Technical Writing services
We provide you with a dynamic background in technical communication services including copyediting, process documentation, and document design.
We also research and compose white papers. Our web-based services canvass a broad range of needs including online documentation and other information services.
Projects & Samples
Technical writing tools include InDesign, Framemaker, Publisher, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, and HTML Help Workshop, online formats, and other open-source formats. The projects listing below indicated which projects use which tools.
Projects are subcategorized by the type of project, then listed in reverse chronological order. Sample PDFs (accessible through links in listed projects) may be viewed using Adobe Reader. Most creative content is protected and some items are viewable only online.
If you do not have Adobe Reader, you may download the latest version of it at no cost (see below).
- "Organic Demand: A Profile of Consumers in the Fresh Produce Market" by Choices ~ *Word
- Various articles
Articles, Publications & Writing Projects
- The business blog The Penny Farthing Commuter, spanning topics on the industry, technology, announcements, reviews, staff interests, and other anecdotes (2010 & ongoing)
- "Seattle Bookfest Takes Off!" for Indexers Ink (2010) ~ *Word (source program) | published in *InDesign
- "What is Your Kholrabi?" for Indexers Ink (2010) ~ *Word (source program) | published in *InDesign
- "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" for Indexers Ink (2010) ~ *Word (source program) | published in *InDesign
- "A Solopreneur and a Caregiver: Five Ways to Manage It" for Biznik (2010) ~ *Word (source program) | submitted online | screened by Biznik staff
- "When Preparation Meets Opportunity: Your 'Plan B' is Waiting in the Wings" for Biznik (2009) ~ *Word (source program) | submitted online | screened by Biznik staff
- "Memories of a Sonics Great" for the Seattle Times (2009) ~ *Word (source program) | edits by media staff
- "The Art of Indexing" for Indexers Ink (2008) ~ *Word (source program)
- Peru Travel Journal (2008) ~ *FrameMaker
- Italy Travel Journal (2006) ~ *FrameMaker
- "District Complex will Feature Traditional O'odham Designs" for Wa:K Newsletter ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2002) ~ *Publisher
- "Community Survey for District Complex" for Wa:K Newsletter ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2002) ~ *Publisher
- Over 200 blog postings involving analyses for issues spanning music, politics, and the environment (2007-present)
- Sky Index software help files ~ BCC sample (2008) ~ *HTML Help Workshop, Word
- Welcome Guide for Sun Valley Ski Lodge ~ Johnsen family (2008) ~ *InDesign ~ sample PDF to be posted soon
- How to Make a Stained Glass Sun Catcher: Copper Foil Method technical manual ~ BCC (2008) ~ *Word
- Wedding box set booklet ~ DH Enterprises (2006) ~ *Word
- Guest program for "A Country Location" ~ DH Enterprises (2006) ~ *Word
- native plant standards ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2002) ~ *Word
- view corridor standards ~ Marana, AZ (1998) ~ *Word
- hillside development standards ~ Marana, AZ (1998) ~ *Word ~ sample PDF to be posted soon
- landscaping standards ~ Marana, AZ (1998) ~ *Word
- parking and off-street loading code ~ Marana, AZ (1997) ~ *Word
- sign code and planned sign program text amendments ~ Marana, AZ (1997) ~ *Word
- zoning code text amendments ~ Marana, AZ (1996) ~ *Word
- area plan text amendments ~ Marana, AZ (1996) ~ *Word
Contracts & Requests for Proposals
- contract with JSR Associates for pre-design/design phases of District Complex ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2003) ~ *Word
- request for proposals for pre-design phase of District Complex ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2002) ~ *Word
- request for qualification statements for pre-design/design phases of District Complex ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2001) ~ *Word
- contract for construction management training ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2001) ~ *Word
Flowcharts, Procedures, & Process
- Indexing term selection process ~ Top Hat Word & Index (2009) ~ *Visio
- marketing blitz visioning strategy ~ Washington Mutual Bank (2007) ~ *Visio
- Recommendations to Mayor for amending City governmental structure ~ Brier, WA (2005) ~ *Visio
- District recycling and solid waste programs ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2003) ~ *Word
- Recommendations to various committees for restructuring of District government ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2002) ~ *Word
- historical organizational flowchart of District Planning and Housing Departments ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2002) ~ *Visio
- agency distribution list ~ San Xavier District, AZ (1999) ~ *Word
- Mission Plaza enhancements ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2002) ~ *Word
- Mission Road pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2002) ~ *Word
- Mission Plaza and Road Realignment Project ~ San Xavier District (2000-01) ~ *Word
- Interstate-19 access street improvements ~ San Xavier District (1999) ~ *Word
- Seattle Bookfest '09 (poster) ~ for Seattle Bookfest (2009) ~ *Publisher
- "Glass artist to show handicraft at Snoqualmie Ridge this Memorial Day weekend" (press release) ~ AZWA Glassworks (2008) ~ *Word
- "Meet the artist Memorial Day weekend!" (sales letter) ~ AZWA Glassworks (2008) ~ *Word
- The Priest Hole Peek, Spring 2008 edition (newsletter) ~ AZWA Glassworks (2008) ~ *Publisher
- Brier Comprehensive Plan ~ Brier, WA (2006) ~ *Word
- District Capital Improvement Plan ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2003) ~ *Word
- Wa:K Community Plan ~ San Xavier District, AZ (2002) ~ *Word
- Viewshed Preservation Plan - Analysis I: Silverbell Road Corridor ~ Marana, AZ (1997) ~ *Word
- Marana General Plan ~ Town of Marana, AZ (1997) ~ *Word
- Tres Rios Greenway: A Regional Open Space Plan ~ Avondale, AZ (1995) ~ *Word
- Numerous planning and development-related reports for public officials and decision-makers (1994-2006) ~ *Word
- presentation to City Council on state requirements for Brier Comprehensive Plan ~ Brier, WA (2005) ~ *PowerPoint
- Portfolio of planning projects in Arizona (2003) ~ *PowerPoint
- Numerous presentations on planning items to various commissions, councils, & decision-makers (1996-present) ~ *PowerPoint
- Speak to Me: Effective AAC Devices for Post-Brain Trauma Adults ~ Dynavox Corporation (2008) ~ *Word
Rates for technical communications services
Rates for technical communications vary depending on the type of job, and with the breadth of possibilities may involve cost per page (varies widely) or by the hour (again, it varies widely). Contact us with your ideas so we can work on a quote for you.
We provide services for copyediting, white papers, process documentation, and document design. Visiting our Topics of Experience page can give you a better idea of the many ways we can work for you.
Emailing any information or samples of your project to Paul@TopHatWordandIndex.com (in the form of PDF or Word file attachments) will allow for evaluation of the material so you may be provided with an estimate.
*denotes program used
Send your inquiries to Paul at: info@TopHatWordandIndex.com




