How to Be a Freelance Technical Writer

A technical writer creates manuals and instructional literature for the technical field. Technical writers are often used to write for many different fields, the most common being information materials for computer hardware and software and other consumer electronics, but also for the robotics and aerospace fields, among others. Technical writing is a lucrative field, because there is such an array of technology available to us, yet few of us understand how everything works. Many consumers rely on the manuals that a technical writer creates in order to operate the computers or electronics they purchase. If you are interested in technical writing and the salary it commands, read on to learn how to be a freelance technical writer:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Complete a Degree in the Field
   
   A technical writer needs an education in both technology and literature. Most often, a technical writer will study technical communications, although some freelance technical writers possess degrees in specific fields, like computer science or aerodynamics. The narrower your degree is, the less work there is available to you as a technical writer, although the specific expertise may win you a higher salary when you do find work. There are few technical writers who have no degree at all; as a technical writer, this can be a huge setback, as potential employers want to see that you not only have the experience as a writer to create instructional literature that consumers can understand, but that you have a full grasp on the subject matter for which the literature is being written.

2. Develop Strong Writing Skills
   
   Equally important to a technical writer's career is their ability to connect with their audience. For those with extensive education in technology but no writing skills, technical writing will prove a difficult task. It can be extremely difficult to convey technical language in layman's terms, but as a technical writer, you need to possess the ability - otherwise, your audience will have no idea what you are talking about. Experience writing in a field other than technology will be a great benefit to you as a technical writer, as you will understand how to reach your target audience in a manner they can grasp.

3. Build a Portfolio as a Technical Writer
   
   Employers will want to see what skills you have as a technical writer; the easiest way to do this is to build a portfolio. Since finding a job with no portfolio can be extremely difficult, you may want to start by developing short manuals for common household technology. Choose items that you already own - such as your computer, television, or small electronics - and write quick manuals on how to operate them. Include information on basic use, specific features, and upkeep, along with a section on troubleshooting. These pieces will serve as your portfolio, to show employers your style of writing and you level of skill as a technical writer.

4. Sign Up With a Freelancing Website
   
   Many freelance technical writers get their start using freelancing websites. These sites give employers a way to outsource jobs to professionals without having to cover the overhead of hiring a technical writer, and allow you to select which jobs you want to work on. Freelance websites work by allowing employers to post a specific technical writing job, and then offering freelance technical writers a chance to place bids on those jobs. As a freelance technical writer, you can set your own hourly or project pay, offer samples of your work, and explain exactly what you can do for your potential employer. Employers can then select a technical writer that they feel will do the best job, and pay them the amount the technical writer bid for the job. Job details and requirements will vary from employer to employer, and even from job to job from the same employer.
   
   To increase your chances at finding more work as a freelance technical writer, you can use more than one freelancing website. As you build a rapport with your clients, you will continue to see repeat jobs from them, and you may even begin to work with clients outside of the website. Some of the larger freelance websites for a technical writer include Elance, oDesk, and Guru. While some freelancing sites offer free access to technical writers on a limited basis, most require you to pay a monthly or yearly fee to bid on jobs as a technical writer on their website. Try taking advantage of the free access you have to get a few jobs to start, and then use some of the money you earn to purchase a paid account.

5. Start a Website to Advertise Services
   
   Once you build a reputation for yourself as a freelance technical writer on freelancing websites, the next step is to build your own website and offer your services as a technical writer directly to the public. You should include your resume, your past work in a portfolio, and information about yourself for potential clients to learn more about you and your work as a technical writer. You can also set up a shopping cart - even using the free shopping card services available through PayPal - to accept payments for services directly on your website.
   
   You can also use your profile on freelancing sites to advertise your services as technical writer, and purchase advertising through other means to get your name out there and bring in more potential clients. Once you build up enough repeat clientèle through your website, you will officially have hit success as a freelance technical writer. Don't expect this to happen overnight; remember, it can take a couple of years just to make a name for yourself on freelancing sites before you can even create your own successful business as a technical writer. But with a little hard work, determination, and good customer service, you can build a successful brand for yourself as a freelance technical writer and continue to work for yourself for as long as you desire.