Re: Greetings from a Newb...
My short term plan is to collect my best work and do someA reasonable plan. You might have a look at some open source projects, too.
volunteer work with a local group to build a decent portfolio and then
start shopping it local contract agencies looking to get on a team or
small project.
Who provides software?If you're a contractor, generally you do. But you can write it off as a business expense.
Do I need aIf you work on site, most of the time your client will supply a computer. If you work at home, then you do - again, you should be able to write it off.
laptop or will a workstation be provided (this is a biggy, I am in the
market to replace one of my PCs at home, I don't need a laptop but if it
would help in this area I will get one instead of a desktop)?
A laptop may not be necessary, but it's very handy to have one, especially if you have multiple clients.
I wouldn't call myself highly skilled in anything but Word and Acrobat, do IThat depends. Can you work with them to a reasonable level? Does the job require them?
even bother to mention the other stuff?
I manage Wintel boxes, but prefer to work on a Mac, do i state a preference or just be glad to get work,Stating a preference might rob you of work. Unless you're determined to avoid Intel machines, I suggest you just mention that you can work on both.
even though I am clearly more productive on a Mac?
What kind of terms andThis is a huge area to research. You might start by looking through the archives for comments on these subjects.
conditions are standard for this sort of thing?
What type of contractCheck whether the agency handles tech-writers. Avoid agencies that charge you, rather than the company - they are often unreputable, and, even if they aren't, why pay if you can avoid it?
agency should I approach, I know one type of contract agency does not fit
every job?
One thing you didn't ask, but should know is that your sysadmin background, properly mentioned, could give you a big boost. Many technical writers don't have your kind of expertise, and those who do can sometimes command higher pay.
These are just brief replies, but I hope they help some.
--
Bruce Byfield bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com 604.421.7177
http://members.axion.net/~bbyfield
"There's a fading beauty talking in riddles,
Rome burns down and everybody fiddles,
Poor deportee,
But a thousand dollars won't buy an American wife, alas,
There's a thousand years' history in that whiskey glass."
- Elvis Costello, "The Deportee Club"
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