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Re: How do freelance technical writers deal with the thorny issue ofpayment?
Subject:Re: How do freelance technical writers deal with the thorny issue ofpayment? From:"Will Husa" <will -dot- husa -at- 4techwriter -dot- com> To:"Pippa Cohen" <cohenpippa -at- googlemail -dot- com>, <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Wed, 8 Aug 2007 14:17:46 -0600
Hi Pippa,
I've had short term, long term and "open end" contracts. Whenever possible,
try to get the hourly rate first. However, a first time client usually wants
a project bid. With a project bid, figure out how long you think it's going
to take, then add a margin to that figure. Be prepared to negotiate.
A couple of years ago, I bid on a project for a new client. The new client
said that if I knocked off 10%, then the project would be mine. I agreed.
The client asked for the discount with every bid on every project that I
would bid on. After a while, I made sure to add an additional margin of 10%
to my bid.
As far as terms go, I always make sure the contract says that "invoices
submitted for payment are paid within 15 days." So far, I've only had one
client who had a problem with those terms.
Be seeing you,
Will
=======================================================
Will Husa
Technical Writer of User Friendly Procedure Manuals and HTML Help
> Increasing Profits through Clear Communication <
Phone: 708.927.3569
Fax: 630-668-9283
www.4techwriter.com
==================
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pippa Cohen" <cohenpippa -at- googlemail -dot- com>
To: <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 7:34 AM
Subject: How do freelance technical writers deal with the thorny issue
ofpayment?
> I would really appreciate some advice from any freelance technical writers
> on the list.
>
> After quite a few years working as a permanent technical writer in the UK,
I
> am about to embark on a freelancing career. I have a couple of potential
> clients in the pipeline and I'd like some advice about how other freelance
> technical writers approach payment terms - specifically:
>
> - How do you decide whether to quote a fixed price, or a daily rate
> for projects?
>
>
> - For a large project that could span two or three months, is it
> reasonable to ask for a percentage of the final payment 'up front' ?
I've
> looked at various websites and opinions vary from none, right up to
50%.
>
>
> - Again, for long projects, is it the norm to stagger payments across
> agreed milestones?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Pippa.
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printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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