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.
Re: FWD: Resources for Do's and Don't of Contracting
Subject:Re: FWD: Resources for Do's and Don't of Contracting From:"Stephen D. Murphy" <sdmurphy -at- SHEPARD-PATTERSON -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 2 Sep 1998 09:46:39 -0400
Peter Kent's book, Making Money in Technical Writing, discusses this in
some detail, including a chapter that will help you figure out what your
hourly rate must be in order to equate to your permanent salary
(accounting for taxes, benefits, etc.). There is a lot of discussion of
rates in general and how to approach this very problem. You may find it
helpful -- good luck!
Steve Murphy
Senior Technical Writer, Shepard-Patterson & Associates
2001 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 209
Arlington, Virginia
Voice: (703) 412-5072 Fax: (703) 412-5078
sdmurphy -at- shepard-patterson -dot- com http://www.shepard-patterson.com
-------------------------------------------
Adobe Certified Expert - FrameMaker, Acrobat
murphus -at- idsonline -dot- com http://www.murphus.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Porrello, Leonard [SMTP:leonard -dot- porrello -at- COMPAQ -dot- COM]
> Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 1998 9:08 AM
> To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject: Re: FWD: Resources for Do's and Don't of Contracting
>
> On John's point below, exactly how does one get the highest rate? I
> have
> researched the archive on this issue, but I still have the following
> questions. I really need concrete and specific information.
>
> For my current job I write, edit, and fully manage my projects from
> start to
> finish. I work with developers, from engineering specs, and with the
> application to create and maintain the document suite for which I am
> responsible.
>
> Exactly how does all of that translate into $$$ when I negotiate my
> salary?
> How does one arrive at a wage to ask for and how does one justify it
> to an
> employer--potential or current?