TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Patty Marco wondered <<My greatest desire, however, is to
write about something I understand and love which is crafts. I
know it sounds hokey! Yes, crafts are my passion. Not just
one kind of craft, all crafts! Can anyone tell me how to get
into technical writing for crafts?>>
A great starting place would be your local library or magazine
stand: scope out all the crafts-related publications that interest
you, and send a letter to their editors (with a stamped, self-
addressed envelope) requesting a copy of their guidelines for
authors. Then write feature articles for them... technical
writing of a very different sort from the usual "select the
nobble button and finagle it" stuff that obsesses us.
While you're at it, look for any advertisements from big-ticket
advertisers and drop them a line too; they probably have the
budget to afford freelancers. And before you leave the
library, have a look at the "Writer's Market 199X" series of
books; they usually have lots of good references for
publishers involved in various niche markets.
