TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Brian Ford wrote:
>
> Hi there techwr group,I've been approached by an organization to help
with a technical
> document as a contractor and haven't a clue what to ask for in terms
of salary.
And David Castro wrote:
Domain knowledge is *so* much more valuable than writing experience,
most of the time.
******************************
Absolutely. Be sure to check with one of the many quality, ISO
registration, and/or process improvement consulting companies who will
bring a team of systems analysts, etc., and whip everything together
within three months for $25,000. The hourly rate usually breaks down to
about $150 per team member for a minimal team of six engineers. And
then your company still has to provide the tech writers, secretaries,
and document control clerks.
You are going in as an independent consultant? You need a very tight
contract and an experienced contract attorney to review it before you
sign.
You like these guys and want to help them? Tell them the going rate
available elsewhere (the $150/hr. for six months for six engineers) and
then make your counter pitch for a rate of $100 (or $75, but nothing
less than $50 because font-fondlers still can get that in New Jersey)
and access to a clerk/secretary for some of the grunt work. And be sure
you're offering the lower rate because you like them and they're local.
Whatever you end with, doing your homework and negotiating a win-win
shows that you know what your skills are worth. There is nothing wrong
with that.
They can also find a young lady on the internet who offers "technical
writing" for $10 per hour. I've seen her work. She knows what she's
worth, too.
Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
