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What do technical writers do? A technical writer can write owners or instructional manuals, write engineering specifications, product requirement specifications, compile parts lists, collate information into more readable text, and more. There are contract technical writers that work on a per project basis and those that are hired on as full-time staff. Technical writing contracts can be written by the hour or by the project. Most employers prefer by the project since by the hour doesn't give them an idea of the end cost. In order to know what to charge you need to know the basic technical writer qualifications the employer is looking for. The basics are that you have the ability to write clearly and accurately, and be able to take complex resource material and organize it and write in such a way that your audience can understand it. Technical writing subjects can range from health and computer to scientific and foundational. If you are experienced or knowledgeable about a certain subject your odds of gaining employment or a freelance contract are greater. It helps to have a bachelor's degree and excellent writing skills. Can you make a good living as a technical writer? Peter Kent, author of Making Money in Technical Writing , states with hard work and effort you can make $100,000 a year as a freelance technical writer. There are many other books and programs that offer information on how to become a technical writer. According to one book, you don't have to have direct experience as a technical writer but it helps to have knowledge on specific topics and be willing to develop your technical writing skills. If you can take difficult information and make it less technical for the average reader you can be a technical writer! Some skills you might need are:
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Contract Technical Writers
