Complete Guide to Writing & Producing Technical Manuals

A step-by-step guide through the entire process of preparing andpublishing high-quality technical manuals The Complete Guide to Writing and Producing Technical Manuals showsthe reader how to create clear, well-organized technical manualsfor any equipment, simple or complex. Requiring no specializedbackground knowledge, this unique guide lays out all the aspects ofthe job--from initial concept to final publication. The authordraws on more than twenty-five years' experience as a technicianand technical writer to provide authoritative, easy-to-followinstructions on how to organize detailed technical information intoa finished, high-quality technical manual. Major topics include: * Planning procedures for technical manuals * Manual types and arrangements, including operation manuals,maintenance and repair instructions, illustrated parts lists, andmore * Layout and format, including sample page layouts * Writing style and technical editing techniques * Front matter and introductions * Illustration and table preparation, including typical charts,diagrams, and illustrations * Preparing camera-ready copy * Printing and binding * Organizing a technical handbook department * And much more Fully illustrated and supported by handy appendices and a glossaryof technical terms, The Complete Guide to Writing and ProducingTechnical Manuals is an indispensable reference for all engineers,scientists, and technical writers who need to produce effective,professional technical manuals.

LESLIE M HAYDON is a technical writer and technician who has produced technical manuals for both the military and private industry for over twenty-five years. In addition to serving as an electronics technician with the Royal Australian Air Force, he has worked for Philips Electronics and Ontario Hydro. He is currently employed as a technical writer for the Canadian aerospace industry.