FAQs
What are the advantages of using TWS for technical communication versus other consulting firms in my own geographic area?
- We specialize in technical communication. The benefit to you is securing the right specialist for your project requirement.
- We supply the consulting expertise, hardware, software, and resources you need outside of your premises.
- Our rates are very reasonable. TWS only charges you for the cost of doing business - and nothing more. Our rates are, in many cases, below average industry levels.
- We use locally-based resources. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul has some of the most highly-educated and experienced technical communication professionals in the U.S.
What types of projects are feasible with TWS as a supplier?
As we are servicing clients outside our geographic region, many technical communication, marketing communications, and training development projects are offered from our Twin Cities offices. The projects that work the best with TWS are projects where:
- On-site visits are not a requirement.
- Subject matter experts (SMEs) are accessible by remote communication.
- Data input, research, and miscellaneous supporting documentation is accessible by remote communication.
- Phone and fax
- E-mail
- Teleconferencing
- FTP site access, or VPN server access
- Existing training modules, PowerPoint presentations
- Photographs, video, audio recorded meetings, and presentations
What are the advantages of using a consultant versus a full-time direct employee?
- A consultant can reduce your company’s overhead costs. It is easier to reduce staff when needed without paying severance packages, insurance, etc.
- You can find a niche group of publications specialists who fit the skill requirements for a particular project.
- Consultants are more visible and accountable to hourly billing; therefore, the client wilfind consultants to be very productive and results-oriented.
In what situations would a consultant be advisable?
A consultant would be advisable in several instances where a company:
- Experiences intermittent spikes in activity, where resource needs can fluctuate.
- Is seeking focused experience to satisfy a niche project need.
- Needs to start a project quickly without going through a time consuming hiring process for each new resource.
How much does a consultant cost per hour?
For hourly rates relating to specific services, please contact TWS for more information at: information@techwritingsource.com or call 1-866-416-9988.
If I want to use services of TWS to complete a technical communication project, how do I go about getting started?
- For initial inquiries, please go to the Contact page and fill out the basic inquiry form.
How much notification do I need to give TWS start a project?
To allow for ample time for the search and screen process, we prefer a 2-3 week notice (particularly for projects of a large or complex scope). However, in certain cases we are able to start smaller, less complex projects on short notice.
If I want to use TWS’s off-site consulting services, does TWS quote by the project, or by the hour?
Our off-site consulting group can provide services per: 1) project quotation basis, 2) hourly effort basis per task (aka: time and material). Also, we can offer "safety net support" for any of your internal projects requiring additional resources. For specifics regarding costs, please go to the Services page and click on By the Project or By the Hour.
Once we engage a consultant on a project from TWS, are there any follow-ups?
Yes. TWS does frequent follow-ups with the client in the beginning of a new project, followed by intermittent follow-ups to check in throughout the duration of the contract.
