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.
Subject:Re: Assumption of Knowledge From:Sherri Hall <shall -at- HILCO -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 9 Feb 1995 14:55:13 CST
Vince P writes:
> Is the author of a document the person who provides the technical
> content OR is it the person who edits the grammar and does all the
> formatting?
I write the content and edit the grammar and do the formatting.
Please don't assume/imply that a technical writer doesn't provide the
technical content.
My technical SME trains me (or shows me a demo). I then write a manual
(from scratch or with the help of design specs--when they exist). My
SME then fills in the blanks for me, provides procedural examples, etc.
But I can't remember a manual I've written where I've been solely an
editor/page designer as your note suggests. I've always RAN AWAY from
technical editing or copyediting jobs because I like the technical side
nearly as much as the writing side.
--
____
/ ___/ Sherri Hall * . . . May the wind be always at your back.
\___ \ shall -at- hilco -dot- com * May the sun shine warm upon your face . . . .
/____/
