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Finding our RTP (Raleigh/Durham, NC) training facility

Check out our book, Technical Writing 101.

Technical Writing 101

(3 days)

We offer this class only as a private class; please contact training@scriptorium.com for pricing and details.

Technical Writing 101 is an intensive introduction to the basics of technical writing. It includes the following major topics:

	Writing task-oriented documentation
	Technical editing
	Indexing

The course is intended for anyone who wants a solid understanding of basic technical writing, including:

See students' comments about Technical Writing 101.

Prerequisites

This course is for individuals who meet the following prerequisites:

Syllabus

The class format includes lectures and hands-on exercises. Students also receive a copy of Technical Writing 101: A Real-World Guide to Planning and Writing Technical Documentation.

What is technical writing?

Overview
	Major differences between technical and other forms of writing		What's a spec?
	Documentation standards		What? There's no spec?
	Parts of a "typical" book		Know your audience
	What is task-oriented documentation?		Delivery media
	Creating a task-oriented outline		The Tech Writer's Toolbox

Editing and indexing

Editing
	Technical editing vs. copy editing vs. production editing		Editing checklists
	Style guides		Time constraints--when reality rears its ugly head
	Your editor is your friend (really!)

Indexing
	Basic requirements of the technical end user		Building a usable index
	The purpose of an index		Cross-references
	Indexing conventions		Implementation issues

What do course participants have to say about the class?

I really feel like I'm walking away from this a better tech writer, a better editor of my own work, and with a clearer view of the importance of the craft.

[The training supplement] is very valuable because it contains many of the things I always wanted to know but always was much too embarrassed to ask.

I really enjoyed the Tech Writing 101 class. I have found it recently quite helpful in organizing my thoughts and paring down my language. Though the project I'm working on is only half done, I will generate a much more usable book.

Customizing this class

We can customize this class to meet the needs of your project team and deliver it as a private class at your location or ours. For example, we can focus on tips and trends in software documentation or conventions in medical writing.

To inquire about a customized version of this class, please send a note to training@scriptorium.com including a description of the special topics you'd like covered and the dates you'd like the class taught. Generally, you should request a customized class at least 6 weeks in advance, although occasionally we can deliver custom classes sooner, depending on instructor availability.