Editing Technical writer (section)

==Characteristics==
Proficient technical writers have the ability to create, assimilate, and convey technical material in a concise and effective manner. They may specialize in a particular area but must have a good understanding of the products they describe.<ref name=whatdoyou/> For example, [[API writer]]s primarily work on [[Application programming interface|API]] documents, while other technical writers specialize in [[electronic commerce]], manufacturing, scientific, or [[Medical writing|medical]] material.<ref name=whatdoyou>[http://www.wisegeek.org/what-does-a-technical-writer-do.htm What Does a Technical Writer Do?] Wisegeek, Copyright © 2003 - 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2013.</ref>

Technical writers gather information from many sources. Their information sources are usually scattered throughout an organization, which can range from developers to marketing departments.

According to Markel,<ref>Markel, M. (2015). Introduction to technical communication. In ''Technical Communication'' (pp. 7-9). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's</ref> useful technical documents are measured by eight characteristics: "honesty, clarity, accuracy, comprehensiveness, accessibility, conciseness, professional appearance, and correctness." Technical writers are focused on using their careful research to create effective documents that meet these eight characteristics.