Technical author

Technical authors write documents and guides that explain how to use products and services. They also set out processes and regulations.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • collect and edit complex information
  • produce new documents like manuals and instructions
  • update or rewrite existing documents
  • commission photographs or illustrations
  • work on digital or multi-channel content like blogs, e-learning or podcasts
  • test what you've written with content users

Working environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a technical author with a larger organisation, or move into technical editing.

You could also move into supervisory or management roles or work as a freelance consultant.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of English language
  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • administration skills
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Most relevant

  • English Language - Technical authors spend their days writing clear, precise documents that explain complex information to different audiences. They need excellent grammar, vocabulary, and an understanding of how to structure text so that readers can follow instructions or processes easily.
  • Computer Science - Technical authors frequently write documentation for software products, APIs, and digital systems, so they need to understand how these technologies work. Many also use markup languages, version control systems, and content management tools as part of their daily workflow.

Also relevant

  • Design and Technology - Technical authors often document how physical products work, writing assembly guides, user manuals, and maintenance instructions. Understanding how products are designed and manufactured helps them describe processes and components accurately.
  • Engineering - Technical authors working in engineering sectors write documentation for machinery, systems, and technical processes. Understanding engineering principles helps them interpret complex technical information and translate it into clear instructions for users.
  • Physics - Technical authors who work in technology, electronics, or engineering sectors need to understand the scientific principles behind the products they document. A grounding in physics helps them accurately describe how devices and systems function.
  • English Literature - Technical authors benefit from the close reading and analytical skills developed through studying literature. Being able to assess how language choices affect a reader's understanding helps them write documents that are clear, well-structured, and appropriate for their audience.
  • Business - Technical authors manage projects, plan content strategies, and often work as freelance consultants. Understanding how businesses operate, how to manage budgets and timelines, and how to communicate with clients are all valuable in this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • applying directly
  • completing specialised training courses

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like:

  • science
  • computing
  • journalism
  • engineering
  • communications
  • healthcare
  • pharmaceuticals

You can do technical or science communication and writing courses at postgraduate level.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

You can apply to companies directly. Employers will expect you to have in-depth industry knowledge and experience of writing and editing in their sector.

You'll need to show you can research and interpret complex information and communicate it clearly. You'll also need to know about:

  • content planning and strategy
  • writing to brand style or other guidelines
  • user behaviour - how people read and absorb information
  • project management

You may be able to find work after doing short, specialised training courses in:

  • content planning
  • writing styles
  • quality assurance
  • costing
  • project management

The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators may have details of short courses like these and how to find them.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a technical author from the Institute of Science and Technical Communicators and the Association of British Science Writers has more information on becoming a science journalist.

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