Mr. Franklin,
There are many definitions for what a technical writer does.
However, some of those definitions are complex and not very clear about what
they actually do. One of the better definitions I have found is by David
Dobrin, he says that, “Technical writing is writing about a subject in the pure
sciences or the applied science in which the writer informs the reader through
an objective presentation of facts.” This specific definition shows that
Technical Writers are not like other writers. They write more concrete and
structured material with an objective outlook. Technical Writers are known for
writing manuals, warning labels/signs, and handouts/pamphlets.
In my specific internship I am taking on more of an editing
and administration role. I have been helping go through submissions and
selecting ones to be placed into the online publishing forum. This is where the
administration side of my internship comes in because I am composing emails to
the individuals about their submissions and any revisions that they need to
make before publishing. My technical writing role comes into play when I am formatting
the submissions because they have to be formatted for an online forum and
display properly when loaded.
The benefit to hiring a full time Technical Writer for this
job would be the consistency they could bring to the job. The format and
consistency with each issue published would be more regular with a full time
Technical Writer because it would be the same person each time from start to
finish. It would also help with people submitting to the online publication
because they could continually communicate with the same person instead of
having to communicate with someone new every year.
By hiring someone with a humanities degree you are getting
someone that has a great understanding of grammar, punctuation, and sentence
structure. Another benefit is their ability to research and review materials
given to them while working on an assignment.
A Technical Writer is someone that does one job but wears
many hats doing that specific job. They are beneficial to any company or
organization.
Royce Parker
Writers’ Slate Intern
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