"But I’m Not an Expert!"—How Technical Writers Create Content Without Being One

At Writer Resource, we hear this question all the time: “How can a technical writer create content about a complex subject they’re not an expert in?”

Short answer: Technical Writers ask a lot of questions. And we’re really good at it. Most will have relevant industry or software experience, so they learn quickly and will have a good understanding of your product, service, or need.

Longer answer: Keep reading.

Most technical writers will not show up on day one of a documentation project with a PhD in chemical engineering, a pilot’s license, or insider knowledge of your proprietary supply chain. But that’s why they are so effective.

We’re the Translators

The real magic of technical writers (and training developers and medical writers, for that matter) is that we don’t come in with all the answers. Instead, tech writers come in with the right questions, a solid understanding of how users think, and a knack for turning complex stuff into content that people can understand and use.

Think of us like GPS systems. We don’t build the roads—you do. But we sure know how to chart the best path so others don’t end up in a metaphorical ditch with your equipment, app, or safety protocol.

Meet the SME (aka the Real Expert)

This is where the real fun begins.

SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) have knowledge. We have questions. Put SME's and Technical Writers in a room together (or a Teams call), and boom—content happens.

Here’s how we bridge the knowledge gap:

• We interview. Not like a job interview—more like a "please tell me how this doesn’t explode" conversation.

  
  

• We research. Yes, we Google. But also dig through past documentation, audit trails, specs, even sticky notes on whiteboards.

  
  

• We observe. Sometimes the best way to write a work instruction is to literally watch someone do the job while we take notes like a caffeinated court reporter.

  
  

• We write and confirm. We draft it, send it back to the SME, and they say, “That’s mostly right except step six.” So we fix step six.

  
  

Tools of the Trade (Besides Coffee)

Good technical communicators rely on more than just intuition. We bring:

• Structured authoring tools and templates that speed up clarity and consistency

• An ear for audience needs—because writing for a field technician is very different than writing for a regulatory auditor

• Version control and feedback workflows (because nobody wants 16 versions of the same SOP floating around)

• A healthy fear of jargon (if we don’t understand it, your user definitely won’t - will will fix that!)

  
  

What We Don’t Do

• Pretend we’re experts

• Skip SME reviews (nope, not even once)

• Create documentation in a vacuum

  
  

We work with your experts to make sure your docs are accurate, easy to follow, and genuinely useful. Our goal isn’t to look smart—it’s to make you look smart (and compliant... and efficient... and polished... you get the idea).

What You Need

You don’t need your technical writer to be an expert in your field. You need them to be an expert in your audience—and how to craft content that’s clear, correct, and doesn’t cause someone to panic mid-process.

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At Writer Resource, we specialize in providing contract technical writers, training developers, and medical writers who know how to work with SMEs, manage documentation projects efficiently, and deliver exactly what your team needs—without needing to be the ones who built the thing in the first place.

Need help translating expert knowledge into usable documentation?Let’s talk.