The Underrated Value of Technical Authors

Technical authors are more than writers. Managers underestimate our skills and the value we bring to projects. Writing may be our core responsibility, but the role goes far beyond that—bridging gaps, solving problems, and simplifying the complex.

I often wonder if junior technical writers on LinkedIn realise the vast opportunities that are available to them in this field. I didn't see it when I started, either. Dealing with difficult bosses and colleagues made me want to leave the profession early on. But I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did. Over time, the role offered a chance to write, grow, and develop an incredible skill set across diverse industries.

What makes technical authors unique is our ability to learn and adapt. I have gained invaluable knowledge in

• incident management,
• change,
• problem-solving,
• capacity planning,
• ISO 27001,
• ITSM,
• PCI compliance,
• policy, process development, and
• disaster recovery.

While not a subject-matter expert, I know enough to understand the context behind each project.

For example, creating ISO 27001 documentation requires understanding information security management. Drafting disaster recovery plans involves grasping risk mitigation and system recovery strategies. These are not surface-level insights; they require engagement, analysis, and collaboration to ensure the documentation meets its purpose.

Staying in this field taught me resilience and the importance of adapting to challenges. It also revealed technical authors' significant, often unrecognised, impact on organisations. We're not just writers but facilitators, translators, analysts, and problem-solvers. Our work doesn't just support projects; it enhances them by making complex information accessible and actionable.

So, to those just starting, remember that the opportunities are there, even if they're not apparent. Managers don't underestimate the talents of technical authors. We're more than just note-takers.

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