John Cook

Prior to working in technical communication, I worked in public special education. The majority of my time involved working with middle school dyslexic students. I’ve also worked with severely emotionally disturbed kids and adolescents in residential psychiatric treatment, multi-severely handicapped, autistic, and more.

As a technical writer, I transform complex, system-centered language into task-based, user-centered, plain English.

I'm a versatile and collaborative writer with broad experience developing documentation, help systems, videos, and training simulations. I follow industry and department processes, standards, and methods that include:

• A standard process that includes project estimating and tracking

• Standard templates and methods that improve work efficiency

• A structured writing methodology and authoritative publishing standards:

  • The Information Mapping methodology

  • The Chicago Manual of Style

  • The Microsoft Writing Style Guide

I’ve written and illustrated documentation for:

• Electronic Data Systems/Blue Shield of California (Health insurance)

• McHugh Freeman (Warehouse management software)

• M&I Data Systems (Financial software)

• Catalyst International (Warehouse management software)

• HK Systems (Warehouse management software)

• Adecco/Johnson Controls (Training for Customer Service adoption of PeopleSoft)

• Compuware/Assurant Health (Documentation for the Enterprise Architecture team)

• CoreLogic (Residential and commercial property replacement cost software for insurance industry)

• Innovative Interfaces (Public library software)