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Technical
Writer? What is that! That was my reaction at the first tryst with this
term. In fact this is the common reaction most people reflect who come
across this term. Then a second though comes – it may be one in the lot
(writers), as the term suggests.
A small write-up on technical writing and The Writers Block in the
newspaper was all that opened up a new world for me. Further research on
the subject revealed that it was nothing but documentation. So far used to
seeing ‘much ado about nothing’ sort of writing suddenly turned a volte-face.
In other words, it is writing without ornaments or ‘literature made easy’.
Mostly, software and electronic products are documented, in short and
simple language – the crux of technical writing.
Let us see what the responsibilities of a technical writer are. Target and
research are must for any writer. When the field of target and research is
far vast for a litterateur, it is somewhat limited for a technical writer.
A technical writer writes for a target audience and the attention is
solely on the subject in context. As, before writing can be taken up, one
needs to understand the subject, so a technical writer often comes in
contact with the developer, subject matter expert or sometimes with the
customer. All the information about a particular product is put into
simple writing to make it easily graspable for the readers. There is no
room for literature in general sense. All the extra load of ornamental
words or deadwood phrases are shed.
Normally an author is solely responsible for his creation. Literature is
hardly a joint venture. But technical writers are often asked to work
in-group. Since projects are big and completion of the same is necessary
within a time frame work is divided into several writers. That in turn
requires them to work at concert. Without proper co-ordination and
communication, meeting of deadlines becomes difficult. Like other fields
free-lancing also exists in this field of writing. Though most of the
technical writers are associated with one or the other company or
consultancy, with experience they also take to free-lancing.
The concept of technical writing, though still fresh in India, it is
catching up fast. Institutes have come up to provide training on this
specialized subject. The Writers Block in Bangalore, is one of the prime
institutes providing training on technical writing. Their Associate
Certification Program (ASC)spans over three months with an intake capacity
of seven. Fundamental Program and weekend programs at The Writers Block
are also running hand in hand. Very soon they are planning to introduce
online distance learning program so that people from far-off places can
avail the facility.
The Writers Block, which is considered to be the best in Bangalore in its
field, has a comprehensive learning system conducted by experienced
faculty. Only thing that may keep the people at bay is their fee
structure, which is quite high. For ASC one has to pay Rs. 75,000 and for
Fundamental it is Rs. 39,000. Details on this can be obtained from their
website: www.twb.in
Still people are coming, because opportunities galore. Software
professionals and engineers are also shifting to technical writing – some
for a change, some for the apparent career growth. For the people from
general streams like Arts and Commerce, it can be an ideal career option,
all you need to have – a flair for writing. TWB has set its entry level
qualification at graduation for all its courses. One who chooses this
career option can be identified as Information Developer, Documentation
Specialist etc. This is also the most reliable door to enter the
multinational companies and IT industry without an IT background, for, one
who documents software projects need not be software professional.
With the expansion of IT industry and consumerism the demand for Technical
Writers is on the rise. Surveys show that demand is growing at 50% per
year and salaries are growing at more than 22% per year. In India average
salary of a Technical Writer ranges from Rs. 15000 to Rs. 80,000 per
month. However, opportunities for Technical Writers in India are still
limited to cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and
Chennai. Thanks to the technical writers, that today no product comes
without a manual and all frequently asked questions are available in
written form. Whether it is marketing of a product or providing support to
the users, it has become easier with online help and online documentation
– also a creation of technical writers.
Though in some foreign countries technical writing has been in vogue for
quite sometime, it is in the evolving phase in India. Still the bottom
line for technical writing can be – enjoy writing while securing a hefty
pay and a rapid career growth. |