Former college teacher and software developer seeks advice on getting started as a tech writer

["Tony Horowitz" <tonygh -at- verizon -dot- net>]

I have been working as a software developer for the last 12 years, and before that I worked as a college teacher for about the same length of time. I have excellent writing skills, and a lot of experience with explaining technical material with the needs of a particular audience in mind. I do not have any formal experience with technical writing, but I frequently drafted the content of user manuals when I was working as a developer, and proofread and edited existing manuals and online help systems. I think my general skills are well suited to the needs of technical writing, but I lack experience with the tools of the trade. (I do speak HTML, but only as a programmer does; and my experience presenting material in the classroom will of course need to be adapted to this new medium.)

I would like to find employment as a tech writer. A friend who is a tech writer suggested that my experience as a programmer might make me particularly suited for documenting APIs. I would appreciate any advice people have to offer on how to find employers who might be particularly interested in my skills, and willing to take a chance on someone with very little experience. Thanks in advance for any responses.
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