Author: Michael Lee

A technical writer’s work isn’t exactly among the top ten most exciting jobs in the world, but it doesn’t mean that it’s all work and no play all the time. In fact, the best technical writing fields are usually those that are fun to write.

If you have a passion for writing and are looking for the best technical writing fields, your search has ended. This article contains the top three that have high scores both in the profit meter and fun meter!

1) Gizmos and Gadgets

One of the best technical writing fields today is that of gadgets. After all, we are in an age when almost everybody wants to know what the next model of Nokia or the next generation of iPods looks like. Technology is now considered sexy.

As a technical writer for gadgets, this frenzy is to your advantage. Reviews on the latest model of mini laptops are most definitely welcome. Articles comparing different brands of mobile phones are eagerly eaten up by the techno-savvy crowd. And don’t pretend like you don’t enjoy being a gadget guru either!

2) Cars and Bikes

There’s just something about a shiny new car or bike that gets people’s hearts racing. This is a more specialized area of writing though and is less commonly found on the Internet compared to the field mentioned above.

However, there are magazines you can apply which specialize in such topics. Automobile shows, for example, also give you something to look forward to. As a technical writer, you are invited to these events regularly. You also get to see some of the rarest, fastest and most innovatively designed cars and bikes in your area.

3) Computer Software

Computer software is also one of the best technical writing fields today. People have a constant need to upgrade their programs, and large and small companies are always ready to give them options.

As a technical writer, you get to sample these programs and review them either for a blog, Web site or magazine. You can even be assigned to create a how-to manual necessary for every computer software that comes out.

There are a lot of opportunities for technical writers to earn money in this day and age. Indeed, the best technical writing fields are often those that are most fun.

About the Author:

If you want to easily earn $10,000 or more every single month through freelance writing jobs, then go to http://www.20daypersuasion.com/5figurewriter.htm and discover the secrets to earn massive amounts of money continuously… even if you’re not a gifted writer. You can also make money blogging on your spare time!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Best Technical Writing Fields: Writing Your Way To Fun And Money

Author: Brian Scott

If you have specialized knowledge other than how to be a great writer, then technical writing may be for you.

Technical writing combines your writing talent with a specific area of expertise, such as IT, graphic design, education, engineering, the automotive industry, etc. You could be writing for others who are already familiar with the field, or you could be writing to teach others.

How much does technical writing pay?

Technical writing freelancers often get paid very well, anywhere from $40 to $100 per hour or more. Technical writers command a higher rate of pay because it takes much more than polished writing skills to do the job.

Where can I find technical writing jobs?

The Internet is the ideal resource, especially if you’re just getting started. Check out websites like computerjobs.com, IFreelance.com, or rentacoder.com. These sites offer many postings by companies seeking freelance technical writers in a variety of industries.

I also recommend you post your resume on an employment site like CareerBuilder.com or Workopolis.com. Because you have a specialized skill set, know that there will be people actively looking for you. Having your resume on this type of website will greatly increase your chances of getting a well-paid technical writing gig.

Another technique is to do some brainstorming. Ask yourself if you have a specialized skill set or knowledge base. If so, what companies are in your area that could use a writer with skills like yours? Contact those businesses directly with your resume and a letter explaining how difficult it can be to find a good technical writer and that you’re available to help with any upcoming projects they may have.

What type of work will I be doing?

In IT, technical writers are often creating software or hardware manuals from scratch, or writing about coding. In the education field, you may be writing textbooks or creating PowerPoint slides for online learning programs. You could also be writing assembly manuals for machines, preparing reports for a pharmaceutical company, or creating do-it-yourself manuals for home repairs, etc.

In any technical writing job, you’ll need to have good writing and communication skills on top of your area of expertise. Technical writing projects are often collaborative, meaning you’ll have to deal with other people and complete the project as a team. Even if you’re working alone, your client will want to know how you’re progressing and whether you’re on track with what he or she is looking for. Expect lots of communication, either over the Internet or by phone.

How do I properly respond to an ad for a technical writer?

