Finding Topics to Write About

Explore TCBOK by browsing in each of the four content areas. Use the Index to browse an alphabetical list by topic titles. Use the full text search to see all pages containing the search terms.

Think of a topic you would be interested in writing about. Find out if there is already a page for it. If there is a page, respect the work already done, but feel free to add subtopics or annotated sources.. If you find a topic to write about that does not have a page, create a new page. Add your name to indicate that you have started working on it.

Research and Write a Page

1. Do some research to answer this question: What 5 to 7 references on this topic would be the most useful for technical communicators to consult? Start your search at http://tc.eserver.org, which has bibliographic records for thousands of STC-published articles and papers in addition to other references.
2. Write an introductory overview to explain the importance of the topic to technical communicators. If you have authored a slide deck or article related to this topic, include it as an attachment, with a short introduction, or link to it on the Web.
3. Provide bibliographic information for the references you want to recommend, using APA style. Include links to where source material can be accessed on the Web. Write a brief note about each reference describing what makes it worth reading.
4. In a credit line at the bottom of the page, add your name and any status notes, ideas, or requests for potential collaborators.