This is the space I have designated for the English 300 Texts and Contexts class Individual Hypertext Assignment. The details of the assignment are that we each pick a topic that is of interest to us, and then do an online report to teach the rest of the class. The topic that I chose is to describe what a Business and Technical Writer is, and what he/she does in general. Since most people don't know what a Business and Technical Writer is or does, I would like this site to teach the class more about them.

If you have to ask this question "Tech writers... what are they?" I highly suggest clicking the above link. If you already know what a Tech Writer is, there are plenty of links at the bottom of the page to direct you to some more interesting info.

Ok, on with the description. Technical Writers are usually hired to write the help files, user manuals, and other documentation for software. Their job description usually is expanded to include: writing training manuals, editing most if not all business letters, editing most interoffice proposals and reports, and in general being the one people come to for general editing.

This might sound boring or tedious to some, but in truth it is probably one of the most hectic and stressful jobs one can have especially when writing user manuals or help files. Help files and user manuals must be able to fully explain the software, and tell the user how to perform every task the program is capable of performing.

The problems that make a Tech Writer's job so hectic are: software programmers constantly update and change the internal program code, and oddly enough, a lot of employees are hostile to a new Technical Writer.

Software programmers constantly update and change the internal program code. Often they also completely change the graphical user interface (GUI) many times before a software program is released to the general public. Since the user manuals and help files would no longer accurately describe the program, they too have to be completely overhauled, sometimes just days before a programs public release. This can wreak havoc on the Technical Writer in charge of creating the user manuals or help files.

Oddly enough, a lot of employees are hostile to a new Technical Writer. Programmers usually don't want or feel the need to have someone else to write the documentation. This seems strange because the main purpose of the Technical Writer is to take the burden of writing code and documentation off of the programmers and other employees.

So now that you know what a tech writer is, you may find yourself interested in this profession. If so, you're probably wondering what organizations you can belong to, what schools offer Tech Writing Programs, and/or where you can start a career after obtaining your degree.

I've included a list of answers to these questions, complete with links to some excellent sites that help augment my answers. I moved each section onto it's own page to make it easier for people to read, instead of scrolling through alot of text. Just click below on the section that interests you the most.

Societies

Technical Societies Page: Get the ball rolling, learn more about your field by clicking here.

Schools

Business & Technical Writing Schools: Education, the foundation of your career. What better way to start off your career than by knowing a bit about some great schools that focus on Business & Technical Writing.

Employment

Find a Job!: Already enrolled in a school, and already a member of a Technical Writing society? Click here to find a job! After all, it's the whole reason you're here isn't it?