Do I Have What it Takes?

I was a technical writer for a global manufacturer until my books took off (full time, work at home half the week, benies) for more than a decade, and there's no need for any "certification", in fact I'd be leery of anyone claiming they offered it.
You need a client to get some experience. With your degree and background, you are more than qualified to answer some ads with your resume and get an entry level tech writer job.
I'd start with being a tech writer on staff somewhere before forging out on your own as work-for-hire. Learn and gain experience on someone's payroll. Good luck.

flem26 said:

I'm interested in technical writing, but not really sure how to go about pursuing it.

It doesn't look like the universities in my area offer any certification programs. I'd love to put together a portfolio of work, but all of my writing samples are directly related to simple and I mean simple "marketing communications". Basically, I write and design quick, 2 to 3 page brochure sites with no more than 600 words total. Can I get into the field of technical communications?

I feel most comfortable writing and designing for automotive repair shops, auto body shops, computer repair businesses, lawyers, dentists, construction contractors, plumbers, and electricians.

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I've always considered "technical writing" to be writing about technology. Most of what you're describing is copywriting/marketing communications.

It's easy ...

flem26 said:

I'd love to put together a portfolio of work, but all of my writing samples are directly related to simple and I mean simple "marketing communications".

I feel most comfortable writing and designing for automotive repair shops, auto body shops, computer repair businesses, lawyers, dentists, construction contractors, plumbers, and electricians.

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• Take some badly written user manuals and EDIT THEM. Use them as an example of what you would do.
• Write a new user manual for a product you have, hardware or software.
• Volunteer to write a procedure manual for a local charity.
• Take a class in auto shop, electronics or programming - the problem with many wannabe tech writers is that they are good writers but baffled by machines.

Sassenach said:

I've always considered "technical writing" to be writing about technology. Most of what you're describing is copywriting/marketing communications.

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Technical writing does include writing about technology, but it's really any business writing. User Guides for air conditioners, procedure manuals for real estate agents, policies for XYZ Human Resources, even persuasion-based maketing materials are all examples of technical writing.

cree said:

Technical writing does include writing about technology, but it's really any business writing. User Guides for air conditioners, procedure manuals for real estate agents, policies for XYZ Human Resources, even persuasion-based maketing materials are all examples of technical writing.

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I guess I'm a technical writer and didn't even know it!

Like Nike: Just do it!

flem26 said:

Thanks for your insight. Could you or anyone else recommend any resources? Is this a good book:

FabJob Guide to Become a
TECHNICAL WRITER

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]by Susan Bilheimer?[/FONT]

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ERF!!!! It's in the list right next to their FabJob Guides for becoming a brain surgeon and a romance writer. I think those are "career exploration manuals" not real how-tos.

Technical writing covers a wide area, the hard-core how-to manuals and also office procedures, business process documents, grant request writing, security protocols, etc.

Your writing seems adequate already. If you want to leap into it, sign up with some temp agencies and let them know you are looking for entry-level tech writing slots. More than anything it's about the ability to learn a product quickly and keep your writing under tight control. Grammar is second to clarity. Rules may be broken if it helps clarity.

Your difficulty in making the switch from marketing writing to technical writing will probably be getting rid of the "marketeering" that is embedded in your brain. By the time someone gets to the user instructions, they have already bought the product. Just tell them in simple English how to install it and start using it. Skip the glowing descriptions and just tell them to put Tab A into Slot G.

www.techwr-l.com is where the techwriting newsgroup archives are.

These books would be available in any library:
"Writing with Precision" by Jefferson D. Bates
"Handbook of Technical Writing" by Brusaw, Alred and Iliu
"The Elements of Editing" Plotnik
"Getting the Words Right" Cheney

How could I have forgotten this:

http://www.stc.org/ Society for Technical Communication

Rummage around the FAQa and find the chapter lists to find a local chapter, attend meetings, etc. Very supportive group.