You might probably be wondering how to be a better technical writer or ways you can hone your writing skills. No need to worry—I've got you covered! In this article, I will be emphasizing what it takes for a technical writer to be an expert in 2024.
Table of Contents
An Overview of why Technical writing is still in Demand as a skill in 2024
What is technical writing?
Who is a technical writer?
Knowing the needed skills to succeed in technical writing
Categories of technical writing
The Technical Writing Process
Mastering the Art of Technical Writing
Conclusion
"Writing is an essential part of being a developer. You can write code, but if you can't communicate your ideas effectively, your code won't be as valuable."
One good thing I love about technical writing as a skill is sharing your technical knowledge/experiences with other developers in the tech space. As we approach the end of 2023, it is important to note that technical writing as a skill is still in demand. Therefore, Businesses now rely more on effective technical documentation which means there will be more demand for Technical writers in 2024. According to the Bureau of Job Statistics, the job growth rate is expected to project by 7% (faster than average) from 2020 - 2029. Yes, Technical Writing! With an average of $78k annually, technical writing is a field you need to look into in 2024.
What is technical writing?
Technical writing is a form of written communication that conveys complex information in simpler words that make it easy for readers to understand and apply. Hence technical writing is also defined as simplifying the complex. Additionally, It also involves creating user manuals and guides, technical Reports, and whitepapers which technical writers can use to document their content.
Who is a technical writer ?
A technical writer is a professional information communicator who transfers accurate technical ideas and concepts that the audience can understand and apply. The primary goal of a technical writer is to create engaging content and synthesize it to be as concise and simple as possible for the target audience.
Skills needed to excel as a technical writer
- Communication: This is the most important and basic skill that every technical writer should possess. To be a professional as a technical writer, it is necessary to know how to communicate effectively to your target audience in your preferred language. Being a good teacher requires a skill that allows you to convey information in a manner suitable for your target audience
If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself. - Albert Einstein
Research: Research involves the systematic inquiring of a topic to establish facts. One of the crucial skills of a technical writer is the ability to do deep research.
Critical Thinking: Analysis of a problem based on inquisitiveness and practical evidence. Critical thinking is also important as it helps tech writers order their information in such a way their composition meets the company's goal.
Problem-Solving: Problem-solving is a simple and intuitive process that can be explained as a series of the following steps:
Identify the problem.
Find different ways to solve it.
Rate and evaluate these options.
Apply the solution you've chosen.
Technical Knowledge: Having a technical knowledge of the tools and technologies is pivotal to the quality of technical concepts a writer transfers to the audience.
Fast Learner: As a technical writer, you must be able to learn new trends and technologies at a fast pace.
Unique Voice: Sharing technical ideas in your unique voice can be helpful to you as a technical writer as people might need it to read to understand a particular concept.
It ain't whatcha write, it's the way atcha write it. - Jack Kerouac, WD
Categories in technical writing
There are several categories that you can explore if you are looking to get into technical writing. In this section, you will cover just three categories :
End-user Technical Writing: This is the type of writing in which its content is directed to mostly consumers or end users. They include user guides and manuals. It is also known as customer-oriented documentation.
Expert-to-Expert Technical Writing: This type of writing is written for a knowledgeable audience. The technical information or content targets mostly experts(those with basic knowledge of the technical concept ) in the field.
Technical Marketing Communications: This type of writing is written in a digestible format to promote a product or service.
The Technical Writing Process
There is a series of processes every technical writer must follow before publishing technical information. These processes can also be called high-level steps. With a knowledge of these steps, technical writers can know what is left to be done which helps in organizing their workflow as it mentally ticks off their progress as they go.
Here are the series of Processes every technical writer has to follow in my opinion:
1. Plan: This is the first step a technical writer should have in mind when writing about a topic. Hence, It involves writing the main points, considering your target audience, and checking for templates or style guides.
2. Structure: it is what holds every documentation. Without a good structure, technical documentation will likely fail. It is essential to have a well-developed structure while having scheduled discussions with subject matter experts - they have a good understanding of the topic that you are writing about.
3. Write: This is also one of the most crucial steps when producing technical information. Even after planning and doing your research, you must still write the information gathered.
4. Review: This is the stage where your article gets polished. During this process, your article gets to be revised by subject matter experts or your friends to get feedback — which makes you undergo another task of editing and proofing.
5. Publish: This is where the writer gets to manufacture and launch the final product. It involves emailing an approved document to the manager or uploading it on CMS(content management system) platforms.
Mastering the Art of Technical Writing
Tips on how to be an expert in technical writing
Now that you know the skills needed to be a technical writer, how do you be a master in the field?
Take a technical writing course
Be a good researcher
Sharpen your analytical skills
Study new tools and technologies
Learn to communicate effectively in your preferred language
Pay attention to detail
Be a Problem-solver
Know how to leverage the use of AI
Conclusion
So, If you are a developer looking to upgrade your skill or someone with basic coding knowledge, Technical writing is something you should consider in 2024 as it helps you build and express your ideas. Technical writing entails translating complex information in a simplified manner which a reader can use to carry out a task or achieve a common goal. Knowing the technical process as a technical writer is important which helps to structure your content and progress your goals. Sharpening and putting a little extra work into your writing skills can enhance your abilities as a developer.
Below, you can find resources that can boost your growth as a technical writer.
Happy Holidays!