Books useful when starting tech writing in manufacturing

["Cathy Arthur" <catherine -dot- arthur -at- gmail -dot- com>]

Hi Jim,

Hackos is very good if you are in a large writing group, but much of what
she describes will be many years out for a new company.  You might want to
look at "Starting a Documentation Group, A hands on guide", by Peter J.
Hartmann.  Publisher is Clear Point Consultants Press, I think I bought it
online.

The book that I consult regularly is an IBM publication titled "Developing
Quality Technical Information, 2nd edition". The lead author is Gretchen
Hargis.  Not cheap, but you can get it from the big online bookstores, and
it is excellent.

SInce you are in a manufacturing environment, you may find "Writing and
Designing Manuals" by Patricia A Robinson and Ryn Etter to be the most
valuable of all. The subtitle is operator manuals, service and maintenance
manuls, and manuals for international markets. It includes a section for the
solo writer. Publisher is CRC Press - which is probably not familiar to you
if you are not a chemist or a chemical engineer.  Being a chemist, I am
familiar with them. They are a reputable company with decades of publishing
experience and are online.

-- 
Cathy
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