There always seems abundent need for technical writers. They are the valuable ones
who can make us understand computer manuals and assembly instructions among other
things.
There are a good many freelance technical writers who write projects on contract.
Most technical writers have a writing background. Perhaps they started in journalism
but saw more opportunity in technical writing. Whatever the reasons it's a good idea
to join a professional association. Conversely, a lot of scientific, technical types begin to
dabble in the writing arts and combine their knowledge with a new found skill in writing
for an audience.
And there is no difference in terms of knowing the audience. If that audience is nuclear
engineers you need to be as conscious of their needs as you would if you were writing for
alpine skiers.
It's recommended that you test the waters out first by reading some basic texts on technical
writing.
If you want to try your hand at freelance technical writing here are a few markets
to get you started:
LabMice
Email : submit@labmice.net
Guidelines.
Pays: $60 -$100 depending on length, content, and
illustrations for unknown / unpublished or non-commissioned
articles. Discusses rates and commission terms with
established authors. Payment made on publication.
LabMice is for IT professionals spread across the globe.
The writer should share his expertise in the chosen topic
to educate the readers. 25% kill fee is given, in case the
assigned article is not used. Length varies between 1,000
to 1,500 words. Query at the first instance.
Nuts & Volts Magazine
430 Princeland Court
Corona, CA 92879
Email: editor@nutsvolts.com
Guidelines.
Pays: $100.00 per printed page; $450.00 max payment for
full-length, well-written articles. Pays within 60 days of
publication.
Nuts & Volts accepts queries on various technological topics
related to electronics. Article length is 1500-2000 words.
Query by mail or email. Include SASE for reply. Allow 4-6
weeks for response.
Connected Home Magazine
Email: articles@connectedhomemag.com
Guidelines.
Pays: Case-to-case basis. Payment is made upon publication.
Covers various topics related to home-computing technology.
Article length is 2000 words. Queries accepted only by email.
9-1-1 Magazine
18201 Weston Pl.,
Tustin, CA 92780
Email: editor@9-1-1magazine.com
Guidelines.
Pays: 5 cents a word for columns; 10-15 cents a word for
articles, paid upon publication. $50 for color interior
photos, $25 for B/W interior photos, $200 - 300 for cover
photo.
Dedicated to public safety communications industry. Covers
technical, historical, products news, to name a few. High
quality photographs should be attached with the article.
Manuscripts accepted on speculation. No simultaneous
submission and re-prints rarely accepted. Typically,
articles are between 1000-2500 words. Buys First North
American serial rights. Query by email.
Pen Computing
Email: dave@pencomputing.com
Guidelines.
Payment: $100 and $250 for one page columns; $100 and $500
for features.
Pen Computing magazine accepts articles on pen computing
technology, PDAs, and mobile and wireless computing. Buys
non-exclusive first time print and electronic publishing
rights. Only email queries/submissions are accepted.
Slot Tech Magazine
1944 Falmouth Dr.
El Cajon, CA 92020-2827
United States of America
Email: submissions@slot-techs.com
Guidelines.
Pays: $.10/word and $10.00/illustration
Slot Tech covers all aspects that a slot machine technician
would find beneficial. Feature length stands at 1500-2000
words. Mini articles are shorter. Buys perpetual rights.
Queries as well as article submissions by mail or email.
Law Office Computing (LOC)
Contact Editor: Amanda Flatten
Guidelines.
Pays: Case-by-case basis
The magazine is for legal professionals who want to increase
their computing knowledge. Prefers writers with expertise in
the subject and legal field. Feature articles are generally
2,500 to 3,500 words. Buys exclusive First North American
Serial rights and the non-exclusive electronic media usage
right. Queries are preferred over manuscripts. Responds to
queries within 30-60 days.
If you have any questions about careers in technical writing
don't hesitate to ask!
Return to Career Development Page
For those new to the Net or overwhelmed by the nature of the
online job market I suggest you look at the Cyber Search Tutorial.There
are more job boards and classifieds from metro newspapers.
Don't forget to visit Sunoasis Joblog for
daily updates on the writing and publishing industry.
