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.
I've never been a contract writer myself, but I'd like to know more about
what it's like, what a contact house looks for in a writer (tool knowledge
and experience), what kind of hours you're expected to work, whether you can
work part of the time from home, and so on.
If you're an independent contractor, I'd like to know how you got started
and what advice do you have for someone who's considering that career path
(dream)? What kind of experience and tool knowledge do you recommend (what
do clients expect)? How do you get your work? What problems do you have?
Any good books on the topic?
