TECHNICAL WRITING BEGINNERS // Advice and Resources

Technical Writing Portfolio Workshop: www.techwritingacademy.com/te...
Alternative link for folks based in India: rzp.io/l/techwritingworkshop
Resources mentioned in the video:
(Book) Modern Technical Writing by Andrew Etter: www.amazon.com/dp/B01A2QL9SS/
(Blog) I'd Rather Be Writing by Tom Johnson: idratherbewriting.com/
(Podcast) 10 Min Tech Comm: www.stitcher.com/podcast/uah-...
Mega-thread on Reddit: / read_this_before_askin...
Tools:
Confluence: www.atlassian.com/software/co...
Snagit: www.techsmith.com/screen-capt...
GitHub: github.com/
Markdown: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markdown
Python: www.python.org/
#technicalwriting #beginners

[@Travellholik]

I loved the content and clarity. I am trying to move on from my current role to a tech writer role and your channel is really helping me to connect the dots. Thanks a ton !!

[@avijeetshastry]

Hi Amruta, this an extremely helpful video. You have addressed all possible questions and the sources listed by you to get further information and insights is a huge bonus. Thank you!

[@pacerlegal9172]

Thanks for the helpful videos. I'm transitioning from being a paralegal into tech writing. You provide a lot of insight into the field and what is needed to be successful.

[@crabbypinchy]

This is very helpful. I've been performing documentation as a tech writer for 15 years and I haven't been able to get more into techie writing. Thank you, I need to stay on top of this.

[@-rstasiuk7381]

Confidence inspiring. Thank you. That was the little push I needed to hear.

[@KittyKits-ju8vz]

Your speaking and explaining is so clear and easy to follow! I absolutely love your videos. Really great job! I'm a UX Writer casually dipping into the field of technical writing and your videos seem to be a great source for learning. Thank you so much!

[@AmrutaRanade]

Aww, thank you! Glad the videos are helpful :)

[@merpatimerpati]

Thank you so much, your channel is like mindfulness as I feel my brain becoming much more relaxed just from your clarity and well-organised content.

[@ananddeshpande6199]

Very informative, short but to the point and no unnecessary information. As I am looking to switch over and find career during my retirement, this could be best option. But as you rightly said, after considering and analyzing all points. Thanks once more for detailed guidance.

[@oyeedraw8407]

I transitioned from animation to tech writing one and a half year ago and this is a very helpful summary of resources to expand my knowledge. Thank you for sharing!

[@amrutaphansalker]

So well made! As usual, another helpful video from you. :)

[@ericmeyer8013]

I really like that big painting on the wall. Good video too.

[@sophialehmer-peasley9019]

You just broke down a career so incredibly well. I can't thank you enough for this concise, wonderful video. Super helpful for someone interested in Technical Writing and even with other resources. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@izayahuche2358]

Great teachers know how to simplify complex subjects to a basic level where they are within the grasp of everyday people. Extremely helpful. Succinct: direct to the point. Thank you

[@sekharamdola]

Excellent. Quite useful and fair delivery to the aspiring! Many thanks.

[@inameicucme]

Great info. I think its more important to know what are the crucial questions to ask the development team and get all required info for the documentations. That's more useful and practical than taking an expensive certification course to learn about a tool instead.

[@Dakotagirl823]

Very helpful. I'm working on an associate degree in Web Design and would like to get a certificate in Technical Writing through the Society of Technical Communication. I have an interest in technical writing because I like learning about technology and helping people learn more about it.

[@amnarajput1811]

Hi from where are you learning content writting

[@danielacker7085]

Great video! Thank you for all of the resources you gave. Cheers!

[@andrewcharlesmoss]

Excellent video - you made some great points!

[@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357]

Thank you for sharing your experience and advice.

[@snehalpatil3433]

The way you explain everything is so genuine and sweet thank you it was very helpful.

[@AmrutaRanade]

Aw, thank you!!

[@vedangdamle1758]

Feels like I got everything I needed. Thanks Amruta.

[@harshakohli1407]

It's pleasure to listen the way you explain

[@fredericbouchard8840]

This is amazing information, thanks a lot! I'm considering technical writing as a carer change and you answered many of the questions I have in a very pragmatic and actionable way. And your reading suggestions are a big help in knowing where to start. Thanks again!

[@akritikulshreshtha177]

Hello, were you able to successfully transition to a tech writer? I'm on the similar journey, I've few years experience as a developer but new to tech writing. Should i apply as a fresher for this role or experienced?

