We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What does a Freelance Technical Writer do?

By Misty Amber Brighton
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

A freelance technical writer might be called on to create college textbooks or technical manuals for high-tech equipment. He could also write articles for technical newspapers or magazines. In some cases, content could be created for different websites as well. A technical writer may work from home on a contractual basis, which means he is hired only to perform a certain task.

High-tech equipment, such as a computer or a cell phone, often comes with a user's manual. A freelance technical writer often develops these manuals. Extensive knowledge is needed about the features of the device he is asked to write about. He could also have played a part in developing the product.

A number of technical publications might employ the services of a technical freelance writer. This could be to create newspaper or magazine articles on a regular basis. He might also be asked to submit a feature article on a one-time basis. These may feature a byline, or short summary of the writer's skills and experience.

The Internet is another avenue where a freelance technical writer can be used. Websites dealing with technical issues may need someone to write on various topics. This type of work is normally assigned on a piece rate basis, which means the writer is paid for each individual article they submit.

Most of the time, a freelance technical writer works from the comfort of his own home. He may submit his work to a company via the Internet. Normally, a computer with word processing software and an Internet connection is all that is needed to complete his assignments.

People who are interested in this type of work should be knowledgeable about different types of technology. They should also be able to quickly learn how to use high-tech devices. Good grammar and punctuation skills are also necessary for a freelance technical writer.

These positions are often advertised on freelance employment sites. A freelance technical writer might also be recruited through word of mouth. People might also create their own website and advertise their writing services so prospective employers can contact them if their services are needed.

A freelance technical writer can create informative material for a number of different entities. This person can be important as they often have knowledge that is not possessed by the general public. People who have a great deal of technical knowledge and good writing abilities may want to consider working in this capacity.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.