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.
Subject:Re: perspective on rates From:pro -dot- techwriter -at- gmail -dot- com To:Kevin McGowan <thatguy_80 -at- hotmail -dot- com>, techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com Date:Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:04:16 -0700
On Oct 17, 2008 10:48am, Kevin McGowan <thatguy_80 -at- hotmail -dot- com> wrote:
>
> I got a cold-call about a contract opportunity from an agency. They are
looking for someone with many years of experience, someone who can lead a
team......<snip> However, when I gave them my rate, they balked and said
that they could only pay about a third of that.
>
I see this every so often, and from companies that I *think* should know
better. I used to point recruiters to the STC Salary Survey, but since that
no longer exists, well, can't do that. But I will still tell the recruiter,
nicely, that rate would be better suited to a new graduate or someone with
a year or two of experience in technical writing. And I leave it at that.
There are always people who will give a low-ball offer and see if they can
get it. If you have tried to sell a house lately, you know what I mean.
My experience tells me that a company that offers a really low rate for
technical writers (1) does not value the skill, and (2) equates technical
writers with "administrative" and "secretarial" help. Usually, that's how
HR has the job classified, not as a professional position. Those companies
are better avoided, unless a person is so desparate for a job that any rate
at all will do. Then, by all means, take it, if it's that, or losing your
house.
ComponentOne Doc-To-Help 2009 is your all-in-one authoring and publishing
solution. Author in Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word or
HTML and publish to the Web, Help systems or printed manuals. http://www.doctohelp.com
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-