Can I cut it as a tech writer if....

Hi All,

I am a writer/editor with over a decade of experience, primarily for trade magazines plus some Web site content. I am extremely tech savvy and let's say I have a high interest in tech trends and developments on the Web.

Anyway, the point is, via networking I know about a tech writing job and I have good "ins" at the company, so they would seriously consider me. But, I DON'T have any tech writing experience. OK, sounds dumb, but did any of you start out as writers in other fields before getting into tech writing? Obviously I am not talking about engineering type of work. This is for a company that does web-based applications and back-end work on web sites. I am not 100% sure yet what their needs are but sounds like documentation about their processes from the ground up, plus adapting that later for specific clients.

Would like to somehow be upfront about my lack of specific tech writing skills but stress my overall experience.

Or, should I drop it and just accept this isn't my forte.

Thanks for any insights.

Where is a good place to view documetation samples?

Look at the applications on your own computer; look at consumer computer software and hardware books; look at the manuals that came with your computer and software. Look for whitepapers about technology too; often they're used to document internal technologies, and many are available on the Web.

Wow... checking out this conversation as been really inspiring. I've seen a few openings for technical writers, but, was intimidated because I didn't have a degree in it.