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Subject:Re: GETTING STARTED From:sam stuhlman <stuhlman -at- NETCOM -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 27 Oct 1994 15:46:48 -0700
On Thu, 27 Oct 1994, Gregg Roberts wrote:
> I am starting a freelance career as a technical writer (esp. on computer apps)
> in Austin, Texas, and I wonder what listmembers recommend as the best, recent
> book on every aspect of doing this: the business side and the how-to side.
This is great book that I learned a lot from, even though I've been doing
this for a while: Technical Writer's Freelancing Guide, by Peter Kent.
Order it directly from the author 2291 S. Coors Way, Lakewood, CO
80228-4512. I paid $12.95 for it. Another good one is The Copywriter's
Handbook, by Robert Bly. It has lots of good info on getting new
business and collecting money you are owed.
> What are the major formats, types of document, etc.? I know many key
> principles common to all writing, such as "consider your audience," "K.I.S.S.,
> etc. but I want to decrease the chances of getting thrown a curve when I
> interview for the next contract. What computer stuff should I study to be mos
> marketable here (or even Net-wide)?
Check with the STC chapter in your area to see if they have a
contractor's or freelancer's group. If not, start one. I get a lot of
calls through the directory that the one here publishes and mails to
prospective clients.
