Freelance Technical Writer
For Dave’s LinkedIn Profile
I spent four years as a free-lance technical writer. In that time, I developed certain working standards for me to write quality documents.
Team Structure
I regard technical writing as a team
effort, with people of different skills and priorities.
The client is the master of this
team. He/she has the vision of where the document needs to go. The client will
use me in one of two ways:
1. Main Writer: The client provides me
with a basic outline of the project. I take that outline and write the first
draft. I expect the client to review it and offer suggestions. With this review,
I have a better understanding of the client and the document. And with my
suggestions, the client might see new possibilities to take the document in a
better direction. In my experience, good writing takes at least five rounds of review,
reflection, and revision to create a high-quality document.
2. Structural Editor: The client does most of the writing. I will look at his/her drafts, analyzing the flow, guideposts, paragraphs, and sentences. I will offer suggestions, which the client is free to accept or reject. Again, five rounds should be planned for to attain a great document. A side benefit is the client will be learning some better writing techniques from me.
Here is what I won’t do for the client:
1. Tight Deadlines and Tight Budgets:
Quality is not possible with these restrictions. The client should give lots of
lead time and sufficient funds if I am involved in a project.
2. Research: Sorry! In these days of
“alternate facts,” I will leave the client to determine what is true or not.
3. Copy Editor: When we are
approaching the final copy, the team needs to find a copy editor to fix all the
typos and grammar gremlins. Looking at my own work in this way has proven that
I’m not the best person for this task.
4. Layout: I can make a reasonable document in MS-WORD. But a professional look requires other publishing platforms. The team will have to find professionals skilled in that software.
Writing Skills
As a hobby for many years, I have developed an alternative democracy. You can get a sample of my written work at www.tiereddemocraticgovernance.org
My Areas of Expertise
My working life has put me in several professions where I can easily grasp many topics and start writing without a big learning curve: 1. Petroleum Industry, 2. Agriculture, 3. Business, 4. English Language Training, 5. Politics & Democracy, and 6. High School Math & Science
My fees are C$25 per hour, GST exempt. There are various ways to effect payment. Remote work only.
Outside Canada Clients
My fees are US$25 per hour. Paypal will be the payment mechanism. Remote work only.
Trial
I will put about 20 hours into your document. Then I will submit an invoice. When it is paid, I shall continue on the project. If you are not getting value for my work, don’t pay the invoice.
Conclusion
These are the terms that should provide a good client/writer match for my
skills. With this good match, we can create a quality document your users
deserve.
