Re: Getting Into Computer Game Book Writing

[Keith Arnett <keith_arnett -at- RESTON -dot- OMD -dot- STERLING -dot- COM>]

     Eric:

     Don't assume this is an impossible dream.  There are plenty of game
     companies out there, and they need technical writers just like
     everyone else.  I worked (as a contractor) for a game company and
     produced user manuals for two separate games -- it was very
     interesting and a lot of fun.

     However, I think you will find that you will need fairly strong online
     publishing skills, as these days, the trend seems to be to keep all
     the documentation in the game (accessible from the F1 key, for
     example).

     I'd suggest that you learn what you can about the computer game
     industry -- mostly via trade publications -- and then start knocking
     on doors.

     FWIW, the company I worked for is Kesmai Corp. (www.kesmai.com), and
     you might want to make an inquiry there, as they were heavy users of
     contract writers.

     Good luck!

     Keith Arnett
     Technical Writer
     Sterling Software, Inc./Operations Management Division
     Reston VA USA

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Getting Into Computer Game Book Writing
Author:  Eric Thomas <eathomas -at- DBITS -dot- COM> at INTERNET
Date:    4/15/98 1:46 PM


This probably isn't the correct forum to ask in, but where would one go to
get information about writing computer game books?  I'm a technical writer
at a software company now (the technical writer actually), and eventually
want to try my hand at writing a computer game strategy guide or something
along those lines.  Anyway, does anyone have any advice (other than not to
quit my day job)?
Thanks in advance.
-Eric