The 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.