Technical author

Technical authors write documents on engineering, ICT, scientific and other technical subjects. They work on a variety of materials, including user guides, websites, reference manuals, e-learning resources, podcasts, online help notes and sales brochures.

Also known as:

• Technical writer

Work activities

Technical authors can be writing about engineering, scientific, ICT, medical and other technical subjects. The work is all about understanding complex information and explaining it in a way that other people can understand. Technical authors produce a wide range of materials, including user guides, websites, reference and repair manuals, online help text, podcasts, e-learning training resources, and sales brochures that advertise equipment. Technical authors start each job by finding out what the reader needs to know. They do this by referring to relevant documents, researching in libraries and on the internet, and by consulting experts working in the area they are writing about. They need to make sure the information is clear and easy to understand, as people from non-technical backgrounds might read it.

Where equipment or products are available, the technical author might inspect them on-site and talk in-depth to users, to get a complete idea of how they work. Technical authors have to decide the best way to put across information and select the most appropriate language and style for their readers. They might have to edit text to fit the agreed format and style. Subject experts usually check the technical author’s work for accuracy and completeness. Technical authors and technical illustrators work together to produce illustrations and text. They might also need to work with developers, marketing professionals and service providers. In some cases, they might need to arrange for documents to be translated.

Personal qualities and skills

As a technical author, you’ll need:

• The ability to write in a clear, concise and accurate way.
• An analytical mind to use complex technical information quickly.
• The ability to work well on your own for long periods.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with technical experts.
• Excellent research skills and attention to detail.
• Organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines.
• ICT skills.

Pay and opportunities 

Salaries for technical authors vary with the subject area and complexity. The pay rates given below are approximate. Technical authors earn in the range of £20,000 a year, rising to £50,000 with experience. However, rates can vary widely depending on the subject and employer. You can find a useful guide to freelance rates on the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) website. For freelance authors, periods without pay are common.

Technical authors work 37-39 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, they might need to work longer hours, including weekends, especially as deadlines approach.

The most important sectors include technology, defence, aerospace, retail, banking and finance. There are growing opportunities in telecommunications and pharmaceuticals.

Experienced technical authors might work on a self-employed, freelance basis for a variety of clients.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, publications such as The New Scientist, on specialist job boards and by specialist recruitment agencies. The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC) advertises some vacancies.

Entry routes and training

There are no set entry requirements, although many employers ask for a degree in a subject relevant to the technical area you would be writing about. For other posts, you might need a subject-relevant higher national qualification, foundation degree or other technical qualification. Employers might also ask for a technical writing qualification.

You can find a list of training providers on the website of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC). You can take short courses or study online or by distance learning.

Technical Communication is an element of some courses offered by universities at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Many employers ask for candidates with experience of particular software applications and programming languages. These depend on the job but can include FrameMaker, Visio, Photoshop, Acrobat, JavaScript, XML, HTML and content management systems.

Employed technical authors might be able to move into management positions, depending on the size of the organisation. Self-employed technical authors might also work as consultants. It can be possible to move into scientific or medical journalism. Technical authors can move between media, for example, going from manuals to magazines. Or, they might be able to move between related sectors, such as moving from finance to retail.

Qualifications

Entry requirements for relevant degrees vary depending on the subject. You’ll usually need:

• Two to three A-levels. Specified subjects will depend on the degree course.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Equivalent qualifications, such as Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, might be acceptable for entry - please check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Many technical authors have backgrounds in relevant areas, such as science, engineering or IT.

A number of training courses are available by distance learning.

Technical communication is an element of some courses offered by universities at undergraduate and postgraduate level degrees that can be studied by distance learning.

Related careers

• Advertising copywriter
• Author
• Information scientist
• Journalist
• Scriptwriter