How to Launch Your Career as a Tech Writer
by John Knight
I don’t have a university degree or formal qualifications, I’m just an IT nerd writing for tech magazines.
Although it’s not my only topic, I usually write about Linux: a free and open operating system, distributed and protected under a public licence. When people learn that I write for computer/tech magazines they often ask me how I got started and how they can do the same.
How to Get Started as a Tech Writer
I always say the best place to start is by writing free articles somewhere you can experiment and gain exposure. Blogs are a dime-a-dozen, and aren’t likely to impress experienced editors, but something like a popular technology or gaming website can be a good way to stand out.
My start came almost by accident. I was a spotty 19-year-old wondering what it would take to start an Australian Linux magazine, and the idea caught on with fellow Aussie Linux users. Although we never made it to the print stage, we did have an online magazine, LinMagAu.org. We were all just volunteers, but that meant I was free to experiment.
When some articles became popular I quickly learned what did and didn’t work from all the angry comments! After doing my first interview our editor told me it was very professional, which surprised me as a young man. LinMagAu didn’t last, but as we wrapped up, she said that I had a real future as a tech writer and I should pursue it.
Don’t Be Afraid to Approach Editors with Your Ideas
Armed with some experience, I followed her advice and went looking for paid work. A popular Linux news website had a “Write For Us” page. I contacted the editor using my LinMagAu articles as a reference and he gave me a shot. The pay wouldn’t make anyone rich, but it was a great starting point, and it was fantastic seeing some of my articles get translated into multiple languages.
Soon a new experimental publication appeared, Tux Magazine – a digital magazine focused on making the Linux desktop easier for novices. I emailed the editor with my ideas, which he liked, and soon I had a regular gig at a much better pay rate.
We only lasted twenty issues at Tux, but we developed a strong readership and had some great material. Although Tux Magazine got cancelled, its owners promoted our editor from Tux Magazine to its serious big brother, Linux Journal. He always liked my stuff and asked me to join his writing pool.
Your Goal: Create a Body of Work You Can Show Other Editors
Now this was a serious step up: a traditional print magazine on the shelf of almost every news agent, with twice the pay. After testing me out with an article or two, I soon scored a monthly gig as Linux Journal’s new projects columnist. That was one of the best gigs I’ve ever had – it paid well and I had an established format I could just slot into each month.
Unfortunately the global financial crisis hit hard and eventually killed off the magazine. (It has since been resurrected, but now only exists in electronic form). Nevertheless, I now had a serious body of work to my name, and went on to experiment with other kinds of writing, such as motoring, and music.
For the last few years I’ve been writing for Linux Format in the UK. Our editor is great at getting the best from writers and has given me new opportunities, like reviewing games, hardware, and writing creative tutorials.
Recently I had my first cover feature – ten pages covering the history of computing, and how to emulate it on modern hardware. That was my biggest writing challenge by far, and it takes pride of place in my portfolio.
5 Tips to Help You Create a Tech-Writing Career
1. Search for the Words “Write for Us”
Whether you just want to write in tech or do paid writing in general, search for the term “write for us” in every search engine you can think of – Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo – everything. You will be amazed at some of the opportunities awaiting your response.
2. Read Elements of Style
The best advice I ever received was if you lack formal training, read the Elements of Style, by Strunk and White. Although the language can get a bit technical sometimes, this is a small book that will fast-forward your abilities to write attractive text that is easily digested.
3. Make it Punchy
Specific to tech writing, I have learned two chief principles:
- Omit needless words.
- Try to use the active voice (google it if you don’t know what that means, it’s worth it).
More than anywhere else, tech writing needs to be short, punchy, and to the point – people are wading through pages of documentation with a stress headache and don’t want to waste time deciphering fancy language.
4. Develop a Thick Skin
When you start pitching articles, know that most editors are pretty blunt, as they don’t have time to sugar coat things, so you’ll need to develop a thick skin. Try not to take knock-backs too personally – if an editor rejects an idea, they have at least thought about your proposal, so keep pitching. If they weren’t interested at all, most simply wouldn’t reply.
5. Don’t Give Up on Print
I won’t lie, although print magazines are glamorous and garner respect, it’s a dying industry. Most people read articles online nowadays, and traditional magazines are becoming more of a boutique item for enthusiasts.
Of the printed magazine work that still exists, those of us that remain are beginning to fight over scraps. Disposable young bloggers are tempting to some undiscerning employers because they shout the loudest and often work for very cheap rates.
Nevertheless, there is still strong demand for more experienced writers willing to write well-researched pieces of genuine substance. And if you can land a job in documentation, those gigs can be very lucrative.
Still, there’s nothing quite as impressive as having a shiny magazine in your portfolio and sliding it across an employer’s desk. Even if you’re not making a lot of money from magazine work, it’s worth trying if only to advertise yourself to a large audience.
When he isn’t running away from snakes and spiders in Australia, John Knight is probably drumming, writing books about drumming, or playing video games in French. He can usually be found somewhere near an old Commodore 64.
For more information about John and his work, please see his website and online portfolio.
John is currently accepting commissions.
