Experienced Technical Writer and Editor
Resume:
Steve Arrants
Writing. Editing. Content.
*** ******* **** ** *. South Burlington VT 05403
********@*****.***
Summary
Here's where I tell you that I'm an "experienced and creative writer, editor, and communicator who designs and
executes great user documentation."
That's true--I am! But that's not the whole story of my 25-year career devoted to investigating, organizing, and
explaining things in accessible and friendly ways. I've created documents used on the Space Shuttle. I've
managed award-winning websites for a leading news site. I've helped companies both large and small bring
their documentation online while reducing costs and shrinking schedules.
Don't think of me as just a writer. I'm also an experienced editor and editorial manager. I'm extremely proud of
the information I've created and the people I've helped to develop along the way--and I'm thankful to them as
well! I'm very good at taking complex concepts and making them useful and easy to understand. How? Just ask.
Let's have a conversation.
Specialties
Online and print documentation design and production, technical writing and editing, web site production,
content management, CRM
Experience
Documentation Manager at Data Innovations LLC
March 2013 - July 2014 (1 year 5 months)
• Moved all print documentation (user guides, training materials) to WebHelp format, giving end users
more responsive documentation, better searching, and better discoverability.
• Single-sourcing WebHelp, print materials, and training guides
• Directed and managed three writers on a new documentation and publishing process.
Technical Writer (staff) at MBF Bioscience
March 2004 - March 2013 (9 years 1 month)
• Completing move to EPub and Print on Demand, which will result in savings on printing, shipping,
storage.
• Document eleven software applications, application notes, and installation and configuration
guides for scientific products in print and online formats, utilizing a newly implemented single-source
solution.
• Observe user tasks in software applications and conduct analysis to determine documentation setup.
• Edit all corporate marketing materials and produce books for subsidiary MBF Press.
• Manage editorial for company websites, blog, and on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
• Provide editorial support and direction to Technical Support group and Marketing/Sales.
3 recommendations available upon request
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Senior Technical Writer (contract) at Medical Manager Practice Services, a WebMD Company
September 2002 - December 2003 (1 year 4 months)
• Created documentation for FQHC medical practice management software using a single-source
publishing system generating print, online, support, and interactive tutorials while meeting all dates and
deliverables on time.
• Oversaw production of all documentation, including marketing and compliance documents.
• Saved 20% in costs by performing in-house printing and binding of documents.
• Managed one on-site and two off-site writers.
• Conducted sales force training on new features of software.
Senior Technical Writer (contract) at iDrive/Anuvio Technologies
December 2001 - June 2002 (7 months)
• Created technical documentation for internal and external (partner) use, including white
papers, programming /API references, and tutorials.
• Designed and delivered online help for Cellular / PDA combos.
Writing Manager (staff) at ROIDirect.com
April 2000 - November 2001 (1 year 8 months)
• Directed the production of all internal and external documentation for an e-commerce/CRM company.
• Managed multiple projects by setting project goals, allocating resources (8 direct reports),
establishing deadlines, and monitoring progress.
• Worked with QA and Development to put into place publishing systems that achieved measurably
greater productivity.
Senior Editor (staff) at CNET
February 1998 - March 2000 (2 years 2 months)
• Created and directed all content, tone, and style for Web site while overseeing all production.
• Oversaw a successful redesign and relaunch of the Web site in 1999, which included fresh content
and user-driven articles and tutorials.
• Handled a $3 million budget and was responsible for determining business strategy, hiring,
staff development, and management of eight staff and numerous freelancers.
• Worked with senior editors of other CNET Web sites to schedule and determine content stories and
with advertisers and agencies to better position and deliver advertisements.
• Analyzed Web ratings to determine content for audiences.
Senior Writer and Trainer (contract and staff) at CNET
February 1997 - February 1998 (1 year 1 month)
• Designed and wrote documentation for internal proprietary software, including standards, practices,
and procedures guidelines for CNET sites and CNET partner content.
• Trained over 300 staff members on internal software and procedures.
Documentation Manager (staff) at Applied Business Technology
January 1996 - February 1997 (1 year 2 months)
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• Directed 16 bi-coastal writers and editors, scheduling all documentation from design to distribution.
• Led a successful documentation redesign for online delivery.
• Modularized documentation, allowing for ease of reuse for different audiences and delivery
mechanisms.
• Coordinated and implemented the transfer of documentation operations from New York to
California, preparing documentation group for integration with a merger partner’s operations in
Massachusetts.
Senior Online Writer (staff) at Autodesk
June 1993 - December 1995 (2 years 7 months)
• Wrote end-user product documentation for AutoCAD and associated products.
• Directed the design and migration of print documentation to online Help format.
• Created online demos and tutorials for end-users.
