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Subject:RE: Looking for scientific/hardware writing opps From:Tom Johnson <johnsont -at- starcutter -dot- com> To:TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Mon, 15 May 2000 07:55:00 -0400
Anonymous,
Sorry, I do not have any specific agencies I can point you to, but there
are still many of us who don't write about software and computers. I work
in a sector known as "machine tools" which includes things like milling
machines, lathes, grinding machines and lots of other equipment that is
fairly sophisticated and makes manufacturing much more precise than it used
to be. The machine tools we build here take a piece of tool steel, or
carbide, and make a drill bit out of it. Part of my job has been to
describe features on drill bits and other cutting tools and write
descriptions of what adjustments an operator needs to make to make a
perfect tool. Most of that work could be done with the simplest of word
processors, but we are looking at ways of automating the process to reuse
common descriptions. Describing cutting tool geometry is a challenge and I
know there are lots of other industries out there that need people whose
forte is good solid writing. One example I can think of is engineering
firms that write up proposals for projects. Things like material moving
equipment, farm equipment (although this is getting more and more
computerized), heavy off-road equipment (bulldozers and the like) still
need operation and maintenance manuals. There is lots of work out there,
the trick is finding it. Here's the catch, using a computer makes it a lot
easier to track down leads. A computer can help you search classified ads,
corporate web pages and job banks for jobs in your particular field. Happy
hunting!
On Sunday, May 14, 2000 8:56 AM, anonfwd -at- raycomm -dot- com
[SMTP:anonfwd -at- raycomm -dot- com] wrote:
>
> Are there any freelance technical job opportunities for writers and
> editors who specialize in topics other than computer hardware and
> software? Are all freelancers and contract writers/editors now required
to
> have framemaker and robohelp as part of their software packages? Are
there
> any good resources or contract agencies who actively seek or hire persons
> to do the "old" version of technical writing/editing such as talking
about
> scientific and laboratory, or medical and legal matters, descriptions of
> aircraft engines, mechanical parts and machinery, and various kinds of
> engineering systems that don't involve strictly computer languages?
>
>
Tom Johnson
Technical Writer
Elk Rapids Engineering Div., Star Cutter Company
johnsont -at- starcutter -dot- com - work
thomasj -at- freeway -dot- net - personal
