Make More Money With Freelance Technical Writing
A freelance technical writer can earn a substantial amount more money than a “basic” freelance writer. Technical writing is often seen as geek writing, meaning that the writer in question needs to be a whiz with all things technical.
While this is often the prerogative of the employer, it isn’t just the means to the end. In fact, if you have a great ability for style, syntax and punctuation, and are able to sprinkle this with skilled writing and good computer knowledge then you are half way there to becoming a technical writer.
The role of a technical writer
In practice a technical writer serves as a go-between to readers and their problems. He is the provider of helpful solutions. The first rule of commanding your audience is to know it. As a technical writer this is key if you want repeat work. It will position you ideally to recommend solutions to your readers in order to gain their respect and trust. These solutions have otherwise not been identified and will further strengthen your position as a go-between.
Technical writers also serve as a free agent between experts and their audience and are therefore often seen as translators. If for example you are chosen to write for IBM, you have a lot of power with your [pen], allowing you to emphasize a statement or point depending on word choice. This is where technical writing becomes very complex and sometimes complicated. This is also where you can demand your own rates according to your abilities.
What many freelance writers fail to comprehend is the fact that anybody can write in the technical field as long as they know the subject at hand. This isn’t always related to technology either. In fact, Wikipedia states that technical writing is used in as many industries as:
computer hardware, software, chemistry, the aerospace industry, robotics, finance, consumer electronics, and biotechnology.
In technical writing the writing becomes formal, sometimes even stilted, based on actual facts rather than fiction. Unless you have a knack for absorbing long ended documents and papers you will probably not be suited to technical writing. Demand is very high for technical writing and it can become a great income stream for you if you are creative and possess the knowledge. Just visit any job board to see how popular technical writing really is and name your prize.
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Cath Lawson | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
Hi Monika – This is interesting. I’d heard technical writing was well paid but I assumed that you had to be some sort of expert to get that type of work.
Kathy | Virtual Impax | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
I was just talking with a writer who specializes in “technical” writing and you’re right – it’s MUCH more lucrative than “basic” freelance writing!
Great information once again! Thanks Monika!!!
kazari | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
I do some technical writing in my day job, and really enjoy it. The hardest part for me is being persuasive, while keeping the tone objective and um, ‘technical’. That can be hard. But it’s very rewarding writing, particularly when you manage to translate a difficult concept for a non-technical audience.
scott | Mar 5, 2009 | Reply
I’ve done some technical writing and unless it is really something you aspire to it can be quite painful and a bit of a struggle. I believe it takes a special person with a personal drive to be good at technical writing.
Karzi points out what is hard to him and he does it in his everyday job. Like Karzi I think it needs to be something you enjoy doing money aside.
Good onfo and terrific post on a difficult subject!
Monika | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
@ Kathy: You are welcome Kathy. I thought it might help some people dispose confusion and give technical writing a go.
Monika | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
@ kazari: Good to hear technical writing works for you. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said you enjoy doing this type of work because to me that is key in whatever we do. Thanks for stopping by, great to see another new face.
Monika | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
@ Scott: I totally agree with your views on technical writing. It certainly takes a confident writer who knows about the subject at hand and with the many “dry” topics in technical writing one has to be passionate about them to bring the information across with zest and attraction.