TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Discuss: Third party manuals? From:Robert Plamondon <robert -at- PLAMONDON -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 17 Apr 1995 06:37:13 PDT
> "Geoff Hart asked: <<If we do such a great job documenting software,
> why are so many people making a good living writing third party "how
> to" books? What are they doing right and what are we doing wrong?>>"
Making a good living? Are you serious? While nonfiction is a lot
steadier than fiction writing, few people make from their books what
we make in our salaries. I'll bet that the average computer book
makes less than $10,000 for the author; and that the average "big
name" (Microsoft Press, etc.) book makes less than $20,000. Not to
mention that you run out of areas in which you can write with speed
and authority pretty quickly. It makes being a salaried Technical
Writer look like the lap of luxury.
Most book authors write in their spare time, while holding down a
steady job.
-- Robert
--
Robert Plamondon * Writer * robert -at- plamondon -dot- com * (408) 321-8771
4271 North First Street, #106 * San Jose * California * 95134-1215
"Writing is like plumbing -- even people who know how to do it will
pay top dollar to keep their hands clean."
