Writing

Writing

How to Learn Grant Writing Skills

Looking to learn grant writing skills to advance your career or support your organization? The need for grant writing expertise is substantial – organizations in various industries are actively pursuing financial backing for their initiatives. As grant funding becomes increasingly competitive, professionals with grant writing expertise are in high demand. Developing these skills can open doors to numerous opportunities and contribute to the success of your organization or career. Ranging...
Writing

10 Best Medical Writing Examples to Inspire You

Becoming a medical writer isn’t rocket science, but takes time and consistency. If you want to become one, it helps to shadow senior medical writers and learn from the best examples online. This guide will shed light on the best medical writing examples to help you get started in medical writing. Medical writing is a specialized form of copywriting covering medical news, clinical reports, research papers, and more. The accuracy...
Writing

XML vs DITA: What’s the Difference?

XML is a text-centric markup language derived from Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML). Making the move to structured authoring with XML offers many benefits for documentation departments. However, moving from an unstructured authoring environment to a structured authoring environment requires effort and resources, is time-consuming, and can be expensive. DITA is an XML-based open-standard architecture for document representation. DITA can help with making the move to structured authoring. If you’re...
Writing

What is Single Source Authoring?

Do you want to know what single-source authoring is and why it is considered the best practice? You are at the right place. In this article, we cover everything from the explanation of single source authoring to its history, features, and uses.  What Does Single Source Authoring Mean? Single source authoring is a disciplined and efficient methodology used by a technical writer to increase the reuse of existing content instead...
Writing

What is XML Authoring?

XML authoring refers to the use of XML for authoring technical documentation, books, and other types of technical publications and documents. XML authoring differs from today’s dominant authoring paradigm, which is desktop publishing. Documentation departments can increase productivity and realize significant cost savings by switching to structured authoring with XML.[1][2] If you’re interested in learning more about XML authoring via video, then watch below. Otherwise, skip ahead. What is XML?...
Writing

Best Technical Writing Metrics to Track

What you track is what you focus on. That is why it is important to select the right technical writing metrics. You can track technical writing metrics that focus on quantity and those that focus on quality. Furthermore, technical writers and their managers need to track different technical writing metrics. Quantitative Technical Writing Metrics The following is a list of quantitative technical writing metrics you can track to increase and...
Writing

What is Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA)?

DITA, or Darwin Information Typing Architecture, is an open standard, end-to-end architecture for Extensible Markup Language (XML) used for creating, structuring, and delivering technical information in different forms. In the beginning, IBM developed DITA to reuse the content in product documentation in an efficient manner. But later, in 2004, IBM donated its DITA work to the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) for further development and release...
Writing

Best Technical Writing Books 2024

Whether you are an aspiring technical writer, a technical writer who is new to the field, or an experienced technical writer, books on technical writing written by experts can help you learn new skills and grow in your career. There are other avenues for learning about technical and professional communication such as technical writing courses and training. However, books offer the following advantages not found in other avenues of learning:...
Writing

What is a Subject Matter Expert (SME)?

A subject matter expert or SME is an expert or authority in their field. In the organizational context, a subject matter expert is an authority on a specific area, practice, process, hardware, software, or technology. An organization with multiple divisions and departments can have several subject matter experts within each division and department. To learn more via video, then watch below. Otherwise, skip ahead. Examples of Subject Matter Experts Here...
Writing

What is Grant Writing?

Grant writing is the practice of applying for financial assistance from a trust, fundraising foundation, government department, or agency. It is also referred to as a grant submission or grant proposal. Whether you are trying to get a foot in the door for your new startup or boost your established business, you need funding. Grants are an excellent source of financing for companies and organizations, as they provide free money...
Writing

What is Business Writing?

Business writing is a communication channel companies use to communicate with their internal and external audience. It includes emails, memos, letters, reports, and marketing materials. The primary purpose of business writing is to inform or persuade the reader to take action. It offers comprehensive information to customers, clients, suppliers, and other business partners professionally. Business writing needs to be clear, compelling, and free of errors. Types of Business Writing The...
Writing

What is Proposal Writing?

Proposal writing is a document that outlines a plan of action, request for funding, or proposal of an idea. Proposal writing can be used in various settings, including business, academia, and government. In each case, the goal is to present a clear and concise plan to convince the reader to approve the proposal. It offers comprehensive information about the project an organization wants to implement. It outlines the process and...