What Is Technical Writing? Tips and How To Get Started

Technical writing is a type and style of fact-driven written communication that delivers information and instructions. In contrast to other forms of writing, which may be meant to entertain or tell a story, technical writing is a purely utilitarian product that instructs and informs.

If you have ever read an instructional manual for a new gadget or tool, you’ve read technical writing. Technical writing also encompasses instructional communications about computer applications, government regulations, medical procedures, company documents and more.

If you’ve been thinking about pursuing a career in writing, technical writing is just one of the many options to consider. What is a technical writer’s job like, and could it be right for you? This career guide takes a closer look at what you might expect from this profession and how to get into technical writing as a career.

In This Article:

• What Is a Technical Writer?
• Technical Writing Tips
• How To Get Started With a Career in Technical Writing
• Enroll in GCU’s Professional Writing Emphasis

What Is a Technical Writer?

A technical writer is a professional writer who specializes in creating technical content for specific audiences, such as product users. These professionals may write user manuals and guides, frequently asked questions and other types of how-to instructions and materials. The goal of a technical writer is to teach the audience about a topic, such as how to use a product. 

Technical Writing Tips

To become proficient at any type of writing, frequent practice is essential. If you’re taking a technical writing course for your degree program, you may have opportunities to complete assignments that direct you to produce technical writing. While doing these assignments, keep in mind the following technical writing tips.

Spend Plenty of Time Planning

Most forms of writing can benefit from advanced planning beyond simply creating an outline. Before you write a word, you’ll need to plan out the entire document, as well as understand its purpose, scope and various requirements. You’ll need to know:

• Style guidelines
• Applicable industry regulations
• Purpose and scope of the document
• Additional deliverables (appendix, glossary, etc.)
• Audience demographics

Once you have a firmer grasp on the requirements and parameters of the project, as well as who the audience is, you can begin outlining the document. You may adjust the outline as you write but you should have a general outline to give you a starting point by organizing content into a logical flow of information.

Simplify Your Language Usage

Technical writers specialize in taking complex information and refining it into clearer, simpler terms. People read manuals and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to learn how to do what they need to get done. The more clear and concise the document is, the more likely the reader will understand the information presented. Whenever possible, use short words and simple sentence structure.

Take a look at the contrasting styles:

• Too complex: “It’s important to let your vehicle run for a while prior to operating it when the weather is chilly. This allows the oil to warm up and circulate properly, and you’ll also feel more comfortable the longer the heater can run.”
• Simplified: “Prior to operation, start the vehicle and allow it to run for several minutes or until the defroster clears the windshield.”

Write for Speed Readers and Skimmers

Always bear in mind that people read technical documents to accomplish an actionable goal. Many of these individuals will skim a document to shorten the time it takes to understand something. There are a few technical writing tips you can use to ensure that speed readers and skimmers still get the necessary information.

Use the inverted pyramid method, which involves putting the most important info at the beginning. This is also called front loading. Alternatively, you can use bulleted lists to draw the reader’s attention to the most important points. Use numbered lists for step-by-step processes. 

Use Appropriate Visuals

Depending on the company you’re writing for, you may be responsible for including some basic visuals in your documentation or for giving instructions to the illustration team. Avoid using visuals merely for the sake of increasing breaks in text but do use them whenever they would enhance the reader’s understanding.

For example, if you’re writing a manual on assembling a model rocket for hobbyists, you’ll need diagrams that allow the user to identify the various components, with arrows pointing to where those components should be placed.

Test Your Own Instructions

Technical documents require heavy editing to remove unnecessary words, simplify sentences and enhance clarity. But before you can dive into the editing process, you need to test your own instructions. Follow what you’ve told the readers to do to confirm the desired outcome. Add additional clarifications as necessary. You may need to collaborate with subject matter experts, such as engineers, to ensure your documentation is accurate and the process is replicable.

Related article: How To Become a Better Writer 

How To Get Started With a Career in Technical Writing

Wondering how to get into technical writing? There is no universal pathway, but you can consider the following steps:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Technical writers are generally expected to have at least a bachelor’s degree. There is no specific degree that is required, but employers may prefer to hire those who have a degree in English or a related field, such as the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media, communications or journalism. The BA in Professional Writing for New Media degree program explores a wide range of writing styles, including technical writing, which makes it a good choice for those interested in a career in technical writing.¹ 

Some technical writing jobs require specialized technical knowledge, such as knowledge in engineering or computer and information technology.¹ You may wish to consider double majoring in a technology field.

Develop a Portfolio

During your degree program, you may have opportunities to develop a portfolio of your work. If you already know that technical writing is the ideal style of professional writing for you, then use the opportunity to create a technical writing portfolio.

Of course, you can also practice technical writing on your own outside of class. You can add what you’ve produced to your portfolio. You may be able to use this portfolio as a demonstration of your abilities when you’re applying for a technical writing position after graduation.

Apply to Internships

Internships can be beneficial because they provide an immersive experience in the working world. You’ll get an inside look at how technical writers and editors work, examine best practices and have opportunities to build your professional network.

Enroll in GCU’s Professional Writing Emphasis

There’s no universal method for how to get into the technical writing field, but you can develop a solid foundation for your future at Grand Canyon University. The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media degree program takes an in-depth look at various writing competencies, including producing technical writing. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about joining our Christian learning community.