it lists potential job opportunities and pay rates, there is no verification of these claims, which could mislead readers. More robust evidence and references would strengthen the article's credibility and provide readers with a clearer understanding of the job market for technical writers.
Further Research and References:
Further exploration could focus on the following areas:
- The impact of coding knowledge on the quality of technical writing.
- Case studies of successful technical writers and their career paths.
- The evolving role of technical writers in the tech industry.
- Best practices for creating an effective portfolio in technical writing.
- The significance of user experience (UX) design knowledge for technical writers.
Questions for Further Research:
- How does coding knowledge specifically improve the clarity of technical writing?
- What are the most common challenges faced by new technical writers?
- How can technical writers effectively market themselves in a competitive job market?
- What role does user experience play in technical writing?
- How can technical writers stay updated with rapidly changing technology?
- What are the best strategies for building a diverse portfolio?
- How do different industries value technical writing skills?
- What are the key differences between technical writing for software versus hardware?
- How can technical writers collaborate with developers and engineers effectively?
- What are the long-term career prospects for technical writers in the tech industry?
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