Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Clients Who Need Technical Writers and Other Professionals
FAQ - Technical Writers and Others

Clients Who Need Technical Writers and Other Professionals

Why use a contract technical writer or other professional?

For special projects or overflow work, hiring a contract technical writer or other professional makes good business sense. With a contract professional, you only pay for the time they work. Expenses normally incurred with a full-time permanent employee, such as benefits, taxes, office space, equipment and training are nonexistent. What's more, a contract professional can bring valuable expertise and a fresh perspective to your project.

Why use WAI to find a technical writer or other professional for your project?

It's simple—we're specialized staffing specialists. With over 12 years of experience in both the technical writing and professional staffing business, plus a database of more than 15,000 talented, prescreened technical writers, copywriters, designers and trainers nationwide, WAI is uniquely qualified to match precisely the right professional to your project. Why waste time and money searching, screening, interviewing and training a novice, or worse, someone who lacks your industry experience, when we already have a technical writer or other professional close by who's ready to go to work for you? All WAI professionals are talented, experienced and ready to step in when you need them. The result? Your project will be effectively and efficiently completed to your exact standards.

Why use a local professional when my project can be done from anywhere?

The most successful projects have one thing in common—a personal touch. Our experience tells us that to achieve a profitable working relationship, a technical writer or other professional should be available on-site for at least part of an assignment. This can involve full-time attendance for the length of a contract; periodic office visits for updates or in-person subject matter expert interviews; or merely a preliminary meeting. If you prefer the latter, the professional can do the bulk of the work from their own office and communicate with you via email and/or telephone. Quite simply, it's up to you, the client, to determine the best fit for your needs.

What does it cost for WAI to send me candidates for our project?

There is never a cost to you for a candidate search. We listen to your needs, then identify two to four qualified professionals and send you their resumes and hourly rates, all within just a few days. After you have reviewed this information, you can elect to interview any of the candidates, as well as evaluate their samples/portfolios in order to choose the one that best suits your organization. Billing does not begin until the candidate you select starts work on your project.

How does WAI get paid for their staffing services?

Once you choose a candidate for your project, a standard agreement is completed between WAI and your company, as well as between WAI and the professional. As the project proceeds, the professional sends WAI timesheets for the hours worked, from which we invoice you every two weeks. Once we are paid, we pay our professionals for their time and keep a small percentage for our services.

Will I pay more going through a service like WAI to find a technical writer or other professional?

No, you'll find our rates for all of our professionals - technical writers - website designers - graphic designers - copywriters - medical writers - training specialists - are very competitive in the industry. In fact, when you consider the time and money you'll save by allowing us to search, screen and interview only the most qualified of candidates for you at no charge, you'll appreciate what a bargain you're really getting.

What do I need to provide to WAI to get started?

Tell us about your needs including the type of writing or other professional services you need(user guide, brochure, web content, etc.), when you need the professional, if you want the professional to work on-site, off-site or both, your industry, audience, budget, any special requirements, your company name and contact information. We'll take it from there.

Technical Writers and Other Professionals

Why use WAI instead of other services?

We take a personal interest in you. Unlike some Internet job boards, at WAI we're looking for the most qualified technical writer or other professional for our client, not the lowest bidders. We use our experience and knowledge to evaluate your background, skills, location and specialties. Only then do we match you with a client or project that can best utilize your talents and abilities. Like you, our main objective is finding a good fit, without wasting everyone's time.

Do you do permanent placements of technical writers as well as contract?

Yes. Though most of our clients are seeking contract professionals for temporary assignment, we do occasionally get calls for a technical writer or other professional to fill a permanent position. Additionally, we have received requests for temp-to-hire when one of our professionals has proved invaluable to a client.

Can I work off-site?

Yes. Some clients may feel it's only necessary to meet with you once initially, and then schedule subsequent meetings as needed. Other clients consider it crucial that you work on-site. Whichever option the client chooses, we believe a working relationship is most successful when the client and writer have met at least once.

How much do you pay?

How many techncial writers/other professionals do you present to a client?

Typically, we present two to four writers', designers', or trainers' profiles to the client. We always present those professionals we believe to be the most qualified and the best possible fit for the client and their project. In the end, the client chooses which professional to hire.

Who pays for your services?

We take your rate and add a small markup to the client, which we keep. Staying focused on our area of expertise—sales and marketing—enables you to continue doing what you do best. Sure, you might be able to get a higher rate with clients directly, but what price do you pay for the time and effort you spend marketing your services, instead of doing the work you love? We offer you consistently better opportunities with clients who have a definite need for your professional services.

When do I get paid?

When you're a WAI professional, you won't be sitting around waiting for a check to arrive in the mail, or worse, calling your client to "remind" them that a payment is overdue. We take care of billing the client and payment for you. We invoice the client for your hours every two weeks requiring payment due upon receipt. Once we receive payment from the client, we pay you within five working days. It's that easy.

Technical writer, copywriter, web content writer, training developer—we've got the right writer for you! Send mail to sales@writingassist.com with questions or comments about this website.