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Subject:Re: Questions To Ask Of Tech Writing Firms From:"Steve Schwarzman" <steve -at- writersbookmall -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Mon, 10 May 2004 16:17:38 -0400
Dianne wrote:
> I have been charged with selecting a local technical writing firm to
create our tech pubs.
> [...] What questions should I be sure to ask of the tech writing firms as
they make their sales pitch?
I'd break the questions down into various areas:
- technical: as per some of the previous responses, can they do what you
need them to using your technologies?
- business: how do they charge for what level of service?
- management: can they meet your specifications for project management, or
do their specs suit you? How responsive are they?
- personalities: in addition to the above, do you feel comfortable working
with them?
Be aware that the sales people will be knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to
make sure you get what you need. But that's the nature of sales pitches. You
might find it helpful to pay an extended visit, or series of visits, at
their locations to see what they're really about. Talk to the worker bees,
not just the managers or salespeople. Get a sense not only of their
abilities, but also of their feeling about their organization. Talk to them
about the projects they've done before (and what problems they had in them,
and how they overcame them), and look at the samples. Talk to other
customers of these companies, and pay visits to them as well. For what I
assume is not a small contract, these vendors should be happy to put you in
touch with their customers.
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