Start a Technical Writing Service

Technical writing services are employed to explain the details of a topic in a way that is easily understood by the readers. In todays information age, technical writing jobs are increasingly common. One would think that, eventually, everything useful will have been written! This is not the case, however, and your home-based technical writing company probably has a better chance for success today than at any time in the past.

Business plans, technical report writing, grant writing, instruction manuals, and business correspondence are just a few of the more common types of technical writing jobs available. By becoming skilled with any of these (and other) topics, you can make extremely good money with your own technical writing company.

Start Up Costs and Financing Sources: Under $500

Basic operating costs are very modest, although research for some projects may be expensive.

You could spend weeks or months on a project before being paid, so keep adequate savings for living expenses during these times.

Pricing Guidelines for Service:

Set a reasonable hourly rate for yourself, such as $15-20 per hour to start. As you gain more experience and speed, this rate will increase. Base the estimates for your clients on this rate. Be very careful in estimating the time and resources a project will require. Your clients will expect to pay your quoted price, no matter how much time you actually spend on the project.

Prices are always a delicate issue. You want to ensure the maximum profit for yourself, but pricing your services too high could prevent a profitable, long-term relationship with a customer.

Advertising and Marketing:

Respond to help wanted advertisements seeking technical writers. Become affiliated with industry associations which may list you in their technical writing company directories.

For a fee, online venues will connect you with clients offering a variety of technical writing jobs.

Essential Equipment:

You should have a decent computer with quality word processing software installed. You don't need your own private library, but access to a good source of reference material will be very useful. Technical writing is usually done from your home office, but it is sometimes necessary to travel to a work site for certain resources, so keep reliable transportation available.

Income Potential:

$10,000 to $100,000+

At first, your income will be limited by the number of clients you can find. As you build your exposure and reputation, you might find yourself with more potential clients than you can handle. At this point you can set your rates to focus on more profitable projects, greatly increasing your income potential.

Target Market:

There are many markets that fall under the technical writing umbrella. Some of the more common situations you will encounter are:

Companies needing accurate and understandable training manuals for their employees.

Manufacturers needing useful instruction manuals for their products.

Entrepreneurs needing clear and focused business plans that appeal to investors.

Office workers needing letter templates for their day-to-day correspondence.

Researchers needing influential grant proposals to secure funding for their research.

Tips for Success:

Read, read, read! Reading publications similar to the type of technical writing you will be doing will help you to think with the correct mindset and provide the type of content your intended readers will be expecting. It is also easier to be critical of other people's texts, so you will be able to identify common mistakes and protect yourself from the same pitfalls.

Training, Skills or Experience Needed:

Technical writing requires very precise knowledge of linguistics and grammatical rules. Professional technical writers usually have a four-year degree in English or some sort of post-secondary training related to technical writing.

Unless you are already an expert in a technical field and limit the scope of your writing to that, you will probably be required to quickly learn the details of certain processes - even entire industries.

Research and evaluation skills are important. You must know where to look for all kinds of information and how to interpret the information once you have it.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has dozens of home based business articles such as Best Home Based Internet Business, Ebay Money Making Tips and Medical Billing Service.

---

How to Profile a Client

At first glance, this topic may seem a little repetitive,... Read More

Essex Accountant: Accountancy Firm MVP for Your UK Business?

Most business owners know when they need an accountant, but... Read More

Slip And Fall Professionals; Service Businesses

Since you own a business you probably have liability insurance... Read More

Money Series 1: Who Takes Your Money

Your business is making profits, but where is the cash?... Read More

Your Business and the Story of a Tree; Part One

This morning, I went to take a short walk outside.... Read More

How to Profit from Business Consulting Opportunities

Business consulting opportunities might be just what your are looking... Read More

Increase Your Profits with a Point of Sale (POS) System

Whether you operate a chain of restaurants, a mom-and-pop convenience... Read More

Old Data in Database Marketing Software

Database Problems in MarketingI have been working on a direct... Read More

Business Checks are an Added Cost to Your Small Business - Try Making Them Yourself!

Starting and managing a small business is no fun chore,... Read More

Does Your Company Have a Business Image Manual

Every business regardless of size needs a "Business Image Manual"... Read More

Top Ten Resolves for Building Your Business in 2005

1. Resolve to build a consistent network system.Since referrals are... Read More

Yeah, It IS Lonely At the Top

Sometimes when you run a business you feel as lonely... Read More

Small Business Newsletter Dilemma: Which Day Do I Send?

If you're just ramping up your small business email newsletter,... Read More

11 Benefits of Starting a House Cleaning Business

One of the biggest fears people have about starting a... Read More

How To Accept Credit Cards

If you plan to do business online, then your website... Read More

Small Business Support Equals Survival

Support is critical for your small business survival. You may... Read More

Too Many Lawyers in Franchising Today

Attorneys and Lawyers are ruining the franchise industry. It is... Read More

Look Out for that Great Accountant

There are many factors to be considered when you are... Read More

Simple Business Tactics Are Your Key To Success

In a world full of complications sometimes we overlook the... Read More

Small Business Credit Card Advantages

Obtaining a business credit card enables the small business owner... Read More

Are You Ready to Own and Operate a Business?

How often has someone thought of starting a business based... Read More

How Mastering 5 Essential Money Making Ideas Can Lead Your Business to Longterm Cashflow

Essentially there are 5 tremendously powerful methods to make money... Read More

How to Manage Your Pipeline

How is your pipeline structured?I assume most of you have... Read More

Choose Your Own Guru

What is a guru?A guru is a teacher. A mentor.... Read More

Overcoming Your Biggest Competitor

Before you read any further in this article, I'd like... Read More

Mobile Car Wash Market Opportunities in California

The current lack of industry leaders represents an exceptional opportunity... Read More

Data Loss - Can Your Company Survive? (Most Do Not)

Data. Most people think it is a term relegated to... Read More

Job Costing - Do You Know How?

What's your job profitability? I meet with business owners every... Read More

Smart PR Tactics for Small Businesses

Small businesses need Public Relations, possibly more than large corporations,... Read More

Window Cleaning Business Future Challenge With Self Cleaning Glass

Self-cleaning glass has been talked about a lot, with such... Read More

How to Promote Your Business by Entering Contests

You are probably hard at work promoting your business (and... Read More

Real World Accounting for Small Business Owners

If you're like me, you love accounting. It's so fascinating... Read More

How Your Habits Control Your Small Business Success

Habit: A consistent behavior you perform so frequently that it... Read More