Manager of User Documentation (staff) at Reference Software International
April 1992 - May 1993 (1 year 2 months)
• Supervised and coordinated documentation group (20 direct reports in San Francisco and New
Mexico) activities for all end-user and technical documentation on dictionary and grammar products.
• Merged and transferred documentation operations in San Francisco and New Mexico to our merger
partner in Utah, Word Perfect Corporation.
Senior Technical Writer (staff) at Microsoft Corporation
December 1986 - March 1992 (5 years 4 months)
• Wrote product documentation for end users.
• Participated in the design on Microsoft Online Help system and software tools.
• Documented programming reference manuals for Microsoft Word, Word for Windows, and other
products.
1 recommendation available upon request
Certifications
Madcap Advanced Developer
Madcap Software December 2012
Skills & Expertise
Technical Writing
Content Management
Online Help
Technical Communication
Software Documentation
Technical Documentation
MadCap Flare
Single Sourcing
Editing
Adobe Acrobat
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Manuals
Blogging
RoboHelp
Training Manuals
Microsoft Office
Technical Editing
Publishing
FrameMaker
Usability Testing
Online Publishing
Online Help Development
Web Content Management
Copy Editing
Web Content
SnagIt
Content Strategy
DITA
Release Notes
Style Guides Information
Architecture Wikis
Content Development
Information Design
Document Design
Camtasia
WordPress
Microsoft Excel
Guides
Captivate
User Assistance
Information Mapping
Articulate Storyline
HTML/XML Document
Management InDesign
ePub Articulate
Suite
Videos for demos and docs
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Publications
Building Your Own Website
O'Reilly and Associates September 1996
Authors: Steve Arrants, Susan Peck
This is a hands-on reference for Windows® 95 and Windows NT™ users who want to host a site on the
Web or on a corporate intranet. This step-by-step guide will have you creating live Web pages in minutes.
You'll also learn how to connect your Web to information in other Windows applications, such as word
processing documents and databases. The book is packed with examples and tutorials on every aspect of
Web management, and it includes the highly acclaimed WebSite™ 1.1 server software on CD-ROM
Designing Windows 95 Help: A Guide to Creating Online Documents
Que January 1996
Authors: Steve Arrants, Mary Deaton, Cheryl Lockett-Zuback
*I was a contributor, not a co-author for this book.*
A comprehensive, professional-level reference on building Windows 95 Help systems and other interactive
on-line documentation. The CD-ROM included with the book provides many example Help systems and
templates which are illustrated in the text. In addition, the multimedia source material is included which
can be used for testing and creating new multimedia applications.
Languages
(Native or bilingual proficiency) (Full
English
professional proficiency) (Limited working
Latin
proficiency) (Professional working
Hebrew
proficiency)
Greek, Ancient (to 1453)
Education
McMaster University
MA coursework, Anthropology, 1979 - 1981
Drew University
BA, Anthropology, Classics, 1975 - 1979
Interests
Cooking, films, being out and about with the dog.
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Steve Arrants
Writing. Editing. Content.
********@*****.***
4 people have recommended Steve
"Steve's mastery of the English language is a fantastic tool that he uses to communicate complex ideas
through documentation. His genuine excitement for the work he does and passion that he brings to his work
is contagious. Seeing his work ethic and the way in which he communicated ideas had a large impact on the
growth I made as a young professional. Working with Steve is a pleasure."
Casey X. Starnes, Technical Writing Intern, MBF Bioscience, reported to Steve at MBF Bioscience
"Steve is a very talented technical writer and editor who handles projects with enthusiasm, intelligence, and
responsibility. Extremely flexible to schedule changes and very receptive to new ideas, he provides stellar
work for demanding projects in terms of complexity, time, and skills required. I don't know how he does it,
but he manages to document over half a dozen extremely complex products each year and still has time to
provide management and support for company websites. Steve is a great colleague, sharing his knowledge
and skills with those around him. His excellent time and resource management as well as his curiosity
makes him both comfortable and adaptable to different environments. I sincerely miss working with Steve
and would highly recommend him as an asset to any company."
Michelle Murray, International Sales Liaison and Marketing Coordinator, MBF Bioscience, worked
directly with Steve at MBF Bioscience
"I've worked with Steve Arrants for over six years. He's consistently worked hard on our extensive and
detailed technical documentation."
Geoff Greene, Chief Scientific Applications Officer, MBF Bioscience, worked with Steve at MBF
Bioscience
"I loved working with Steve. I was new to Microsoft when I first met him. Through the many years we
worked together, he was a mentor, a friend, and a technical writer who loved to think outside the box. I miss
working with him, and envy others who have that opportunity."
Mary Deaton, Technical editor and writer, Microsoft, worked directly with Steve at Microsoft
Contact Steve on LinkedIn
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