[@fredericbouchard8840]

​@@akritikulshreshtha177 yes I did! I actually found the perfect hybrid position where I was both doing writing but also development. I built automation for many of their tasks (SEO, accessibilty, etc) and helped them migrate to docs-as-code using Git and Markdown (they were exclusively in MadCap Flare before). I would suggest to you as well: I think there's value in bringing your development experience in a tech writer role. It gives you an edge in talking to SMEs, but can even help automate your writing too! If you have years of experience already, particularly in tech, then I don't believe you should market yourself as a "fresher". BTW - I would advise you try to find all the ways possible to incorporate AI in your work (I try to do that myself). I fear anyone not doing so will quickly become obsolete. Oh and build yourself a portfolio, either on open-source projects or even fictional apps - all interviewers request that. Hope that helps!

[@Jamiher825]

This was very helpful. I finished my BA in English just before the pandemic started and have struggled to find opportunities in my desired field of education. A friend suggested looking into technical writing because I enjoy teaching as well as writing. After watching this video, I feel that I have a good start on researching if it would be a good fit for me. Thank you!

[@kuromiii444]

I got my BA in English Lit right when the pandemic started too! Originally planned on teaching English abroad (in S.Korea) but the pandemic really put that on hold and I've been working the same front desk job for the last 3 years and now looking into technical writing :)

[@Rayanjai]

This is exactly what I need as I think about a career change. Thank you so much for your advice!

[@boujiquejoel8645]

Thank you so much for sharing your rich insights. I'm new to technical writing but I've been in the web writing space for a while. Technical Writing is definitely something I'd want to do full time because I love writing about technologies a little more than I enjoy building them. This video has been a really great resource for me. Thanks again

[@mdbaron871]

Amruta, thank you so much for this video. I'm doing research to see if this is a possible path for myself. I really appreciate the info and the questions that you offer. I look forward to watching more. : )

[@AmrutaRanade]

Glad the video was helpful! In case you haven't already, you might want to check out this video next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnLFZZ9mgaunjZo

[@susielizziej]

Thank you for the resources in this video!

[@learnchinesewithyanhuaandk8903]

Well structured speech, very helpful! Thank you 😊

[@Xplanator]

Just the information I was looking out for!

[@lisas1438]

Incredibly helpful!! Thank you!!

[@gillleone5508]

Really thorough video on the subject 👍🏾

[@OrostamNigeria]

Great insight! Incredibly helpful Looking forward to testing my writing skills on ‘do you know tech’

[@ryankelley2714]

Very helpful video and resources. Thank you!

[@mahnoorbashir7963]

Extremely helpful video, most practical information shared with so much clarity. Thanks a lot dear for your contribution..

[@l.salevi]

This is so helpful and is seriously saving me tons of money and time. I now have a better idea of how I want to go about transitioning into this career. No better teacher than experience!

[@tochithevoice]

So how has the journey being so far?

[@SD-nd9yi]

Precise & Informative .. Thankful to you

[@vrushalic725]

AWESOME...almost all questions answered like u were reading my mind... god bless u ... good luck

[@muffinatordlux]

God bless you too :)

[@deepakirana3897]

Hi, I liked the way you put together all the right information in 10 mins. Im a Technical Writer. I liked the tools you recommended. Look forward for more such videos.

[@AmrutaRanade]

It's in the works! Stay tuned :)

[@sonalimahajan8960]

What are most popular tools for technical writing

[@sonalimahajan8960]

Kindly Suggest any company that provides internship

[@ilangoven5517]

Thank you. That was very helpful to someone like me getting started with Technical writing

[@subhasree2482]

Did u become a tech writer?

[@shikhashukla1565]

Thank you so much. Your videos are very clear and informative. Thanks again!!!!!!

[@AmrutaRanade]

Glad the videos are helpful!

[@Ylimee73]

Thanks for the resources!

[@jaiminpatel8132]

Very useful video & very helpful for beginners like me! Awesome video! thank you so much for making all these videos. Good luck

[@AmrutaRanade]

Glad the videos are helpful!

[@Hudd77]

Thanks for sharing the info!!

[@sandelarshi6585]

Hi Amruta, Thank u so much for this video its really help full for me as a beginner in technical writer.

[@saranyadev2583]

Thank you so much for the informations, which I was searching 😍😍

[@akarshkb8740]

Thanks for recommending the book.

[@nahidsyyed906]

Great info Amrutha!

