I’m a seasoned technical writer with extensive experience in user guides, software documentation, and API documentation. In addition to enjoying translating complex technical concepts into clear, user-friendly documentation, I have a proven track record of leading documentation teams, improving content usability, and implementing innovative documentation strategies. I have expertise in MadCap Flare and other authoring tools, creating API documentation, and working with development teams using Agile methodologies.
Technical Skills
- Technical Writing Tools: MadCap Flare, RoboHelp, Microsoft Word, FrameMaker, Enunciate
- Version Control & Collaboration: Git, Bitbucket, Confluence, Jira, ToroiseSVN
- Web Technologies: HTML, XML, CSS, Regular Expressions
- Design & Usability: Visio, Photoshop
Professional Experience
SirsiDynix, Lehi, Utah (2008–2025)
Documentation Team Manager/Senior Technical Writer
- Led a team of technical writers, standardizing documentation styles, tools, and formats.
- Developed API and SDK documentation, enabling seamless third-party integrations.
- Spearheaded a documentation usability initiative, improving user engagement and efficiency.
- Recommended and implemented MadCap Flare, streamlining single-source authoring.
- Created help systems, setup guides, and release notes, adhering to Agile methodologies.
- Conducted hiring interviews, evaluated writing tests, and mentored new writers.
Ancestry, Provo, Utah (2007–2012)
Technical Writer Consultant
- Designed and developed online help documentation for the next-generation Family Tree Maker.
- Created an intuitive, multi-access documentation structure, including context-sensitive links.
- Used RoboHelp to create topics, hyperlinks, and an interactive table of contents.
- Collaborated with testers to ensure documentation accuracy and usability.
LexisNexis Screening Solutions, Orem, Utah (2006–2007)
Technical Writer Consultant
- Developed integration documentation for background search requests in applicant tracking systems.
- Authored the Application Integration XML Gateway Guide, detailing field descriptions and references.
Additional Experience
- NetDeposit (2006) – Documented tasks for check digitization and transport on Windows & Solaris.
- Galton Technologies / Thomson Prometric (2000–2006) – Created user guides and training materials, reducing customer support calls.
- Allen Communication (1998–2000) – Wrote training scripts for a variety of corporations and government entities.
- WordPerfect / Novell (1991–1998) – Led a documentation team for GroupWise for Macintosh and researched email-delivered training.
Portfolio
This section lists examples of my writing from previous projects. Unfortunately, because of company policies and changing computer formats, I am not able to include more recent or more representative samples of my writing.
Galton Technologies/Thomson Prometric
Galton Technologies/Thomson Prometric provided services and software to companies building certification for their products. They provided psychometric reviews and consulting, workshops for building testing questions, and software for creating, delivering, and managing tests. My job included creating the documentation for the BenchMark line of test item creation, whitepapers for all deliverables and services, and formatting training guides.
LexisNexis Screening Solutions
LexisNexis Screening Solutions provided and API for background screening searches to clients. The API was provided through a XML gateway, which I documented in the linked PDF file. I worked with the developers of the gateway to verify the accuracy of the content and the effectiveness of the format.
Steven B. Christensen | Senior Technical Writer 