Throughout my previous career as an architectural drafter, I wrote several process and procedures manuals. I also created training materials that I used for instructing new hires. Writing has always come naturally to me, so there were endless occasions where I was asked to help write or edit a company document. I always enjoyed these writing projects more than the drafting work itself, and that fueled my desire to steer my career in that direction.

Many of my early freelance clients still sought me out for architectural drafting work. I also built websites on the side for myself, fellow freelancers, and small businesses, learning more about WordPress along the way. Neither drafting nor web design was my ultimate career goal though, as choosing one of those shut the door to too many other skills and interests. I always loved writing and yearned for a career that included more of it. Technical writing finally emerged as the career path that checked all the boxes for my skills and interests.

In 2021 I earned my Professional Certificate in Technical Communications from the University of California – San Diego Extension (UCSD). This is a rigorous program that covers technical writing, technical editing, critical thinking, graphic design, and document layout. I am now a member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) and am committed to ongoing professional development in this field.

I am willing and able to take on any technical communication projects you have since I thrive on a variety of subject matters and document types. That said, the projects I most excel at draw on the areas where I have prior experience and education:

• instruction manuals, training material, processes and procedures, FAQs
• projects that require a combination of technical writing and technical illustration
• projects related to commercial and residential construction
• projects related to web design and coding

When you first contact me about your project, we will have an introductory meeting to discuss your project scope and expectations. Afterwards, I will put together a proposal which includes pricing and scheduling. I can begin work after you approve the proposal, sign the contract and make your downpayment.

Before I write a single word though, I meet with your project leaders and subject matter experts to fully understand your project and expectations. Then I create a project outline for you to review and approve. This minimizes rework by ensuring that I’m working to your specifications.

I keep the lines of communication open while I write your first draft. Then I present it to you for review. Your feedback then allows me to revise it into subsequent drafts and its final version. Your contract will specify how many rounds of editing are included in your price.

Every project is different, so additional steps to this process will be added if needed.

Every project is different, so I will need to understand your scope of work before I can provide a good-faith estimate. I take pride in meeting or beating the deadlines we establish. On the rare occasions that I am unable to do so, I will contact you immediately to advise you of the reason and will work with you to determine a satisfactory new schedule.

My workload has peaks and valleys, so I cannot give you a general answer here as to when I can start. When you contact me about your project, I will advise you of my current availability.

I always charge a per-project rate so you know up front how much to budget. When I submit my proposal for your project, it will include the scope of work and how much it will cost. Any additions to the scope of work after the project is started will require an additional charge. We will negotiate that amount when, and if, the need arises.

For most projects, I require a 50% downpayment to get started with the balance due upon delivery. Outstanding balances that are not paid within 30 days will accrue 2% interest each month. I accept payments via check, direct deposit, and PayPal.

For large projects, we can negotiate a payment schedule with a smaller downpayment and incremental payments at project milestones. For very small projects, I may opt to waive the downpayment requirement, but your balance will still be due upon project delivery.

I work from my home office near Northampton, Pennsylvania. If you’re in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, or anywhere in or near the Lehigh Valley, I am available to meet with you at your location. I accept remote work from anywhere in the US and can correspond with you via phone, email, or video conference.

According to the Society for Technical Communication, Technical Communication is a broad field and includes any form of communication that exhibits one or more of the following characteristics:

• Communicating about technical or specialized topics, such as computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental regulations.
• Communicating by using technology, such as web pages, help files, or social media sites.
• Providing instructions about how to do something, regardless of how technical the task is or even if technology is used to create or distribute that communication.