Technical Writers and Editors

Technical writers and editors with experience move into more challenging and responsible positions. They may initially work on simple documents or sections of a document. As they demonstrate their proficiency and skills, they are given more complex assignments and are responsible for more activities.

Technical writers and editors with several years of experience may move into project management positions, where they are responsible for the entire document development and production processes. They schedule and budget resources and assign writers, editors, illustrators, and other workers to a project. They monitor the schedule, supervise workers, and ensure that costs remain in budget.

Technical writers and editors who show good project management skills, leadership abilities, and good interpersonal skills may become supervisors or managers. Both technical writers and editors can move into senior writer and senior editor positions. These positions involve increased responsibilities and may include supervising other workers.

Many technical writers and editors seek to develop and perfect their skills rather than move into management or supervisory positions. As they gain a reputation for their quality of work, they may be able to select choice assignments. They may learn new skills as a means of being able to work in new areas. For example, a technical writer may learn a new desktop program in order to become more proficient in design. Or, a technical writer may learn HyperText Markup Language (HTML) in order to be able to create a multimedia program. Technical writers and editors who broaden their skill base and capabilities can move to higher paying positions within their own company or at another company. They also may work as freelancers or set up their own communications companies.