Mari Werner
Technical Communications
Summary of Qualifications
• Over
thirteen years of experience designing and writing user guides, help
systems, policies & procedures, and other technical documentation
• Over
twenty-four years of experience as professional writer
• Able
to quickly grasp complex technical concepts and write clear, well-organized
documentation that intended audiences can and will use
• Skilled
in technical research including interviewing and software testing
• Expert
in technical presentation and training principles
• Able
to manage and produce multiple products efficiently using an organized,
thorough, detail-oriented approach
• Strongly
product focused and experienced in steering projects through to completion
• Able
to work successfully in a team, or as sole author with minimal guidance
Experience
Independent Technical Writer Consultant 2006–Present
Clients and Projects
Epicenter Software, Pasadena, CA
• Creating
and updating online help system for software used in visualization and
statistical analysis of DNA data—includes glossary, index, screen
captures (optionally visible or hidden), and extensive cross-reference
links (using RoboHelp)
Insurance Technology Consultants, Inc. Orange, CA
• Created
help system and user’s manual for claims processing software.
Included glossary, index, screen captures, and linked cross references in
both versions. (used RoboHelp, single source)
Web Hawk Enterprises, Inc. Montrose, CA
• Created
multiple versions of web help for database management software used to
track scientific research data for JPL (used RoboHelp, single source with
multiple tables of contents)
TelSoft Solutions, Inc., Glendale, CA
• Created
user guide for telephone accounting software system—included
glossary, index, appendices, and screen captures
• Used
FrameMaker conditional text to create second
manual from single source for alternate software version
• Wrote
supplemental guides for modules of main software system
• Created,
and later updated, 80-page training manual including examples and exercises
(used FrameMaker)
The Write Connection, Laguna Hills, CA
• Helped
with updating user guides for Toshiba laptops (used FrameMaker)
BIS Computer Solutions, Inc., La Crescenta,
CA
• Edited
and reformatted user guide for database management system
InnTechnology, Glendale, CA
• Created
online documentation for software used to provide in-room services for
hospitality industry
Network Automation, Los Angeles, CA
• Redesigned,
updated, and rewrote help system for automation software—reorganized
to align with users’ purposes and needs (used RoboHelp)
• Conducted
research by testing pre-release build of system—provided valuable
feedback to developers regarding bugs and usability
Castec, Inc. (custom window shading mfr.)
North Hollywood, CA, 2001–2005
• Created
and maintained user documentation for database management systems used in
sales and inventory management—included glossaries, indices, flow
charts, and screen captures
• Created
reference documentation and training materials for call-routing software
system
• Organized,
updated, wrote, and maintained installation instructions for over 30
different custom window shading products
• Researched
and wrote policies & procedures for sales and accounting departments
(used FrameMaker, Word, and Visio)
SeeBeyond, Inc. (now Sun Microsystems),
Monrovia, CA, 2000–2001
• Created
training programs for integration software
(used Visio and PowerPoint)
FatPipeU, Irvine, CA, 2000
• Worked
as team member designing instructional materials for broadband cable
installers—wrote text, devised practical exercises, and directed use
of illustrations
Countrywide Home Loans, Moorpark, CA, 1998, 2000 (Contract)
• Designed,
wrote, and maintained policies & procedures manual for construction
lending department—included tables, diagrams, sample forms, index,
and extensive glossary
(used Word)
Authoring Tools
Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker,
Adobe RoboHelp, Adobe Acrobat Distiller, Adobe Captivate, Microsoft Visio,
Microsoft PowerPoint, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Excel
Education
Journalism & Business, Valley College, Van Nuys, CA,
4.0 GPA, 1986, 1993
English & General Studies, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara,
CA, 1972, 1974
Affiliations & Publications
Society
for Technical Communication—Member, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
Toastmasters—Competent Toastmaster Status
Published in:
• Los Angeles Daily
News, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007
• The
Latest, 1996, 2000, 2006
• The
Buzz, 1996
• The
Valley Star, 1993
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