TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
When I write a manual for a client, I lay out the structure of the
book at the same time I do the outline. While I'm writing, I
constantly add bits and pieces onto the structure to make sure
it works, and I always do the final few drafts on
the structured document.
Here's my question. Because form and function are inextricably
linked in tech manuals and handbooks, is it acceptable to submit the
formatted document as a manuscript to a publisher? This is a
major league gaff in fiction writing, but perhaps the rules
are different in this arena.
