Technical Writing FAQ

How do I contact you?

I prefer the first contact to be through my request services form. I answer questions and requests for services within 24 hours during the week, longer on weekends.

My office is located in the United States Central Time Zone, so if you are emailing me from New Zealand or some other distant location, please take the time difference into consideration when waiting for my reply.

If you feel your project is urgent and you want rush consideration, please mark "Rush" in the subject line. I will answer your questions as soon as possible, but please understand that I only accept rush jobs as my schedule permits.

Do you publish a price list?

I do not publish a price list. My rates are based on many factors, not just the number of pages or type of document. I provide you with a customized quote based on the actual requirements of your project.

I usually require a sample, or some other way to determine exactly what services you need. Except under rare circumstances, I quote a flat fee.

How do I get a quote?

Are you ready to discuss your project and get a quote? I create a customized quote for you based on the type of project and your specific needs. When you contact me, please be as specific as possible:

type of project
due date
from scratch? rewrite?
printing and finishing requirements
any other information that will help me understand your project

I prefer to discuss the details of the project with the person responsible for making the final decision and who is authorized to sign the contract. This avoids communication problems and misunderstandings.

I will be as accurate as possible when quoting your project. If you cannot provide a sample or adequate information about the scope of the project, I will give you an estimate with a "best guess" price range. Please understand that under these circumstances, my estimate may be inaccurate and might need to be adjusted. If it is impossible to determine the scope of the project, I usually quote an hourly rate.

Do I have to sign a contract?

For your safety and mine, I require a signed contract that outlines the scope of the project, fees, and due dates before I begin work.

For small projects, if your company issues Purchase Orders, I accept an official company P.O. in place of a contract if it clearly outlines the scope of the project, payment terms, and the due date.

I will sign a Confidentiality Agreement (NDA) for any client who requests it. Please submit your company Non-Disclosure Agreement when you send me your sample materials. Please include your fax number so I can sign it and fax it back to you.

I require an NDA if you send me any source materials that I determine are confidential in nature. I will be happy to provide the form if you do not have one.

Note: Always refer to the terms of your contract. If there is a discrepancy between the Technical Writing FAQ and the contract, the contract takes precedence.

What are your payment terms?

For first-time clients, I require at least half-payment up front unless it is a large, long-term project. After we have established a working relationship, we can discuss other payment terms on future projects.

I accept these forms of payment:

Company checks
Bank transfers
Cash
Paypal

If a project is expected to take three weeks or more to complete, I bill for work completed to-date in one to two week increments. This will be outlined in your contract.

Note: Always refer to the terms of your contract. If there is a discrepancy between the Technical Writing FAQ and the contract, the contract takes precedence.

What do you need to get started on my project?

I need the following before I start work on any project:

Signed contract or Purchase Order
Signed Confidentiality Agreement
Deposit check
All source materials (research, examples, etc.)

Your project start date is considered tentative until I receive all of your materials. Please keep in mind that your project start and finish dates will be delayed if you do not get your materials to me on time. If you are having difficulty submitting your materials, please contact me. I am flexible and can usually work out a change in schedule.

For long-term projects, I need your materials in advance of each project segment start date.

How long will it take you to finish my project?

How long it takes to complete the work depends on the size and type of project. Edits can usually be completed in several days. But generally, expect that I need a minimum of one to two weeks to complete your project. Large projects may take several months. Due dates will be discussed with you when you request a quote.

If you request a rush job or if I determine that the due date requires me to work overtime to complete it, I will charge for a rush job. Rush job rates are higher than my normal rates. I will discuss this with you when you contact me.

What about revisions?

Flat Fee Projects

Drafts for review and revisions are included in the project fee. I am happy to make revisions just as long as the assignment hasn't changed or you have not altered the document. Send me the changes you want me to make within 30 days after I submit your copy and I will make the revisions as soon as possible. I want you to be satisfied with the document I create for you!

Hourly Fee Projects

Clients paying an hourly rate will be charged the same rate for revisions.

Change of Scope

If the revisions you request change the scope of the project after I have started work, the terms of the contract will need to be renegotiated.

Note: Always refer to the terms of your contract. If there is a discrepancy between the Technical Writing FAQ and the contract, the contract takes precedence.

If I cancel the project, can I get my deposit back?

I do not cash deposit checks until the contract is signed. If we have signed the contract but I have not started work on your project, you will get a full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee to cover administrative costs.

If I have already started the work (which includes research, fact finding, interviews, meeting with you for project information, writing, editing, layout, creating a template, and/or any other activity that constitutes "work"), you will be billed for work already completed plus a $50 cancellation fee to cover administrative costs.

Cancellation terms will be outlined in the contract.

Note: Always refer to the terms of your contract. If there is a discrepancy between the Technical Writing FAQ and the contract, the contract takes precedence.

What if I still have questions?

If you still have questions that are not answered in the Technical Writing FAQ, please don't hesitate to contact me for more information.

Wrapping Up

Thank-you for considering me for your freelance writing projects! I am pleased to offer:

Friendly, customized service
Satisfaction guaranteed
Credit and debit card payments (USD) processed through PayPal

I look forward to working with you!

Contact Susan Huckle - Freelance Technical Writer

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