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Document writer

Need to explain how to use, implement, or maintain your product or system? Our specialists write instructions for a range of technology and tools from computer software to submarines.

What can a document writer do for me?

A document writer is a professional writer who uses technical writing techniques and produces technical documentation for technical, business, and consumer audiences.

Produced for a range of audiences, from novice to highly technical, these documents include:

• maintenance, operations and reference manuals
• software user documents including user guides, online help and installation manuals
• release notes and FAQs.

The documentation may be produced in many forms, such as printed, web-based, or other electronic means.

Usually, a document writer is not a subject matter expert (SME), but interviews SMEs and conducts the research necessary to write and/or compile technically accurate content.

To create a technical document, a document writer must understand the product, the purpose of the document and audience. They gather information by studying existing material, interviewing SMEs, and often actually using the product. They study the audience to learn their needs and technical understanding level.

What should I look for?

Document writers come from a variety of backgrounds.

Typically they

• Have tertiary qualifications in a field of expertise (IT, Finance, Health, Engineering)
• May have qualifications in writing
• May be a member of a professional organisation such as ASTC or STC
• Have excellent writing and editing skills
• Are proficient in MS Word or another authoring tool such as Framemaker
• Have the ability to conduct research to obtain the necessary information

In addition to solid research, language, writing, and revision skills, a document writer may have particular expertise in:

• Information design
• Information architecture
• Training material development
• Illustration/Graphic Design
• Website Design/Management
• Indexing
• Localization/ Translation
• User Interfaces
• Business Analysis

Here is an example of a technical writing project one of our writers has worked on.

See Document Writer for a typical contractor from our database.

How much will it cost me?

Depending on the level of experience and the industry of specialisation, a junior technical writer will cost between $45 ph and $65 ph while an experienced technical writer costs between $65 ph and $100 ph.

What else should I consider?

Considering the work that you need doing, ask yourself if you really need a document writer or is a technical editor more appropriate? What about a technical communicator? See our quick tool and/or What do I need guide for more information to help you choose the correct person for your task.

If much of the technical writing is being done in-house by general staff, consider sending your staff on one of our writing courses.

Free advisory service

Do you need some documentation but don't know where to start? Not sure that there is anyone with the skills or background to help? Maybe you just want to find out how much the work is likely to cost.

Our consultant can outline the

• cost
• benefits of hiring a specialist to meet your objectives
• different professionals currently available to help
• selection criteria you should consider
• how long it will take to get the ideal person on board.

We're happy to chat over the phone or visit you on site. Call Phil Cohen at HCi for Document Writers on 02 9247 1411.

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