Technical Documentation Specialist

Elise       elisewriter@netscape.net       


accomplishments

Proven Technical Writer with over 10 years
writing and editing hundreds of technical, user,
and marketing publications.

publications

Have written both printed and on-line documents for data management, network & telecommunications, client/server, graphics, and database software, and hardware products.

  

Skills & Strengths

Scheduled and organized documentation
projects. Background managing projects
and supervising staffs.

software skills

Commended on performance reviews
for work excellence.

positions held

Includes technical writing and supervising.

 

 

 

 

   

Designed and wrote HTML publications: web pages, technical documents
  Adhering to in-house, corporate client styles, or an original style, developed HTML publications, intranet website, and a personal web site.
  • Designed and wrote HTML publications for a data management Java applet that tracked research studies, users were researchers and lab technicians. HTML publication included a tutorial, overview, installation, procedures, index, glossary, with sufficient links to allow easy access to all information. (Contract Technical Writer to Biotech firm through TecStandards, Inc., 1998)

  • Developed office intranet which provided current product status, newsletters, office events, and links to useful sites. (Technical Writer at GRCI/QSI 1995-1997)

  • Designed personal website (www.escwriter.com) that uses CSS (cascading style sheets), JavaScript for menus, and presents technical writing information. (1999)

Defined publications from concept to completion
  Identified required resources (man-hours, equipment, software), worked with printing vendors,
and created schedules.
  • Defined documentation resources/schedule: During planning of new and updated software product releases, estimated the scope and complexity of product and publications, including user task analysis and time/budget to complete project. Factored in the estimated product launch date to define resources (staff, equipment, software) and to develop the specific schedule. (At Ventura Software, a Xerox subsidiary 1987-93 and GRC International 1995-96.)
Created the format, design and layout for easy readability, and usability to provide easy access to information, help infrequent users perform specific tasks, and provide details for experienced users.
  • Redesigned GRCI/QSI WAN Designer Product user guide and newsletter to improve usability and to coordinate with new company logo.
  • Developed and wrote HTML on-line product introduction/user guide, designed with menus, index, and sufficient links to allow easy access to all information. (At biotech firm, 1998)

Designed, wrote, and revised printed publications for diverse products
  Databases and library management systems

Communication and data storage products

WAN pricing, design, optimization software Desktop publishing applications

Desktop publishing applications

Database and database publishing packages

Presentation and graphic packages

Workstations, computers, scanners, printers, and communications, equipment

Designed, wrote, and revised on-line documentation (PDF, HTML, Help)
  Communications and data storage products

Graphics applications

WAN pricing, design, optimization software

Database and library management systems

Edited graphical user interface, and terms for consistency
  Contributed to the design, help tips, and labels for software programs, including
a Java data management applet.

Researched product functionality and enhancements
  Reviewed competitive products, identified customer requests, and participated in product planning meetings

Coordinated product localization activities
  Supported translators and editors by answering technical product and grammatical questions.

Set up method for tracking progress, and followed up as needed to meet schedule.

Met aggressive schedules
  For new and updated publications: estimated page count, screen captures, procedures, and man-hours.

Communicated often with developers and testers to anticipate changes; helped determine
"UI freeze" date; included last-minute changes in on-line documents, such as release notes.
 
accomplishments     publications     software skills     positions held

 

 

 

   

Writing skills include:
  Use the right tool - knowledge of various software

Quickly comprehend product

Attend to quality: technical & grammatical accuracy, consistent terms, clear and concise procedures

Maintain proper mix of images and text

Account for the audience of publication

Work well with peers and other departments


Managing skills include:
  Resource and Schedule Planning

Establishing departments

Identifying team efforts & delegating tasks

Establishing liaisons with other departments, managers, and outside vendors
   
 
accomplishments     publications     software skills     positions held

 

 

 

 

 

   

On-line and Printed Publications
  User and Reference Software Guides

Administrative Guides

Installation Guides

Training Tutorials and Workbooks

Technical Hardware Manuals

Product Specifications

Product Test Procedures

Product Release Notes

Technical Newsletters

Technical Bulletins

Product Literature and Data Sheets

Adobe PDF Manuals

HTML Documentation & Pages

On-line Help
 
accomplishments     skills & strengths     software skills     positions held

 

 

 

 

 

   
Software skills  
  Desktop Publishing
  • PageMaker
  • FrameMaker
  • Ventura Publisher
 
Word Processing
  • Microsoft Word
  • Ami Pro
  • Word Perfect
 
On-line
  • RoboHelp
  • FrontPage
  • HotDog Professional
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Trellix
 
Environment
  • DOS
  • Windows
  • Macintosh
  • Sun (Solaris)
 
Graphics Applications
  • Paint Shop Pro
  • Designer
  • PowerPoint
  • AdPro
 
Database/Spreadsheets
  • dBase
  • Access
  • FileMaker
  • FormBase
  • Database Publisher
  • Lotus Notes
  • Excel
   
  accomplishments     publications     skills & strengths     positions held

 

   
Positions Held  
  Technical Writer through Technical Standards, Inc., San Diego
           (Data management and biotech software products)

Technical Writer at Stac, Inc., San Diego
           (Storage, backup, and communications products)

Writer/Supervisor User Documentation at GRC International and QSI., San Diego, CA
           (WAN design, pricing, optimizing products)

Technical Writer through Manpower Technical

Supervisor/Manager, Quality Assurance/Docs/CustomerSupport at
Ventura Software, Inc.(a Xerox company) San Diego
           (Database publishing, desktop publishing, and graphics products)

Technical Writer at Xerox Corporation, Dallas, TX
           (Networks, personal computers, printers, communication products)

Engineering Aide at Xerox Corporation, Dallas, TX

Sr. Customer Support Rep at Xerox Corporation, Dallas, TX

 

Member of Society for Technical Communication
 
accomplishments     publications     skills & strengths     software skills