Technical Writing FAQ
This Technical Writing FAQ answers the most common questions about my freelance technical writing services.
A freelance technical writer is not an employee...so how do we come to an agreement and get your project started?
And finished?
The Technical Writing FAQ explains my policies, terms, and work style. Click the links to be taken directly to the answer.
- How do I contact you?
- Do you publish a price list?
- How do I get a quote?
- Do I have to sign a contract?
- What are your payment terms?
- What do you need to get started on my project?
- How long will it take you to finish my project?
- What about revisions?
- If I cancel the project, can I get my deposit back?
- What if I still have questions?
Please keep in mind that the policies in the Technical Writing FAQ are general guidelines that I have created to protect my schedule. Not every project fits within the guidelines. That's why I work with every client on every project on an individual basis. If you have any questions or concerns about my policies, feel free to contact me. I am more than happy to discuss your concerns with you!
Note: Always refer to the terms of your proposal agreement. If there is a discrepancy between the Technical Writing FAQ and the signed agreement, the agreement takes precedence.
Technical Writing FAQ
How do I contact you?
I prefer the first contact to be through my contact form. I answer questions and requests for services within 24 hours during the week, longer on weekends.
Do you publish a price list?
I do not publish a price list. My rates are based on many factors, not just the number of pages or type of document. I provide you with a customized quote based on the actual requirements of your project.
I usually require a sample, or some other way to determine exactly what services you need. Except under rare circumstances, I quote a flat fee.
How do I get a quote?
Are you ready to discuss your project and get a quote? I create a customized quote for you based on the type of project and your specific needs. When you contact me, please be as specific as possible:
- type of project
- due date
- from scratch? rewrite?
- printing and finishing requirements
- any other information that will help me understand your project
I prefer to discuss the details of the project with the person responsible for making the final decision and who is authorized to sign the contract. This avoids communication problems and misunderstandings.
I will be as accurate as possible when quoting your project. If you cannot provide a sample or adequate information about the scope of the project, I will give you an estimate with a "best guess" price range. Please understand that under these circumstances, my estimate may be inaccurate and might need to be adjusted. If it is impossible to determine the scope of the project, I usually quote an hourly rate.
Do I have to sign a contract?
For your safety and mine, I require a signed agreement that outlines the scope of the project and my fees.
I will sign a Confidentiality Agreement (NDA) for any client who requests it. Please submit your company Non-Disclosure Agreement when you send me your sample materials. Please include your fax number so I can sign it and fax it back to you.
If you do not have a company NDA, I can provide a generic one that is sufficient for most circumstances.
Note: Always refer to the terms of signed agreement. If there is a discrepancy between the Technical Writing FAQ and the agreement, the signed agreement takes precedence.
What are your payment terms?
I require half the project cost up front as a deposit, with the balance due at completion. If a project is expected to take three weeks or more to complete, I bill for work completed to-date in two week increments. This will be outlined in the proposal.
I accept these forms of payment:
- Company checks
- Bank transfers
- Cash
- Paypal
What do you need to get started on my project?
I need the following before I start work on any project:
- Signed proposal agreement
- Deposit check
Your project start date is considered pending until I receive the signed agreement and deposit check.
How long will it take you to finish my project?
How long it takes to complete the work depends on the size and type of project. Expect that I need a minimum of one to two weeks to complete small projects. Large projects may take several months. Due dates will be discussed with you when you request a quote.
If you request a rush job or if I determine that the due date requires me to work overtime to complete it, I will charge for a rush job. Rush job rates are higher than my normal rates. I will discuss this with you when you contact me.
What about revisions?
Flat Fee Projects
Drafts for review and revisions are included in the project fee. I am happy to make revisions just as long as the assignment hasn't changed or you have not altered the document. Send me the changes you want me to make within 30 days after I submit your copy and I will make the revisions as soon as possible. I want you to be satisfied with the document I create for you!
Hourly Fee Projects
Clients paying an hourly rate will be charged the same rate for revisions.
Change of Scope
If the revisions you request change the scope of the project after I have started work, the terms of the proposal will need to be renegotiated.
If I cancel the project, can I get my deposit back?
If you need to cancel or postpone the project after I have already started work, I do not refund the deposit. If I have not started work but already processed the payment, I will refund the deposit minus a $50 administrative fee.
What if I still have questions?
If you still have questions that are not answered in the Technical Writing FAQ, please don't hesitate to contact me for more information.
Wrapping Up
Thank-you for considering me for your freelance writing project! I am pleased to offer:
- Friendly, customized service
- Satisfaction guaranteed
- Credit and debit card payments (USD) processed through PayPal
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I look forward to working with you!
