Yes, writing is a skill that can be learned. However, learning is a long process and the success of learning how to write effectively is highly dependent on the length of training and actual writing and the person’s interest in writing. Another truth is that sometimes in an organization, there is scarcity of people who are effective in writing highly technical documents. In cases like these, most managers— and much more managers should— hire technical writing consultant.

What is a technical writing consultant? A technical writing consultant is an expert in drafting technical papers such as proposals, reports and other organizational documentations needed for business transactions and operations. While technical writers are very skilled in drafting structures and doing highly technical papers such as research papers, dissertations, thesis and other academic papers, terminal reports, drafting of assessment and evaluation tools, a technical writing consultant does not necessarily need to do the actual writer. They can be considered as business consultants who can pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of the organization based on the documents that have been drafted as tool of the organizations’ operations.

There are many reasons why individuals and organizations need to hire a professional help of consultants of technical writing. Below are only few of the reasons:

1. Lack of personal or organizational capacity to perform effective writing for personal or organizational needs.

2. Lack of experience in drafting and identifying organizational requirements that are needed to be documented in paper.

3. Lack of time. These writing professionals have honed their skills and abilities to write technical documents within a short period of time.

4. Uncertainty of appropriate documentation structures and style of writing in documents.

5. Lack of ability to put ideas into writing.

6. Lack of ability and knowledge to use the required jargons and language.

7. To ensure good quality of documentation and specified written requirements.

8. Lack of particularly experience or knowledge of the industry. Good writers, even those with skills in technical writing, may not be equipped with experience and knowledge on the assigned field or industry.

9. To save time. Time is a resource that is highly valuable to all organizations. Technical writing, especially for those inexperienced, may take quite a long time.

10. Hiring a technical writing expert may help the organization to learn how to draft technical reports appropriate for the nature of business or operations of the company.

There are many reasons to hire a technical writing consultant. Professionals in the field may be able to provide valuable contribution to the organization and may be able to effectively deliver written requirements and documents necessarily for the growth and efficient operations of the company. Professionals in this field excel in using appropriate jargons and document structures employing their experience and knowledge in the industry and/or field. However, it is important to be wise in hiring such consultant. Look at the track record, field or industry of expertise and the ability to listen and communicate.