[@v.s.anandhreddy9410]

Good. Very useful expression of technical writing.

[@jenmanzella1948]

I am currently working as a Software Engineer, developing microsystems for a cloud storage OS. However, I really enjoy the craft of writing. I find that I enjoy communicating complex technical concepts through a written lesson plan more than I enjoy implementing seemingly random fixes and features. I have written formal process and design documentation. We shuffle teams so frequently that each time we master a new part of the API, we are moved to a completely new part of the system. The system is so vast and complex that it can take time to become familiar with every part of the infrastructure. I admire a challenge as long as it has some personal meaning to me. Improving my ability to write will help me achieve the goal of finishing the novel I wish to eventually share. I'd have the opportunity to practice using formatting languages like LaTex and continue to utilize source control but the ask wouldn't be overwhelming. I'd have some time after work to pursue the education plan that I've always wanted to follow, learn about the topics I'm interested in, and read. I have kept a daily journal since a young age. Writing is my favorite hobby and I feel it could make my career much more satisfying. Do you have any advice for those interested in transitioning out of Software Engineering into Technical Writing?

[@AmrutaRanade]

I'd recommend building a portfolio -- the process will help you figure out if you like the actual practice of technical writing or just the idea of it. Also, tech writing is not the same as creative writing, so I don't think it'll help you achieve your goal of finishing a novel. Good luck!

[@johngoodallsmith4357]

Thank you Amruta - very well presented.

[@archana55555]

It's was a very nice video to give a right direction. Thx

[@user-cs8bb5wp4c]

Thanks for such a great informative video.

[@joedench171]

Love this video, thank you!

[@AmrutaRanade]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brunooka]

Awesome content, thanks!

[@gkarnam]

Hi Amruta. That was a very informative video w.r.t. Tech Writing. Keep making similar videos.. 🙂

[@SvitlanaTuchynska]

thanks for all your work, Amruta! i have been a newspaper journalist and an editor for the travel company for almost 15 years and have just started my new job two weeks ago as a full time tech writer in a multinational company. it is anything but boring! at least for now))

[@tochithevoice]

Is the transitioning now worth it?

[@owningyourfinances]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@avinashshukla6183]

A big thank you🙃

[@sanjay_dutta]

I really appreciate your videos. Quite informative. Thanks Amruta.

[@akshay1542]

Love this video. Love from India.

[@evanwilliam9582]

Very useful, thank you.

[@ChampaAinjel]

I would say that my reasons for being interested in becoming a Technical Writer are that I have an innate NEED to simply and effectively convey instructions on any given subject that will be instructing the proper use of a procedure or product. I have been observed to be a bit of a perfectionist and I enjoy researching and writing and am generally much better at it when I've got a specific subject matter to dive into. But, I have no college experience at all and I do not personally consider myself tech savvy.

[@AmrutaRanade]

Oh, if you enjoy deep-diving into a complex topic and simplifying it for others, you should definitely consider a career in tech writing. As for not considering yourself tech-savvy, you can work towards improving your comfort with technology. This video might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faXNlKuchMSVgas Also, tech writing isn't limited to the field of technology -- you can look into science writing, medical writing, or legal writing -- any field that deals with complex technical concepts will have a demand for good writers. Good luck!

[@L3SB15n]

I am in a very similar boat as you. It is a big reason why I pursed a bachelor's in education. I no longer want to be a high school teacher and I think tech writing would work with my strengths and interests.

[@aminanadir1787]

nicely explain for new learners

[@Mark-hf3ep]

Thank you Ma'am now i have ideas

[@mrunalinikohat4348]

Hi just wanted to thank you for making this video😊😊

[@aminiasiradrodro3001]

So Helpful

[@msmusicmaker]

Excellent video!

[@AmrutaRanade]

Thank you!

[@vandanasharma6542]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@sumitsetia5867]

Short sweet precise

[@swathichennai8580]

Very helpful video and you are really extraordinary in explaining in a easy way. I really admired ur speech mam..cool nd awesome...

[@bobwatson957]

Solid advice.

[@padala.vijendergoud2937]

Thank you Mam ..take a bow

[@shruti2008]

Hi Amruta, first I would like to thank you for providing your personal insights about technical writing and tools. Secondly, are you looking at bringing out more of such series as I have some questions and what would be the best way to reach out to you discuss them :). If possible.

[@AmrutaRanade]

I am planning a Tech Writing 101 series about my writing process. Also happy to answer questions here in the comments.

[@tvmrobinson]

Thank you so much ..

