Does your company need structured documentation?

Structured authoring is the future of technical publications. It's now possible to create tool-neutral content that can be re-used, managed centrally, fine-tuned by audience, translated and localized efficiently, and distributed simultaneously in multiple formats. Compared with the alternatives, it's affordable and smart to "go structured" — and the faster you get there the more time and money you'll save.

If you've not already heard the drumbeat of "do more with less", you will soon. And if you're asked to reduce Tech Pubs' distribution, translation/localization, labor, and training costs while delivering better content more quickly, Synergistech has your solution.

How can I do more with less?

The answer is to structure your documentation. In practice, this means applying a template to your content that fits your specific needs and keeps you organized. To realize the benefits of international standards and the latest authoring and information-management tools, apply the DITA content template. DITA is an XML-based architecture for authoring, producing, and delivering technical information.

Won't structured authoring cramp Tech Writers' style?

Many Technical Writers fear having structure imposed upon them. They're professionals with their own 'voices' who are concerned about the flow and progression of their prose and how best to meet their audience's needs. But adopting structure need not be a constraint on Tech Writers' craft. Properly implemented, structured documents retain their character and liberate the author to be more efficient.

Who can show me how to implement structured authoring?

Synergistech can introduce you to consultants to design DITA-based authoring environments and help migrate your unstructured documentation to them. They'll set up your tools and templates, show you which parts of your existing doc set correspond to DITA's task, concept, and reference topic types, automate the conversion, optimize the whole process, and leave you fully empowered to continue independently. By contrast with the "big name" experts, these consultants work in the trenches and are committed to showing you — not merely telling you — how to achieve your goals.

What else can these magicians do?

These consultants can customize in-person training for you and your team, identify infrastructural improvements such as appropriate authoring tools and document-management systems, and even suggest ways to optimize your ongoing authoring process. One of them even has a production team available to make quick work of converting your doc set for you.

What does this service cost?

Consultants introduced by Synergistech set their rates depending on the specific tasks and timeframe involved. Those rates range from $40/hr to $125/hr on a 1099 basis, and can be bid on a project (milestone-based) or retainer basis if appropriate. Consultants meet with you initially then periodically as agreed, but you can expect them to perform most services offsite. Synergistech guarantees these consultants' credentials and is pleased to supply references at the conclusion of your (no-obligation) evaluation process.

What's my next step?

To explore the fastest, most efficient way to lower your technical information development costs, call or email us today.

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