Tech Writing Options Billings MT

Posted by : Molly Joss

Dear Molly: For the past 15 months I have worked on contract for an IT company, helping the engineers put together operations and configurations manuals. I've created illustrations for the manuals using Visio 2000, and I've created various process flow forms for various departments. Unfortunately, this company was just sold and its policies are changing. My prior work experience includes owning businesses, writing brochures, designing flyers, office organization, work flow processes, etc. How should I proceed in finding new contract work? Being independent and working from home is very important to me. I would also like to develop more Web skills. Is it enough to learn from books or should I take some classes?

Molly says: You have acquired a very valuable base of experience and you're not afraid to go it on your own. These two factors open up a world of opportunities for you. My first suggestion is to try the freelance placement agencies. Go to: Creative Assets, Free Agent and FlipDog.

Once you've done that, get it touch with major software companies such as Microsoft and Adobe Systems. See if you can interest them in your editing and writing skills, particularly for technical manuals. These companies often have publishing arms that need talented, freelance editorial folks. Ask to work on materials for software programs you want to learn more about such as FrontPage (Microsoft) and LiveMotion (Adobe). That way you can learn as you ea...

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