A technical writing job requires a freelance writer to create well-crafted materials that ensure effective communication between companies and their clients in different fields. These materials are how-to manuals, instructions, informational materials, and other papers that improve technical communication. If you want to build your career as a technical writer, you should pay your attention to such fields as medicine, pharmaceuticals, IT-technologies, scientific industries, and business.
The following guidelines will help you start your career as a freelance technical writer:
That position requires special skills, so completing a degree in technical writing seems a good idea. You can attend a college or enroll in an online course in technical writing and English composition.
It is important for you to decide whether you want to follow a scientific, technical, or medical career path. You should consider something that is interesting to you. You can also start writing about an area related to your work experience.
You need to become an advanced PC user so that you would be able to solve the working issues easily. Get familiar with useful applications, such as online dictionaries, word processors, bibliographic software, etc., and learn speed typing.
You should boost your portfolio to attract new clients. So, become a member of a professional organization, volunteer to write an instruction for your colleague, or start a blog about how to use smart watches, for example.
This is fine to start small, so do not search for a perfect freelance technical writing job. Instead, find a long-term project that will allow you to work with a mentor and learn more about the field.
It is always hard to find your first freelance writing job. You should work on your professional network, consider moving to a technological or production hub, and identify what companies may require your services. Although you can find plenty of open positions on the job boards online, it also makes sense to look around and consider working in the office for some time.
Do not hesitate to attend job fairs, major business events in your area, and create an appropriate profile in social media. You should share your career plans with your friends and family members so that they could spread a word.
If you intend to become a good writer, this blog will surely help you out!
August 28, 2014 | (10 ) Comments
Very helpful for starters in a freelancing, but also good for advanced writers!
September 5, 2014 | (10 ) Comments
Great tips from professionals! Good to see so many updates!
November 19, 2014 | (10 ) Comments
Great ideas using which you'll never get down! Very useful for writers to get their skills prepared to freelance career.
December 15, 2014 | (10 ) Comments
Keep your source list updated and continue expanding your search options. Sometimes writers are not able to land good writing jobs because they don’t expand where they look. In many cases good jobs are not advertised. You need know where to look and who to get in touch with when it comes to reputable sources with writing job leads. Great writers will know where to go to get work. This means your resource list should be diverse with leads in different niches. You should have an idea of which niches and writing jobs are in demand and those that offer lucrative earnings on a regular basis.