It’s 2022. We made it through the pandemic. Whether working from home, field, or office, we use more technical writing tools than ever before. We document things that many people have never heard of, and we have added many software developers to our list of contacts. We’re using GitHub, Docker, Markdown, and a number of other tools. Sometimes it feels like our resumes are padded with more acronyms, abbreviations, and tool names than with actual experience details.
Tools come and go, but much of the task of writing remains as it ever was. A good writer can make a good document with just about any tool. Ask the right questions. Dig for the details. Find the right subject matter expert. Think about whether all the questions are answered. Know your audience.
Style guides are updated frequently; writers typically keep the latest version of their style guides close at hand. Many companies have their own style guides and templates; tech writers often work with the branding department to make sure the documents are brand-centric.
Technical writers have a wealth of knowledge about how to approach a new project and make sure we get all the pertinent information to get the job done. We ask questions like:
- What’s the story?
- Who needs the information?
- Who owns the information?
- Who’s the audience?
A good technical writer can help you and your company make effective decisions about your information management.