While this has made documentation more timely, it means that technical writers have to work with a variety of software packages. Technical writers familiar with Web-based technologies, such as HTML and scripting languages, are very much in demand. The idea behind single sourcing is that you write a piece of documentation once, and that documentation is reused many times in different media and documents. It might be part of a Web page, or part of a printed marketing pamphlet, or part of an online help file for a software program. While technological challenges lie ahead with emerging single-sourcing technologies, perhaps the greatest challenge for technical communicators is the change in writing style.
Tech writers no longer write complete manuals, but instead write in chunks.
Salary In general, technical writers command higher salaries than other writing professionals. Stock options are a popular benefit offered by many companies, especially start-ups, who often use stock options to compensate for lower salaries. Options are typically subject to a vesting period of 3-6 years, and when sold, any capital gains realized are taxable. The technical writing profession has never been more dynamic than now. Technical publication departments are growing rapidly, and as the World Wide Web grows in complexity, the need for information professionals to manage the information continues to grow as well.