Any Tech Writers out there?

Lalanae · Post by **Lalanae** » August 25, 2003, 1:21 am

I've decided to make the great leap from permanent work to contract work and if anyone out there has done some contract tech writing out there, I'd appreciate any advice you have.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » August 25, 2003, 5:00 am

whats a tech writer

someone who writes about tech?!?!

Xyun · Post by **Xyun** » August 25, 2003, 6:11 am

Technical writers write instruction booklets like manuals for VCRs and computers and shit like that.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » August 25, 2003, 6:26 am

oh cool it must be hard learning all those languages calculator manuals come in.

Baracus · Post by **Baracus** » August 25, 2003, 10:52 am

I've done tech writing, but never on a contract basis. If there's any advice I can give, PM me.

Baracus

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » August 25, 2003, 3:28 pm

Good luck with your switch to contract work Lalanae : )

Lalanae · Post by **Lalanae** » August 25, 2003, 6:31 pm

Just wondering if anyone has done the agency bit and how much harder is it to get contracts without a 3rd party agency. I'm getting my DBA in the next couple days and have been scoping out resources.

Also, this whole "work for yourself" thing is so foreign to me (exciting though) so if anyone can give me tips, I would be very appreciative. Taxes and money management are the kind of things I've traditionally avoided learning about...

And, while we're on the subject, if anyone (or their company) needs any documentation services (technical writing, substantive editing...), I have fantastic references.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » August 25, 2003, 8:05 pm

I don't do technical writing...but I do kind of work for myself atm.

The company I used to work for has me as an outside consultant since last year.

Luckily the income doesn't fluctuate much per month.

Anyway in regards to taxes your going to have to start filing 1099's (I think each company you deal with 1099's you, I only dealt with one company) instead of 1040's but you get to depreciate the office part of your home, and write off some of your utilities, and other business expenses. Like computer repair.

Oh one more thing about the taxes though....keep in mind with a 1099 that means at the end of the year you owe ALL your taxes....so always remember to set some aside. Because it's not going to be a refund, and your not going to owe like $200...were talking a few thousand easy.

Personally, I don't like it. Taxes are more complex, it's harder to get loans etc (thank god I got my loan before this happened). And I just hate not knowing for sure that I have a next check.

On the bright side.....you make your own hours, the commute is short as hell, and generally you make more per hour because noone else is taking a cut.

I've gone to work naked before. Go me!

Spankes · Post by **Spankes** » August 25, 2003, 8:29 pm

1099s are the replacement for W2s not 1040s. And, as someone who works for a mortgage lender, I can tell you that we dont give a shit if you get W2s or 1099s, so long as you are making enough money to pay us back. The real difference is that in one case your employer pays your taxes and in the other case you pay your own.

Adex_Xeda · Post by **Adex_Xeda** » August 26, 2003, 12:35 am

Hey Lal do you give special rates to old guild members? /nudge /nudge

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » August 26, 2003, 12:40 am

Your right I think....I forgot I filed on-line so I don't know the name of the form but I had multiple 1099 forms on my end because you get 1099-INT for some interest things too. I just got confused....but you will get a 1099 from your employeer.

As for getting a loan being just as easy if your self-employeed. I would like the name of your lender...I'm dead fucking serious. As a matter of fact if you want include your name and I'll have the individual ask for you.

I'll explain to you personally in more detail in a PM.

Spankes · Post by **Spankes** » August 26, 2003, 1:37 am

Well, being self employed and being 1099 are not always the same thing. Consultants and such run 1099 and they are self employed. A truck driver may be paid with 1099s, but may or may not be self employed. Someone who owns a store or auto body shop or something more tangable is a fair bit more complex.

At the end of the day a 1099 is as good as a w2, the difference is that a 1099 employee often times has many 1099s from other companies who are paying for their services. That being said, some sort of pattern of reliable employment and income has to be proven, once that is done then it is smooth sailing. Letters from CPAs, P&Ls, 1040s and 1099s can prove reliable income and make self employment a non issue.

Basically, yes, self employment makes you prove more because people mix their money with their business' P&L; but, good record keeping makes it easy.

A few things of note: I work for a sub prime lender, a strictly 'A' paper lender will likely have much higher standards because their profit margin is smaller and room for loss is minimal. A person with a decent credit score and a good payment history can simply do an NIV (No Income Verification) loan, paying a slightly higher interest rate and requiring zero proof of income figures submitted.

Anyway, the point of my initial post was to say that 1099s are just as good as W2s. Show 2 years of steady or increasing income with a W2 is no different than showing the same with 1099s. So, I am not saying that you are wrong, but more that what you said is misleading.

*~*stragi*~* · Post by ***~*stragi*~*** » August 26, 2003, 3:38 am

i liek bookz

Lalanae · Post by **Lalanae** » August 26, 2003, 2:46 pm

Adex_Xeda wrote:Hey Lal do you give special rates to old guild members? /nudge /nudge

Sure, just PM me if you're serious.

Adex_Xeda · Post by **Adex_Xeda** » August 26, 2003, 9:41 pm