Consulting & Contract Job Information Wanted

[Kathy Russell <krussell -at- USA -dot- NET>]

OK, this greenhorn is going to try her first post. Stand back!

Tommy Trussell asked:
>>Can anyone recommend a favorite book with information and advice on
contract work? <<

One you might try is "Technical Writer's Freelancing Guide" by Peter Kent
($12.95, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., New York -- ISBN 0-8069-5836-7). I
found it a good introductory guide to working independent, especially
negotiations. He doesn't go into a lot of detail on contracts, but makes the
essential point that a contract is anything in writing that represents a
good faith agreement between two sane people.

An old hand once told my STC meeting that one of her favorite tricks was to
negotiate for better conditions and other perks if the client wouldn't go
past a certain hourly rate: "OK, I can't have $35 an hour, so how about an
office with a door?"

When in doubt, paying $50 or $100 upfront to your own hired gun can be a
good investment. We're all fast learners, but there is some value to getting
an expert opinion from time to time. Besides, whenever I say "Based on my
attorney's recommendations..." the discussion immediately jumps to a higher
plane.

Good for you for not letting those "seminar" hustlers rip you off.


Kathy Russell
(krussell -at- usa -dot- net)
Independent Tech Writer
Colorado Springs, Colorado