Who is a software technical writer? By definition, a software technical writer specializes in dealing with software technical communication by transforming complicated information into concise and clear technical documentation. Release notes, user manual, user guide, reports, web pages, API documentation, specifications, and reviews are just a few technical documentation types that a technical writer creates. Unfortunately, not all technical writers are competent enough in their roles.
So, what makes a good software tech writer? Seemingly, this profession only feels straightforward. But being a Software Technical Writer involves multiple hidden rocks. And there is even more for being a good one. This insightful piece highlights the five must-have skills of a good software tech writer and the benefits of US businesses working with nearshore software development firms. So keep reading.
Writing skills
The most fundamental skill in technical writing is possessing the necessary writing skills. There is no shortcut to excellent writing itself for a competent tech writer. Why? The primary criterion of excellent software documentation is text clarity. And it is someone with good writing proficiency who can achieve this by knowing how to incorporate the most complicated concepts in simple terminologies.
It may look like an individual’s talent to feel which words fit best or know when to apply this or that construction. However, it all narrows down to consistent practice and hard/innovative work.
Working with technical writing tools
Technology is always on the move, and today, working, especially in the technology industry, has everything to do with teamwork, agility, and efficiency. The company numbers employing software for their documentation writing is escalating. And that probably explains why today’s technical writing tools feature specific designs for technical writing. Besides being user-friendly, these technical writing tools also offer task-specific functionality. Ideally, a good Software Technical Writer must be aware of what’s available on the market by trying out multiple documentation tools. This skill helps them identify how things function.
Science and technology interest
To efficiently describe complex things, technical writers should feature an impressive background. But it all depends on the industry from medical, pharmaceutical, engineering, aerospace, and many more since every sector features its requirements and standards. So, a tech writer who dives deeper into an industry is better positioned to explain complex things because they already have explicit knowledge of standard concepts and processes in that industry. Generally, a technical writer must always show interest in tracking whatever is latest on the news and the trending topics in the world of science and technology. This interest helps them to develop technological skills significantly.
Exploration and research skills
Although the exploration and research skills may concern any technical writer, outsourcers are the most affected. Why? Working in an outsourcing firm means dealing with various client companies that the firm’s experts probably are unaware of their products or have never heard about them. Under such circumstances, a tech writer may experience challenges writing software documentation types as it requires high-level expertise. But after multiple hours of thorough research, a tech writer can obtain adequate information on the specific field before beginning the writing process.
Proofreading skills
Any software tech writer must possess proofreading as an essential skill. Reviewing your texts and your colleagues’ is critical. Although some companies have an editor that helps tech writers proofread technical documentation, some do not have such tools. So, as the sole tech writer in a software development company, you may have to depend on your proofreading skills entirely.
Why should US businesses work with nearshore software development firms?
In the US, most businesses opt contracting nearshore software companies to handle their software issues. Why? Because opting to nearshore comes with benefits of experiencing fewer cultural and language barriers. Most offshore software development companies use English as their second language, whereas English is the primary commerce language in the US.
Working with a nearshore company is beneficial due to the shared time zone. Traveling for hours to other continents to meet your software development firm representatives is time-wasting and inconvenient due to the more than ten hours time difference. There is also the aspect of reduced costs when dealing with nearshore companies.
Bottom line
If you aspire to be a Software Technical Writer, the above fundamental skills will help you become a good one. In addition, other essential tech writing skills that you also ought to have are web design basics, sociology, critical thinking, and teamwork.