Frequently Asked Questions

What would you like to know?

Here, we answer the following questions (if you have a different query, get in touch):

What is a Technical Writer?

Technical writers (also called technical authors or information developers):

  • Write factual information about how software, products, and services work, and describe how to use them.
  • Create user guides for software applications, reference and instruction manuals for appliances, training guides, theory guides, tutorials, online help, and operating guides.
  • Explain things in a way that is easy to understand, with simple language that tells the user what the technical terms mean.
  • Are often skilled at information architecture - organising content in a logical structure that is easy to navigate and search.

Which Industries Use Technical Writers?

Technical writers work for a range of industries, including:

  • aerospace and automotive
  • engineering and manufacturing
  • energy
  • science
  • banking and finance
  • telecommunications
  • construction
  • defence
  • education and government
  • IT
  • marketing
  • medicine and pharmaceuticals
  • research and development
  • retail

Is it more Expensive to Hire a Technical Writer or Employ One?

The answer depends on your company goals, budget, and timeframe. Here are a few things to consider:

  • If you have lots of ongoing or concurrent projects, you might be best employing a full-time or part-time technical author as staff.
  • If you have sporadic projects with gaps between them, you might be best hiring a freelance technical author for the times that you need them.
  • Employing a full-time entry level technical author might seem cost-efficient. However, if you don't have an experienced senior technical author for them to learn from, the results might be slower and lower quality than you are hoping for.
  • Hiring an experienced freelance technical author can quickly give you access to a higher-quality technical author than your budget could afford to employ as staff.
  • There are costs and delays associated with recruiting a staff technical author: sick pay, holiday pay, pension, training, NI contributions, etc. Not to mention finding the right person.
  • If in doubt, try hiring a freelance technical author for a short project to see if they can meet your requirements.
  • Consider employing a staff technical author who can get to know your company well - and support them by hiring freelance technical authors for extra projects as needed.

Do you have Insurance?

Yes, Russell Technical Writing Ltd has public / products liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance.