TECHWR-L Digest, Vol 29, Issue 28

[Melanie Blank]

Jim,

I was just laughing in horror at the schedule your management suggested for
your project. People who are not involved in documentation, especially
managers, often have NO IDEA of what we do and how much time and effort and
skill it takes!!!! Not to mention - the intelligence and educational
background required. I just love the job postings I sometimes see for Tech
Writers, where they indicate "GED or H.S. Diploma required" and are offering
$9-14/hour. (Sigh....)

I have seen ranges from 2 - 7 hours per page for a typical complex technical
document, such as a user guide. This is supposed to include research,
planning and review meetings, writing, and editing, working with SMEs,
graphic artists and whomever else. I have usually settled on something in
the middle, like 4-5 hours. So much depends on the complexity of the product
and/or the project.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Mel (Melanie)