Derek Maness
Fort Collins,CO
Summary
Seasoned Technical Writer with a proven track record, adept in creating and enhancing user documentation through meticulous content optimization. I excel in transforming complex information into accessible content, significantly improving user comprehension.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Writer
Veolia Water Technologies
01.2018 - 07.2024
- Researched, drafted, and edited operation and maintenance manuals, quick-start guides, and other user documentation for Sievers Analytical Instruments water quality monitoring equipment.
- Created validation documentation for FDA compliance for pharmacological customers.
- Observed in-progress operations to identify important steps for technical instructions.
- Proofread copy written by colleagues to correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
KDB Writer
Qualfon Fort Collins
10.2011 - 07.2017
- Researched, developed, wrote, and edited technical support documentation for more than 300 agents supporting the TiVo account.
- Distilled complex technical processes and concepts into knowledge articles suitable for users of all experience levels.
- Created and maintained a departmental style guide for Qualfon Learning & Development (L&D).
- Copyedited disaster-recovery and risk-assessment documents and templates for Qualfon's Global Director of L&D.
Freelancer
Self
05.2000 - 08.2011
- Wrote case studies and white papers, and edited articles on a freelance basis for Penton Technology Media (formerly Duke Communications).
- As senior editor and online editor for Liberty Ink Journal, acquired articles, edited them according to Chicago Manual of Style and AP guidelines, developed writers, and managed the blog.
- Wrote concert and CD reviews and interviewed local performers for Riff Music Magazine.
Associate Editor
Penton Technology Media
01.2005 - 02.2009
- Edited technical magazine articles for grammar, tone, consistency, and accuracy.
- Co-edited articles with other editors to ensure perfection.
- Communicated with writers, industry leaders, and subject-matter experts.
- Contributed to monthly editorial and art meetings for each issue.
- Published and distributed email newsletters.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Technical Journalism
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, COSkills
- Adobe InDesign, Framemaker, Illustrator
- User documentation production
- Editing and proofreading
- Software documentation
- User manual maintenance
- Content development and optimization
- Documentation management
- Process documentation
Timeline
Technical Writer
Veolia Water Technologies
01.2018 - 07.2024
KDB Writer
Qualfon Fort Collins
10.2011 - 07.2017
Associate Editor
Penton Technology Media
01.2005 - 02.2009
Freelancer
Self
05.2000 - 08.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Technical Journalism
Colorado State University
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