To maximize your chances of success, your response should include:

• A note about how valuable you feel the company is
• A summary of your qualifications in the field of expertise
• An overview of your superior writing ability
• Any related experience you may have

This response could be in a cover letter accompanying your resume or in your bid on a freelancing website. Read the sample ad below to see if you could make a compelling candidate:

We are an online learning company specializing in business skills. We teach administrators, HR people, etc. to effectively coach employees and streamline day-to-day business. We design online courses and downloadable presentations. We need a writer to help us with our upcoming courses for next year.

In order to make maximum impact, your response needs to hit each of the four points above. For example, you might respond like so:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I’ve taken a look at your website and I must say that your material is very impressive! It’s clear that you provide a lot of value to the businesses that use your services, and I would welcome the opportunity to join your team.

I hold a Bachelor of Commerce with a Human Resources designation. Throughout my education I designed various studies of employee behavior. Recently, I’ve been working as a consultant helping companies optimize employee productivity. I believe my skills may be of benefit to your company.

In addition, I am an accomplished writer. I have written articles, reports, and web content. My clients are always pleased with my work because it is grammatically flawless, concise, and easily accessible to readers.

Thank you for considering me for this position.

Sincerely, (name)

That’s it! Just remember that you have a unique combination of highly sought-after skills, and you’ll have your first technical writing job in no time.

About the Author:
Brian Scott is a full-time freelance writer with over a decade of experience. He finds many of his paid freelance technical writing jobs at Online Writing Jobs ( http://www.online-writing-jobs.com ), a free jobboard that lets you search thousands of freelance writing jobs.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – All About Freelance Technical Writing Jobs

Although it turns out this story is a few days old, I only just picked it up on Techdirt. I don’t think this is a technical writing story, but the majority of freelance writing jobs I’ve seen lately are all about creating content for search engine optimization (SEO). If this isn’t a story about SEO, I don’t know what is.

I certainly hope that Eu, France, does not change its name, it would be a tragedy. The world cannot bow down to the search engine and throw its history away for the sake of search hits. If anything, the town is infinitely more popular now for its struggle.

At the same time, the town seems to overlook the fact that people rarely use only one keyword for a search. If someone is looking for the town on the French coast, that person is not going to be satisfied with page after page of information about the European Union (EU), he’ll clarify his search terms. Although in my case, searching for “eu” in Google Maps was immediately successful.

Are you writing SEO content? Do you have to contend with similar ambiguity with web searches?

Well, perhaps the value of your dollar, and definitely the value of my time.

I was reading a friend’s personal blog (he lives halfway across the country and it’s an easy way to keep up-to-date) and he mentioned an issue with an IT consulting and repair job that he had. He works in IT for a larger company, but contracts out his spare time for consulting and hands-on LAN administration. His quote was for a certain amount of work, as described by the client, but now more work needs to be done and the client is not willing to pay for it. My friend doesn’t want to get screwed out of payment for the work he’s already doen, but also doesn’t want to get taken advantage of.

The situation I’m in relates to a proposal, of sorts. The posting was for a parttime job, but the response was, “How would you do X?” I didn’t really understand what X was, but I responded with an answer. (Roughly $45 worth of consulting.) The nature of X was further clarified and I’m in the process of a new response now. (Adding another $60 worth of consulting.) Unfortunately, none of this work is necessarily leading to a paying job, and I’m not completely sure that my contact is looking to me to do the work. I have a feeling that he’s trying to get as much information as possible and then get one person to implement several people’s “suggestions.”

So, the question is, “Where does one draw the line?” Do I start by providing a free estimate, and write off the cost as the cost of doing business? Or do I ensure that my preliminary analysis is paid for, then contract to do the work?

In my situation, I’m willing (for now) to provide the advice free of charge and see what comes out of it. At least, I have some more experience with the analysis, consulting and reporting. But in future, I think I will be clear about how much free advice I will dispense before it becomes paid consulting.

For my friend, I would suggest finishing the project, take whatever they’ll pay and learn from the experience. I would also advise that in future my friend save himself some time and provide a free (or acceptably priced) estimate, with a written report, including estimated costs. If the recommendations of the report are accepted, then he can contract an acceptable price to do the work. Or the client can get another opinion or contract someone else to complete the work.

Where do you draw the line?