[@derrickkisio4413]

this is really good,

[@MrSpiritsurf]

Good advice

[@jojothegreatest1]

Subscribed!

[@kavithaganessane1798]

I don't know why it took this long for me to even know about the term technical writing. I am a civil engineer by graduation, after moving out of country I wanted to change my carrier for long nearly twenty years of experience in that industry, but always longed to work in software company, and I realised about technical writing now grew interest in this after watching this video. You are really doing a great job. Thank you very much. Please could you guide me more . Will be of great help to me thanks.

[@AmrutaRanade]

Glad the videos are helpful :) Since I don't have the bandwidth for 1:1 guidance, I recommend checking out this subreddit to connect with other tech writers: www.reddit.com/r/technicalwriting/

[@kavithaganessane1798]

@@AmrutaRanade thank you so much

[@wisdomtales4739]

very helpful

[@saisuba2698]

It's amazing information.. thanks mam❤

[@darlageorge5672]

Thank you.

[@ashleynuckols6268]

I am considering a career change and am somewhat interested in technology and I really like writing. My favorite part of graduate school was researching and writing essays and conducting studies. I do not have any job experience as a tech writer. What kind of jobs should I apply for and what kind of research should I do before I begin applications? Can I use material from graduate school to compile a writing portfolio? Thank you so much! Your videos have answered a lot of questions I had upon considering tech writing!

[@AmrutaRanade]

Hi! I recommend starting here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnLFZZ9mgaunjZo and then reading this incredible subreddit thread: www.reddit.com/r/technicalwriting/comments/bomlrj/read_this_before_asking_about_salaries_what/

[@pratikdesh1987]

Amazing!! Lai bhari!!

[@melvingeorge5094]

Hi Amruta, Thanks a lot for the insights. I am a tech writer and I use ms word mostly at my present organization . I had the feeling that am missing on tech writing tools and was planning for a course to learn tools. Thanks for the wisdom you shared. Can you share more knowledge about types of tech writing please.

[@AmrutaRanade]

This might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJrSlKV5rZqHlc0

[@themindhealer6912]

Really awesome video learned a lot! Can u share a video on creating style guides?

[@AmrutaRanade]

Thanks! I've a style guides video planned but haven't had the bandwidth to work on it. Soon, hopefully!

[@fernandogonazales1797]

ty for the vid

[@anshumandcjoshi6424]

Hey, Amruta. Thank you so much for making this video. I have recently started out as a technical writer and I'm looking to build my resume. I have a lot of doubts and I was wondering if you could clear some of them? - Does having language certification for different languages which have practical use like French and Italian affect my resume in any way? - I jumped into tech writing straight after college and this is my first ever experience. But I am working in an Offshore Delivery Centre so my work sample is mostly copyright protected. Do i need to build up my portfolio in a different way? - Does a start in tech writing makes it feasible for me to permeate into any other field like analytics should I aim to pursue a masters? My questions might seem haywire but they're only indicative to how very less I know at the moment. Any response would be helpful, please and thank you.

[@AmrutaRanade]

Hey! Congratulations on the new job! - IMO, language certifications don't add much value to your resume. However, I might not be the right person to answer this question since I haven't worked on any localization projects so far. The people in this subreddit might be able to help you out: www.reddit.com/r/technicalwriting/ - To build your portfolio, the common recommendation is to contribute docs to open source projects. An easier approach is to create writing samples for processes/things you are familiar with. For example, if I was building my portfolio, I would write a tutorial about using GitHub as a documentation platform or a how-to guide for making KZbin videos. - Tech writing doesn't lead directly or isn't a prerequisite for a career in analytics per se, but I personally believe that it can help you develop transferable skills like analytical thinking and writing. Hope this helps!

[@sssssssssssssss670]

Thank you

[@valeriabalogh2122]

Thank you for this wonderful content! It really helped me a lot. Do you think that a bachelors degree in journalism, experience in academic writing, creative writing, translating, and a keen interest in research and learning new stuff is a good go to become a technical writer? Thank you.

[@AmrutaRanade]

I think so! I recommend writing some tech-specific content to make sure you enjoy it and if you do, you can add it to your portfolio.

[@valeriabalogh2122]

@@AmrutaRanade I'll do just that! Thank you so much! I will be following your videos ❤️

[@gowrijayaprakash5778]

Thank you so much for such a wonderful content. Are you a mentor for GSoD this year. If yes for which organisation. I would love to try out Season of Docs this year!

