Unveiling the True Potential of Technical Authors: More Than Just Writers

Don’t let the title of Technical Author fool you. Regardless of your opinion, do not underestimate us. We have the potential to offer unexpected help in more ways than one. Allow me to dispel the myth regarding our identity.

Misconceptions About Technical Authors

Not Just Software Developers

If I had proficiency in BASIC, C/C++, Java, etc., I would earn significantly more as a developer. While I receive calls for API documentation, a skill requiring familiarity with code, my primary focus remains on creating clear and concise technical documents.

Not Project Managers

I am not a project manager certified through Prince2, Agile Scrum, or similar programs. My project management skills are specific to technical documentation, where I manage schedules and meetings with subject matter experts (SMEs) and other stakeholders. My role does not include:

• Detailed project planning, progress evaluation, risk management, or issue resolution. For these tasks, a full-time project manager is essential.
• Secretarial duties such as organising colleagues’ schedules or taking minutes. I record my meetings and extract the relevant information for documentation purposes.

Not Departmental Experts

While familiar with the terminology, I am not an expert in every department. I learn on the job, facilitating communication and collaboration through practical verbal and written skills. My goal is to support and encourage achieving organisational goals without making the process daunting.

The True Role of a Technical Author

An External Consultant with a Plan

As an external consultant, I often use the MoSCoW method to categorise initiatives into must-haves, should-haves, could-haves, and will-not-haves (or wishful thinking). This approach ensures a structured and prioritised documentation process.

Documentation Management

Upon joining, I sift through all available documentation to identify gaps and areas for improvement. I manage documents and content using tools like SharePoint and Confluence, ensuring efficient information management for your teams.

Project Management Skills in Context

My project management skills, while not as extensive as those of a certified project manager, include:

• Designing new templates and improving the structure of existing documents.
• Documenting processes across several categories and arranging meetings with SMEs.
• Planning, writing, reviewing, publishing, and maintaining content using tried and tested methods.

Extensive Experience and Resourcefulness

With over 23 years of experience, I possess an extensive library of generic documentation and various templates. This resourcefulness lets me tweak documents to meet your business profile, saving time and money.

ITIL and ITSM Expertise

I have experience producing IT Service Management (ITSM) documents based on ITIL best practices, including:

• Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement.
• Delivery and Service Support, Availability, Capacity, and IT Service Continuity Management.
• Incident, Problem, Change, Release, Configuration Management, and Service Desk documentation.
• Policy, Process & Standards documentation for ISO27001/9001 compliance, GDPR, PCI/DSS, and security projects.
• Disaster recovery scenario documentation.
• Infrastructure documentation to support large-scale networks and recently migrated infrastructures.

Editing and Enhancing Existing Content

I can enhance existing content by adding VISIO drawings, new screenshots, rewording policies, adding narratives, and creating new templates. I am also skilled at ensuring consistency and structure in Word documents.

Tools and Techniques

I keep projects on track using spreadsheets, MS Word, PowerPoint, and VISIO. I also suggest ways to maintain up-to-date and current documentation, treating information as an invaluable asset.

SharePoint and Confluence Management

If you lack a documentation strategy, I can create a plan tailored to your needs. Proper management includes ensuring documentation is available to all staff, appropriately updated, rewritten, and archived. Ownership, version control, and historical control are critical aspects of effective

documentation management.

Key Benefits of Effective Technical Documentation

Implementing adequate technical documentation can lead to the following:

• Reduced costs.
• A more responsive help desk/support system.
• Better-informed staff and confidence in performing procedures.

By recognising the true potential of Technical Authors, organisations can leverage their skills to achieve greater efficiency, clarity, and overall

success.