Hire Freelance Technical Content Writer

How to Hire a Freelance Technical Writer?

Technical writers use their writing and communication skills to make complex information easier to digest. They are essential to running a technologically focused business and can help companies better understand their performance and enhance the user experience.

They are subject matter experts that often have an educational background in technical fields including engineering, computer science, information technology, and information development. Technical writing is a type of writing that involves a specific set of writing skills — particularly being able to translate complex topics into simple terms for users.

Most technical writers are adept at transforming graphs, headings, and charts, and using tools such as excel and other programs to increase usability. Many will also have certifications or have taken technical writing courses and they may have a background in software development or a related technical field.

Scope Of Technical Writing

Over the years, technical writing has experienced a dramatic shift. Today, technical writing involves producing technical information as part of a larger content management plan. Technical writers work closely with team members including graphic designers, content writers, document specialists, and industry experts to create technical documents.

They may also work with fellow writers to develop their business writing skills depending on the project and document type. For most projects, technical writers use the following steps:

Conduct audience analysis and identify any special needs

• Plan and outline the scope of the project including roping in additional team members as needed.
• Topic research, obtaining product samples, document design, and technical content writing
• Testing and review of the technical communication
• Delivery and second revision if necessary
• Decide whether the document should be archived, revised, or destroyed.

Deciding Between A Full-time Vs Freelance Technical Writer

Companies that create technology or complex products often need full-time technical writers to create and update product documents, user manuals, diagrams and educational materials. Consider how much technical writing work you need to have completed to determine if you need a full-time technical writer for ongoing work.

If you have one project that requires a technical writer, using a freelancer might be a cost-effective solution. This person can work on the project until it’s completed without ongoing employment expenses when you no longer need them. A freelancer is also a good option if you have regular technical writing needs but the workload is small.

What Are The Types Of Technical Writers?

Freelance technical writers create written content that makes complex technical material easier for the average person to understand. These writers sometimes focus on a particular type of technical writing. Some types of technical writers include:

• Science and medical writers: These writers make complex medical and scientific research easier to understand. They typically write papers or articles for journals.

• End-user documentation writers: This type of technical writer produces the manuals and other documentation that come with new products. This includes user manuals and assembly guides.

• Technical marketing writers: Companies that sell technical products often hire technical marketing writers or technical copywriters to produce content that helps potential customers better understand the product. It’s designed to increase sales.

• White paper and case study writers: White papers and case studies are marketing materials that encourage sales. White papers can vary by industry, but they present a problem and solution. Case studies show off the results of a company’s product or service based on real results from past customers.

Criteria To Judge When Hiring A Freelance Technical Writer

When interviewing technical writers, look for these 7 qualities:

1. Do they learn quickly? You’re looking for someone who makes a habit of learning new things, whether in their personal or their professional lives.

2. What have they taught lately? The act of communicating product knowledge to an audience is very similar to teaching. A writer who enjoys teaching (even informally) is one who will be happy doing the job.

3. How do they challenge themselves? Technical writers who shy away from challenges might still be good technical writers, but they probably won’t be great ones. It’s the ones who push themselves in new directions that will help take your content to the next level.

4. Have they ever worked outside their job description? You want someone who will not limit themselves. Great technical writers go beyond what their job descriptions detail.

5. Do they have integrity? There’s little else as important as integrity. While it’s not enough on its own to make a great technical writer, it’s certainly an aspect you want your new hire to possess.

6. What’s the first question they ask when documenting a new feature? There are a couple of good answers to this question. The first would be “Why would I ever document a feature?” but you’ll only get the really confident candidates answering the question that way.

7. Do they understand topic-based writing? Topic-based writing is an important way to chunk and focus information into tasks, concepts, and references. Although writing this way is easier for writers, it’s also vital for making content easy to read.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Freelance Technical Content Writer?

The cost of hiring a technical writer can vary widely depending on factors such as their qualifications, experience, the scope of the project, and location.

On average, technical writers charge a rate of between $40 to $150 per hour.

Some freelance technical writers may charge a flat rate for a project, which can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity of the project.

It's important to understand that the cost of hiring a freelance technical writer should be seen as an investment for the long-term benefit of the organization. A well-written technical document can help to improve customer satisfaction, increase engagement, and ultimately drive conversions. It's also important to have a clear understanding of the cost and the deliverables before proceeding with the project, to avoid any unexpected expenses.

Depending on the experience the fees climb up.

It's also important to note that some technical writers might charge based on the complexity of the project, the skill set required, and the quality of the final deliverables. It's always a good idea to get quotes from different writers to ensure that the cost is reasonable for the services that will be provided.

|Sample Technical Writing Fees

PROJECT TYPE	AVERAGE FEES RANGE
Technical documentation - user manuals, installation guides, etc	$1000 - $3000+
Technical reports - white papers	$1000 - $3000+
Technical proposal - engineering projects, research projects	$1000 - $3000+
Technical articles/blog post	$100 - $1000+
Technical training material	$100 - $1000+

Common Pitfalls while Hiring a Freelance Technical Writer

Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when hiring a freelance technical writer:

• Not verifying the writer's qualifications and experience: Not verifying the writer's qualifications and experience can lead to hiring someone who is not well-suited for the job. It's important to check the writer's portfolio and ask for references to ensure they have the necessary skills and experience.

• Not clearly defining the scope of the project: Not clearly defining the scope of the project can lead to confusion and misunderstandings between the client and the writer. It's important to have a clear understanding of the project's goals, deadlines, and deliverables before proceeding with the hiring process.

• Not providing enough information or resources: Not providing enough information or resources can make it difficult for the writer to complete the project to your satisfaction. It's important to provide the writer with all necessary information, such as technical documents, product specifications, and any other relevant materials.

• Not setting clear expectations for the final deliverables: Not setting clear expectations for the final deliverables can lead to disappointment on both sides. It's important to have a clear understanding of what the final deliverable should look like, including format, style, and tone.

• Not providing clear communication and feedback: Not providing clear communication and feedback can lead to delays and misunderstandings. It's important to establish a clear communication plan and provide regular feedback to the writer throughout the project to ensure that it stays on track and meets your expectations.

• Not considering the cost-benefit: Not considering the cost-benefit can lead to overspending on the project. It's important to have a clear understanding of the cost and the deliverables before proceeding with the project, to avoid any unexpected expenses.

FAQs

• How do I choose between two good freelance technical writer candidates?

  Review previous writing pieces to determine which writer is better able to translate complex data into understandable content. Consider asking your top candidates to provide a writing sample related to your products or industry, particularly if their past experience is in a different industry. Notice how well each candidate communicates verbally, especially when conveying complex answers.

• Do I really need a freelance technical writer?

  Businesses working in the tech, science, and medical fields often need technical writers to help make their products and services easier to understand. It’s often difficult to turn complex information into something the average person can comprehend, especially when that information is second nature to you. Handling technical writing yourself is an option, but it can be time-consuming if you have ongoing technical writing needs.