[@AmrutaRanade]

Glad the content is helpful! I am not a mentor for Season of Docs this year but I made a video+worksheet to help aspiring participants: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnLEiKiOZpWeaMU

[@smk9320]

Thanks! This was a great video. What's the best way to seek an "internship" with a company possibly in order to get some experience? Is it something that employers are even open to?

[@AmrutaRanade]

Yep! Google "technical writing internships"!

[@Lena-qd8wl]

Is always useful if you activate automatic subtitles, so we can watch the video without voice when we are in the street or with othe people and don't want to use headphones. Thanks.

[@AmrutaRanade]

Oh, I had that enabled by default for all videos! Wonder if KZbin changed the global settings. Thanks for letting me know! Will look into it :)

[@AmrutaRanade]

Following up: The automatic subtitles are on by default, but they only show up for some videos and not for others :( I'm contacting Creator Support to learn how to fix it.

[@sadiqali3593]

Thanks sister :)

[@MrWhiskersTallEars]

Very nice and practical advice. Just wanted to say the link to the Modern Technical Writing book is broken now. And, also, I almost spit my coffee out at your comment of poorly designed websites! I love coming across something last updated with Frontpage in the 90s.

[@AmrutaRanade]

Thanks for letting me know!! Fixed the link :)

[@jingling81]

Hi Amruta! Thanks for such a helpful video. I wanted to ask about the last question you answered. If I am interested in user documentation over developer documentation, does this mean I should ONLY focus on tools like Confluence and Snagit instead of Github, Markdown, and Python? Or is it more like I should still know all 5 types, but the first 2 take priority? Thanks!

[@AmrutaRanade]

Hmmm..excellent question. I think my answer has evolved since the time this video was published. I think it certainly wouldn't hurt to know GitHub and Markdown as they have gained more traction as doc tools even for user documentation. Not necessarily must-know but definitely good-to-know. Hope that helps!

[@jingling81]

@@AmrutaRanade Thanks so much! These are all so foreign to me. I'll slowly work through the how to videos on all of them haha. And thanks for your comments on whether a certification is important. I was JUST going to look into some through some university extension programs. Since that video, would you still agree that it's not necessary at all as long as you have a portfolio built up?

[@AmrutaRanade]

@@jingling81 Yes, I do think you don't _need_ a certificate to land a job. If it's affordable and from a good university, it couldn't hurt to have one but not necessarily worth taking on student debt tbh

[@jonathanhadinger7453]

Great info and most importantly, amazing next steps for people curious about getting into the field. One question though is, it sounds like you define technical writing solely within the sphere of technology or "tech," was that intentional? My understanding is that technical writing is much broader and can incorporate writing about any high-level, specialized topic: finance, real estate, etc. Would love your thoughts! Thanks.

[@AmrutaRanade]

I do define technical writing within the sphere of tech bc that's what I specialize in :) I prefer not to speak on subjects I have no experience in, hence the lack of content about other forms of technical writing.

[@shalinipatel1181]

Hi Amruta, I am new to the tech writing space but the crisp and concise content of yours really gave a lot of confidence. I am interested in tech writing as i would like to take it up as skill and want to develop as a freelancer in this field. Do you have any personal suggestions to a complete begineer in this field who wants to start as a freelancer? I am into the IT space for the past 2-3 years. Does being in this industry give an edge?

[@AmrutaRanade]

Glad the content is helpful! I have no insights into a freelancing career tho

[@amolketkar1458]

Hi, super info , have two Qs (1) Any specific reason why you mentioned Python should be learned ? (2) someone coming from Non IT academic background, how to quickly grasp IT tech fundamentals ? ( 3) What is future of DITA for next 5 odd years ?

[@AmrutaRanade]

This video is 4 years old, so some information is outdated. I don't think it's necessary to learn Python anymore. Not sure DITA will be around in 5 years either

[@SammyDollxo]

@@AmrutaRanadeDo you still recommend learning a programming language?

[@AmrutaRanade]

@@SammyDollxo Not really. I think it couldn't hurt to learn a programming language if you have the time and resources, but not a requirement for tech writers.

[@sadiaaijaz5697]

I felt as if my elder sister's speaking. One thing that I'm scared about taking a course online is that I'll have a certification but will not be able to work as good.

[@AmrutaRanade]

That's an absolutely valid fear! Which is why I advocate for building your portfolio v. taking a course. It's much more effective to _show_ recruiters (and yourself!) what you can do than just telling them about it.