Freelance Writer or Staff Writer

So if you saw my last post, you should have a pretty good idea about what a Technical Writer is and does.  It’s a pretty big field, huh?

Now if you’re someone who has read our posts and decided that a technical writer is what you want, but are worried about the costs of adding more staff, consider this: most technical writers don’t want a full time position.

What?  You heard correctly.  Most, not all, of us want a position that has a beginning and end. I have found that most companies I have worked for as a staff writer didn’t need a full-time writer. The projects I have worked on usually have lull times because the software product had been pushed and documentation doesn’t need updating until the next release. That can be anywhere from 6 months to a year (sometimes longer).

So what does the writer do in the meantime, twiddle their fingers, maybe make minor changes to the documentation, double as an in-house trainer. Why keep a writer on staff for that? Go hire a freelancer. Odds are they are more experienced, and won’t cost as much.  Sure you may pay more upfront, but there are no benefits to mess with, no taxes or matching taxes, and no layoffs when times get rough.

Freelancers are usually more dedicated.  They know you’re on a budget.  They also know they need to impress and come in or under budget if you want them to come back in the future.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I have seen some companies that need a full-time technical writer based on their in-house clients and the consumer.  So if you need a staff writer then by all means, there are plenty of Technical Writers that would prefer a full time position.  Just weigh the pros and cons of your writing needs.

Is this a long-term assignment?  More that 12 months?  Budget is steady year round? Multiple products with staggered releases? Sounds like a permanent position to me.

Less than 12 months?  Doesn’t need a lot of quick updates after the release of the product?  Budget not steady? Sounds more like a contract position.

What’s your budget like?  Have enough in the beginning of the year, but not towards the end?  Spend the leaner months defining what you need documented and interviewing freelancers.  Then when the budget’s there, get them in, get it documented, and press on.  The beauty of freelancers.

We document anything, anywhere, anytime.  Give us a jingle and we can discuss your writing needs.

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