The deadline for technical writer applications is July 9, 2020 at 18:00 UTC.
What is Season of Docs?
Documentation is essential to the adoption of open source projects as well as to the success of their communities. Season of Docs brings together technical writers and open source projects to foster collaboration and improve documentation in the open source space. You can find out more about the program on the introduction page of the website.During the program, technical writers spend a few months working closely with an open source community. They bring their technical writing expertise to the project's documentation and, at the same time, learn about the open source project and new technologies.
Mentors from open source projects work with the technical writers to improve the project's documentation and processes. Together, they may choose to build a new documentation set, redesign the existing docs, or improve and document the project's contribution procedures and onboarding experience.
How do I take part in Season of Docs as a technical writer?
First, take a look at the technical writer guide on the website, which includes information on eligibility and the application process.Explore the list of participating organizations and their project ideas. When you find one or more projects that interest you, you should approach the relevant open source organization directly to discuss project ideas.
Then, read the information on creating a technical writing application and submit it via this form. The deadline for technical writer applications is July 9, 2020 at 18:00 UTC.
Is there a stipend for participating technical writers?
Yes. There is an optional stipend available to the accepted technical writers. The stipend amount is calculated based on the technical writer's home location. See the technical writer stipends page for more information.What kind of mentor will I be working with?
Season of Docs mentors are not necessarily technical writers, and they may have little experience in technical communication. They're members of an open source organization who know the value of good documentation and who are experienced in open source processes and tools.The relationship between you and your mentors is a collaboration. You bring documentation experience and skills to the open source organization. Your mentors contribute their knowledge of open source and code. Together, you can develop technical documentation and improve the open source project's processes.
What if I have a full time job and don't have many hours per week to devote to Season of Docs?
In the technical writer application, there is an option to apply for a long-running project, which allows technical writers to complete their project in five months instead of the standard three months. This must be agreed upon with the open source organization before work begins.If you have any questions about the program, please email us at season-of-docs-support@googlegroups.com.
General timeline
| June 9 – July 9 | Technical writers submit their proposals to Season of Docs |
| August 16 | Google announces the accepted technical writer projects |
| August 17 – September 13 | Community bonding: Technical writers get to know mentors and the open source community, and refine their projects in collaboration with their mentors |
| September 14 – December 5 | Technical writers work with open source mentors on the accepted projects, and submit their work at the end of the period |
| January 6, 2021 | Google publishes the list of successfully-completed projects |
Join us
Explore the Season of Docs website at g.co/seasonofdocs to learn more about participating in the program. Use our logo and other promotional resources to spread the word. Examine the timeline, check out the FAQ, and apply now!By Kassandra Dhillon and Erin McKean, Google Open Source
