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Writing the First Draft, Part 1

I got a great request from John in a comment. He suggested blogging about how technical writers prepare their first drafts--how they get started creating a document out of a bunch of facts and features. That's such an interesting topic I'd like to get as many people as I can to talk about how they do it.

I start with my own experience and then talk with two of the writers on my team, Norm Estabrook and McLean Schofield. The drafting process for each of us starts with gathering all the available information into some central location and then organizing it, but we each have our own methods for gathering and organizing.


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Published Tuesday, August 22, 2006 9:18 AM by HarryMiller

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Friday, August 25, 2006 5:37 PM by Bernardo Sanchez

# re: Writing the First Draft, Part 1

I usually start by searching on the web for basic concepts and gathering the information. Generally I prefer to look for people who are experts or related to the subject area and look for a slot of their time to catch their insight. I also look for documents which might be similar or related to the one I have to produce.

For step two I have some basic templates for the types of documents I have to produce, so I just brainstorm and fill the template up.

Once I feel I have enough information and have a decent mind map of the subject area in my brain, I start to organize the information and write the draft of the document.
Saturday, December 02, 2006 5:59 PM by Steve Gerson

# re: Writing the First Draft, Part 1

I always begin by visiting with my client.  We discuss the project's needs, parameters, goals, missions, etc.  Then, I make a mental outline (just a quick list of what components the project will included).  

After this list, I start filling in the blanks, drafting the text.  Of course, to draft, I do research (usually online).  The research not only lets me see what's new in the field but also research provides checks and balances for me.  That is, I want to make sure that my thoughts on a project are correct before I proceed.

After the draft, I read and re-read the text, looking for holes.  When I find areas that haven't been fully developed, I add new information.

The final phase is to get feedback from my client.  They review a draft to make sure what I have written fits their needs.  This leads to revision and implementation.

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