Technical Author For Hire
Technical Author For Hire is owned by Craig Wright, a professional technical author and copywriter who provides freelance services through StrayGoat Copywriting. I am a sole trader based in Coventry, West Midlands, UK.
I have worked as a technical author for an international software company for over 10 years, producing online help, tutorials, and user guides that are used in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, the Middle East and parts of Europe. Not only do I have over a decade of software industry experience, but I am also a graduate of Coventry University's acclaimed BA Hons Technical Communication course (details below).
A member of the Institute of Copywriters, I am also a qualified copywriter having completed the Institute's training course in 2004 (details below). Working as a freelance copywriter, I have produced promotional copy for a wide range of business projects, including the proposal document for the expansion of Chester Zoo, brochures for children's party organisers, adverts for an events management company, and over 100 keyword rich web advertisements for the Nuneaton franchise of the www.bestof.co.uk online business directory.
BA Hons Technical Communication
In 1997, I graduated from Coventry University's BA Hons Technical Communication degree course. The course has since changed its name a few times, but the content has remained pretty much the same. The last time I checked, the course was called Information Design, but it may well have changed since then. If, after reading the degree information, you would like more information about the course, please get in touch with Dennis Clark or Sandra Harrison at Coventry University. They are both very nice people and extremely helpful. Dennis used to have a penchant for wearing cowboy boots too, which is kind of unheard of in these parts, but all credit to him for that I say.
I'll warn you up front about this section - it is going to go into some detail about my degree. For some people all this detail will provide an interesting insight into the additional skills I bring along with my copywriting talents. For other people, the following information is likely to cause severe brain rotting. To those people, I apologise. If you are of a nervous predisposition or are prone to nodding off in a split second, I strongly urge to look away now.
Here it comes...
Communication Research Techniques
In Communication Research Techniques, I learned about the various methods used to retrieve and present communication. This included in-depth studies of:
- Questionnaires
- Interviews
- Observational techniques
- Communication texts.
Visual Communication
While studying the Visual Communication module, I developed an understanding of the cultural significance of design. This involved studying the systems we all use to process information, and to exchange values and meanings.
The Visual Communication module also included aspects of advertising and graphic design. I learned about the politics of production and the role of technologies and materials in the communication of visual ideas.
Communication Theory and Practice
This module was a detailed study of document development processes. Including document-user behaviour, hypermedia navigation systems, colour and readability, motivation and learning. This knowledge, combined with my understanding of cognitive psychology (see below) is what gives me an edge over most copywriters - I have studied how to address the needs of the target audience.
Professional Studies - Functional Communication
This module provided an insight into the range of disciplines, skills, and responsibilities of professional communicators. I examined the business aims, organization, commercial constraints, and working practices that affect the professional communicator. I also studied the technologies that are available to those that work in the functional communication and publishing markets.
Document Creation and Design
This module developed my ability to write accurately and effectively in plain English. It also taught me about methods for structuring written solutions to information design problems. This involved:
- Identifying the needs of the audience and writing information that meets these needs
- Understanding the basic elements of good document design and developing the ability to apply these principles to real-life challenges
- Developing computer skills with communication programs.
Document Appraisal
In the Document Appraisal module, I learned about the principles of writing successful document copy. During this module, I developed the analytical abilities to identify and assess the suitability of a document in relation to its purpose and intended audience.
Graphic Information Design
This part of the course was a study of visual elements in information design, including:
- Typography
- Layout
- Pictographic representations
- Diagrammatic representations
- Portraying personality in graphic material.
Linguistic and Graphic Communication Theory
A study of:
- The visual aspects of language
- Diagrammatics
- Metaphors and ambiguity in language and visual communication
- Gender issues in language and graphics
- Discourse communities and genre analysis
- Discourse analysis
- Language and visual communication models
- Cohesion and coherence in texts and visual media
- Rhetorical theory
- Schemas and scripts
- Natural language processing.
Cognitive Psychology and Communications
An insight into how people process information. I learned about the psychological processed involved in reading, using language, processing information, and memory. I also learned about the interconnections between these subjects. Once familiar with the various subjects, I learned how to apply these cognitive principles to my own communication.
Human Factors in Technical Communications
A study of the nature and characteristics of the interface between people and artefacts, devices, and systems. This included a study of ergonomics in relation to information design and learning how to develop strategies for investigating interface problems.
Institute of Copywriting Copywriting Diploma
In 2004, I completed the Institute of Copywriters' copywriting diploma course and becamse a full member of the Institute of Copywriters. As a member, I am approved by the Institute of Copywriters.
During the course, I strengthened my creative writing skills and learned how to create persuasive copy for direct mail, websites, brochures, leaflets, press releases, and advertisements for use on the web, in the press, and even on radio stations.
After completing the course with flying colours, I started my own freelance copywriting business, StrayGoat Copywriting. I currently work as a technical author and copywriter.
