Technical author
Use your specialist knowledge to make guides for users of products and systems.
Also known as: technical writer, technical copywriter, technical communicator
About the job
What it's like
You would use your specialist knowledge to make guides for users of products and systems.
You could work on projects such as instruction manuals, business guidelines, online help pages and more.
You would:
Write new documents
Update old documents
Collect information
Present complex information in the simplest way
Commission photographs or illustrations
Produce digital media, such as blogs and podcasts
Carry out user testing
Work closely with technical, marketing, printing and design staff
Hours
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although you may have to do extra hours to meet deadlines. This could sometimes include working evenings and weekends. As a freelancer, you would usually manage your own time, and may work from home.
Environment
You would work in an office. As a freelancer, you may work from home.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- technical writing
- release notes
- enterprise architecture
- madcap flare
- adobe framemaker
- technical authority
- miro
- custom software
- application notes
- authoring software
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- creative
- written communication
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
English
Physics
Science
There are no set qualifications for this role, but you would need to show you can interpret and communicate complex information clearly.
Many technical authors have a degree (SCQF 9/10) in a subject relevant to the products and systems they write about. These could include:
Science
Computer science
Engineering
Other technical authors come from a communications or journalism background.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
You may want to join the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC).
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