: Re: Does a technical writer need a technical background? Does a technical writer need a technical background?

@Phylliss352

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I do technical writing and publishing in the computer field, and to an extent I'll say yes. You must have some idea of the technology if you are writing original material about a technology. If you are writing technical details about work someone else has done, I think you can get by on good communication skills with a person that does understand the details of the subject.

I do think you need some technical aptitude or interest so that you can pick up on the jargon and general application of the subject.

Good rapport with a subject matter expert is going to be required in any case so that you can get a second opinion on what you have written and have a check to see if it conforms to the topic.

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