Proposal Prep

Posted on October 18, 2018 by

One thing I try to do when I’m facing a new proposal is to have a template prepared and ready to go for the team when they start writing. This is just one of several things the technical writer can do to get the effort started well. Read on! Continue reading →

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Being a Responsible Freelancer

Posted on October 15, 2018 by

People might wonder what the most difficult sort of work is for the professional freelancer: classified work? Large business? Small business? Not going to lie: often the most challenging work for me to do is the stuff that’s on my desk when it’s a nice day outside. Think I’m kidding? Read on. Continue reading →

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Time Management and the Technical Writer

Posted on October 11, 2018 by

One of the most crucial skills you can learn as a technical communicator is time management. I keep myself out of “danger” from overlapping commitments by engaging in what I call “first minute-itis.” That means instead of waiting until the last minute (i.e., close to the deadline) to get started on projects or products, I try to start working on them as soon as possible. There’s a bit more to it than that, so let’s get started, shall we? Continue reading →

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Life on the Road

Posted on October 8, 2018 by

Having returned from my week-long business trip, I had a few additional thoughts/tips to share based on my various (mis)adventures on the road. Proof positive that, no matter how experienced, wise, or otherwise insightful a blogger might be, that does not mean s/he is immune from errors or mayhem. Continue reading →

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Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

Posted on October 4, 2018 by

If you’re a contractor–or sometimes even an employee–you’ll have to sign a non-disclosure agreement (usually called an “NDA”). This post will work through some of the reasons for an NDA and how they affect you as a technical communicator. Continue reading →

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Business Traveling as a Contractor

Posted on October 1, 2018 by

I discussed the topic of business travel as an employee some time ago. However, this week I’ll be traveling as a contractor to another business, which has a couple of different wrinkles, so I thought I’d share my insights. Continue reading →

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Career Development for the Freelancer

Posted on September 27, 2018 by

As I noted in my personal blog recently, I spent some time at the AIAA Space Forum with another aerospace communicator, speculating on how I might advance my career in the future. Professional development as a freelance technical writer is a bit more challenging than for individuals employed by others, but it is not impossible. Much of it depends on what your priorities and goals are. Continue reading →

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