Technical Writing Consultant: A Simple Guide to What They Do
A technical writing consultant is a person who assists a company in advising, writing, and editing for that company. He also ensures that all the documents produced are clear and precise enough to be easily understood by the target audience.
What is Technical Writing Consulting?
Technical writing consulting is when a professional with expertise in creating clear and accurate technical documents is hired. Examples of such documents include user manuals, product guides, and training materials. Companies hire technical writing consultants to help them write or improve their technical content so that users can more easily understand complicated information.
What Does a Technical Writing Consultant Do?
A technical writing consultant produces or enhances the quality of documents that communicate complex information. On this, they collaborate with companies to produce different kinds of documents:
- Help documentation: Gives step-by-step instructions on how to solve problems.
- User manuals: Explains in detail how the product works and how to use it.
- Training materials: Develop documentation to help staff or customers learn about a particular process or product.
- Technical reports: Such reports document the findings of technical information or research.
A technical writing consultant ensures that documents are well-structured, easy to read, and free of mistakes. They might also improve the language and structure of existing documents.
Why Do Companies Need a Technical Writing Consultant?
There are quite a few reasons why companies need technical writing consultants:
- Specialized Skills: Not all employees can write technical documents concisely and effectively. A technical writing consultant is experienced and skilled in producing quality readable content.
- Saves Time: This will allow the companies to focus on core business tasks while a consultant handles the writing.
- Improved Communication: A good consultant ensures the documents convey the intended message without confusion.
- Consistency: Technical documents should maintain consistency in format, tone, and style. A consultant guarantees consistency in all the materials.
- Precision: Consultants have experience in designing technically correct and dependable documents
When one hires the services of a technical writing consultant, they ensure his company produces high-quality, professional documents to guarantee client satisfaction, with fewer faults in the final product while time overall.
The Rates Paid for Technical Writing Consultants?
Technical writing consultants charge a rate that depends on experience, project complexity, and the industry in which they work. In general:
- Entry-level consultants charge $30–$50 an hour.
- Experienced consultants may bill $60–$100 an hour.
- When the projects become very technical, technical writing consultants with strong specializations might charge $100 or more an hour.
Some consultants may also charge a flat fee for certain types of projects, such as writing a user manual or developing a training guide. Rates can vary depending on the location, nature of work, and expertise.
Finding Technical Consultant Jobs
Finding technical consultant jobs is not very hard. Below are a few ways these positions can be found.
- Online Job Boards: A technical writer or consultant opening could be posted on LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor.
- Freelance Platforms: Use freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to search for companies that need a technical writing consultant.
- Networking: Attend industry-specific conferences or professional groups—such as the Society for Technical Communication—STC and network with people in this field to find job opportunities.
- Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in placing technical writers and consultants in various industries.
You can access technical consultant jobs listed with these sources based on your experience and skills.
Technical Consultant Firms
Technical consultant firms are firms that offer technical writing and documentation services. These firms have a team of consultants who can take up various technical writing jobs, such as:
- Product manual creation
- Creation of online help guides.
- Development of employee training curriculums.
Some well-known technical consulting firms or companies are Kendall Hunt, Baker Communications, and Technical Writing Solutions. These companies can offer complete solutions for other companies who need technical documentation and training, among other technical writing services.
Popular Technical Writing Services
A few of the commonly provided services in technical writing include:
- User Documentation: Guides that help customers in using products or services.
- API Documentation: Instructions for developers on how to use APIs—Application Programming Interfaces.
- Process Documentation: Documents that explain how to execute tasks or procedures in a step-by-step manner.
- Training Manuals: Instructional content used to train employees or customers.
- Instructional Videos: Short, video-based tutorials teaching users how to achieve specific tasks.
They enable a company to give customers and employees clear, concise, easy-to-comprehend directions.
How to Locate a Local Technical Writing Consultant Service
Below are means used in locating local technical writing consultant services providers near you:
- Online Search: First, you search the internet for technical writing consultants near you. You are most likely to receive local agencies or freelancers providing the services.
- Local Directories: You can also find a technical writing consultant from local directories like Yellow Pages or Yelp.
- Word of Mouth: You can also ask your colleagues, business partners, or networks about recommendations in the area or industry.
Finding a local technical writing consultant will provide you with tailored service and a consultant who understands the unique needs of your area or industry.
What Is a Technical Writing Consultant Tutor?
A technical writing consultant tutor is a professional responsible for rendering writing services and training others in technical documentation writing. He/she trains students or other individuals who seek to improve their ability to create and make effective documents.
Such may involve the following few aspects that a technical writing consultant tutor can partake in:
- Training: Showing students the fundamental styles of technical writing skills related to grammar, structure, and style.
- Document Review and Feedback: Provide detailed feedback on the documents writers have developed and encourage them to improve them.
- Workshops: Group training sessions or workshops on any topics requested in technical writing.
The technical writing tutor is ideal for businesses or individuals who want to improve their technical writing skills.
How Much Do They Get Paid?
The pay varies based on experience, location, and the nature of their work. On average,
- Junior or Entry-Level Consultants: $50,000 to $60,000 per year.
- Mid-Level Consultants: $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
- Senior Consultants: $100,000 plus per year.
Freelance consultants can earn varying amounts depending on the number of projects they handle. Some charge on an hourly basis, while others charge on a project basis. Consultants with expertise in highly sought-after industries or high experience can command higher fees.
Conclusion
A technical writing consultant is a professional who assists enterprises in developing clear and compelling technical documents, be it creation, user manuals, training materials, or process guides; whatever the case, consultants of this nature can greatly ease complex information and make its understanding very light.
A technical writing consultant helps companies improve communication, save time, and ensure that documents are precise and user-friendly. Now, it is easy to find a consultant, hire a tutor, or find out about starting a career as a consultant; many opportunities exist when it comes to technical writing consulting.
If you have been considering a career as a technical writing consultant, now would be an excellent time to get into this career. With more demand for well-structured and clear technical content, skilled writers will always be needed in this area.