entering tech writer field

["Tom Johnson" <thj5 -at- columbia -dot- edu>]

I was wondering if some of you might give me information about entering the
technical writing field. I don't have a strong background in technology, but
I do maintain a course website and listserv. I don't know framemaker or
quark or excel that well, but my writing skills are refined. In April I will
graduate from an MFA program in creative nonfiction writing, and I would
like to find some kind of junior level tech. writing job that would allow me
to get my foot in the door of the tech. writing field somewhere, an
entry-level job that would allow me to gain the skills I'd need through
varying needs on the job, etc. But the jobs I've seen all seem to require
knowledge of these technical programs in addition to experience. So, how
does one begin without this heavy technology background? Are there
entry-level tech. jobs that require very little knowledge and experience?
Can one work as an assistant/apprentice to a tech. writer and then
eventually become an independent tech writer? Or does one need to pay money
to attend seminars and programs that give one the skills? Any book
recommends? Thanks for your help,

Tom
thj5 -at- columbia -dot- edu



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