General Description:  Every time a company releases a new technological product, they provide a user-manual along with that product.  That manual is written by a technical writer whose job it is to make sure the end-user finds that information easy to understand. 

In addition to writing technical manuals, tech writers produce online help systems, write and edit technical books, writemagazine articles and help to create marketing materials for technical products.

In addition to needing strong writing and editing skills, tech writers should have the ability to understand and translate technical terms and information into a format that is easily understood by their target audience.  Technical writers who specialize in specific fields (i.e., medical writers, electrical engineers, etc.) usually need industry expertise in addition to strong writing skills.

Although there are no specific training requirements for technical writers, you can become better qualified for this profession by enrolling in technical writing courses offered online or at your local college. 

Options for Flexibility:  Most freelance technical writers work from home and set their own hours.

Resources for Further Exploration:

Associations:

Society for Technical Communication 

Technical Communicators Resource Center (The Technical Communicators Resource Site is maintained by Duncan Kent & Associates Ltd. as a comprehensive resource for writers of technical publications)

Books:

Instantly downloadable e-book: