Posts

About Me

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  Hi, I’m Shankira McCoy, your future technical writer passionate about clarity, creativity, and communication. I created this blog as a final project for my technical writing course to help others who are exploring or entering the field. As someone who is learning and growing in this profession, I understand the questions, challenges, and excitement that come with getting started. My goal is to break down what I’ve learned into helpful, practical content for beginners like me—covering everything from document design to audience awareness, and even career tips. I believe technical writing is about making information useful and accessible, and I hope this blog reflects that mission. Feel free to explore, share, and reach out if you have questions or ideas to add. Let’s grow together in this field!
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Getting Started in Technical Writing

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  How to Start Your Career You don’t need years of experience to begin in technical writing. Here are some first steps: Create a portfolio – Showcase 3–5 samples (user guides, SOPs, etc.) Use platforms like LinkedIn or Medium to publish your work Freelance on sites like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr Join communities like the Society for Technical Communication (STC) Continue learning and stay curious. Technical writing is always evolving!
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Tools for Technical Writers

  Essential Tools You’ll Use on the Job Being a technical writer means being comfortable with digital tools. Some essentials include: Microsoft Word & Google Docs – Writing and formatting Snagit & Lightshot – Screenshots and annotations Adobe Acrobat – PDF creation and editing Markdown & GitHub – Used in tech-heavy environments Canva – Simple design for charts or guides Mastering even a few of these tools will set you apart and improve your workflow.
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Document Design Basics

  Design Matters in Technical Writing A well-designed document is easier to read and more useful. Here are some design principles to remember: White Space – Prevents clutter and gives the eye a break Headings and Subheadings – Help readers scan content Bullet Points – Make lists easier to digest Consistent Fonts and Layouts – Create a professional look Add diagrams, icons, or screenshots when they help explain the content. Your design should enhance understanding—not distract from it.
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Audience Awareness

  Know Your Reader Before You Write The most important question in technical writing is: Who am I writing for? If your audience is technical, you can use industry jargon. If your audience is general, avoid terms they may not know. Consider the user’s goals—what are they trying to do or understand? Tailoring your content to the right audience makes your writing more effective and appreciated. It’s not about sounding smart—it’s about being useful.
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Technical Writing Genres

Genres Every Technical Writer Should Know    There are several types of documents technical writers create. Each has a specific purpose and format: User Manuals – Guide users on how to operate products or software Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – Outline routine processes clearly Help Documentation – Offers quick solutions to user questions Technical Reports – Present findings or updates in professional settings White Papers – Explain complex topics, usually in a persuasive format    Each genre has different requirements. Knowing how to adapt your style for each one is a key skill.
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Defining Technical Writing

   Technical writing is the practice of simplifying complex information so that it’s easy to understand and use. It’s used across industries like healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance.   Unlike creative writing, technical writing focuses on clarity, structure, and function. Whether you’re creating a user manual, a product spec sheet, or a step-by-step guide, your job as a technical writer is to be accurate, concise, and user-focused.   Basically, technical writers make things clear. 
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