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I'm a Technical Communication student, Bachelor level, and am considering a
move straight into contract or freelance work.
My work experience in Technical Writing totals 2 years--although this is
not serial and has not been completed with any one firm. I've also been
told this is the minimum expected from contractors as a general rule of
thumb although, typically, it is gained in one environment.
Now, I consider myself to be competent and very quick on the uptake, with a
good grasp of both writing tools and complex concepts. So I most certainly
do not want the question of "undercutting" established writers to be
raised. Also, I am fully aware that there are hidden costs that wise
contractors bear such as professional indemnity insurance and that any
rate--beit hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or for a complete job--will take
this and other costs into account.
I would consider over-pricing myself to be similarly unprofessional at this
stage.
My experience of jobhunting in the field has largely been with agencies,
but with their permanent-staff divisions. As a result, contracting rates
have been dangled in a specifically vague manner. Lucrative being one word
associated with contracting in my more recent experience. But no hard
figures.
I would like to stress I have not, to date, accepted a post offered through
any of these channels. Starting salaries have so far been a little too low.
Just a little, admittedly. But, Dickens-like, I've continued in my
impoverished happiness rather than bite at a Micawber of luxurious misery.
Attire or a tyre is not a choice I want to make.
So I'm wondering whether any kind contractors here, specifically UK-based
authors if the spelling hasn't given it away already, would be willing to
advise me on what they consider a reasonable rate for someone who wants to
work themselves out of a job at the first opportunity, and can.
Obviously, I'll modify my rate accordingly ;?).
Many thanks in advance.
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