This was the first meeting of the Tech Comm Café in 2022. The group opened with personal introductions and a discussion about the upcoming open house and portfolio webinars. New guests were welcomed, as were returning guests from the technical writing field.
Someone asked what to do when a client wants a book to be edited on the publisher’s platform, using software that allows comments but not revisions. As a further complication, this client suggested that the book would take 30 minutes to edit, although it was over 150 pages. After a lively discussion, the group offered several suggestions:
- Put the editing changes into an Excel document for the author to make the changes.
- Next time, ask for a word count so that you can determine a fair price and estimate the amount of time needed.
- Ask the client to contact the publisher for permission to edit the document if it must be held on their server.
- Ask the client to provide a Word or PDF file that allows editing.
The next point concerned unsolicited email. We need to find a balance between keeping communication open and protecting personal data, but it is common to receive requests for guest slots in meetings, guest posts on websites, promotion of outside events, or job offers from unknown and possibly questionable contacts. For example, be cautious about a job offer from a personal (not company) email address, or one signed with only a first name rather than a corporate signature block.
Someone else asked how to write about a subject that you have no knowledge of. Most felt that dealing with new material was positive and interesting, and that subject matter experts (SMEs) can be very helpful. Some key ideas could help to create efficient and professional relationships with others:
- Research the subject before meeting the SME.
- Remind the SME that “I am not a wizard, you are the SME.”
- Record any meetings with the SME so you can check information without requiring multiple contacts.
- Add a statement to your contract specifying that “It is the client’s responsibility to check the accuracy of the content after the edits.”
- It is OK to say “No” if you don’t feel comfortable.
- When making notes, write on only one side of the page so that you can use the other for related follow-up research.
Finally, the group was reminded of the STC events calendar, which lists upcoming webinars and online social events.
The Tech Comm Café provides networking opportunities, job leads, answers to work-related dilemmas, and a burst of professional energy to keep you motivated. We discuss technical writing tools and techniques, career planning, portfolios, and anything else related to working as a technical communicator.
We welcome anyone who’s interested in technical communication — contractor, in-house, student, long-time tech writer, STC member, non-member, career-changer, or recruiter. We hope to see you at the next meeting!
Next Meeting: ONLINE on Wednesday, February 16, 2022
• Subscribe to receive email announcements of future meetings.
• If you plan to attend, please RSVP by 4 p.m. Wednesday, February 16, to receive login instructions.
Date: Wednesday, February 16
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Location: Online via Zoom
Agenda
1. Introductions. Take 60 seconds to introduce yourself, your background, current activities. A good chance to try out that new elevator speech.
2. Announcements and job leads. If you know of an interesting event or a job opening, or you’re looking for work, share it with the group.
3. Brainstorming Q&A. Ask about a work-related problem and discuss potential solutions.
4. Speed networking. Make new contacts and discuss your professional backgrounds and goals.
Beverley Burrows-Pym is a student at Douglas College (Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication). New to Canada, she is an avid reader and writer, making a career change from a life in Education.