Hello, ganswers-ga!
Well....this was certainly a hard one! You have asked a number of
questions, some of which I cannot answer definitively. For example, I
have found no sites or forums dedicated * exclusively * to technical
writers and copywriters from "Eastern India". I have also found no
references to individual writers who specifically outline a request
for payment via Paypal. Paying a technical writer or copywriter from
Eastern India who via Paypal will likely have to be negotiated in a
contract between you and the actual employee you hire. However, it is
certainly a payment option you can outline in your job posting.
I have compiled some information about where you might find Indian
technical writers and copywriters. I am assuming that you are looking
for freelance individuals as opposed to those who are outsourced from
a larger firm. Therefore, you will have to go to job boards that serve
a dual purpose for job seekers and potential employers.
The Indian technical writing community is more heavily represented
online than Indian copywriters. In terms of technical writers, I
strongly suggest that you contact the Indian Chapter of the Society
for Technical Communication for any specific questions you might have
related to freelance workers. (I have posted their contact information
below.) As for copywriters, I have not found a central source that
stands out as a pefect place for an overseas employer to advertise.
The most comprehensive online site I have uncovered is the India
Copywriters Directory, but it is a mix of both individuals and
corporate groups. You might want to consider the regional newspapers
as a source of advertising for freelance writers as well.
*******************
TECHNICAL WRITERS
*******************
The number of technical writers in India is currently estimated at
less than 5,000, according to a 2003 from the Indian Express Group.
While the numbers of technical writers is growing rapidly, the lack of
any formal technical writing courses in India institutions has
prevented the field from growing as quickly as the software industry.
Overview of Technical Writing in India and Salary Considerations
================================================================
You might first want to read about some recent experiences concerning
the outsourcing of technical writing to India!
From "Offshoring of Tech Writing: A Roundtable Discussion." The NWU
BizTech Offshoring Project (July 24, 2003)
http://www.biztech-offshoring.com/roundtable.html
"There were frustrations in dealing with an offshore documentation
team: The Bangalore doc team was less experienced, there was lower
quality, their understanding of the technical writing process was more
elementary. There were communication difficulties because of the time
difference, cultural differences, network problems and intermittent
phone problems. The Indian technical writers were new to the technical
writing profession. Their skills were not as good as those of U.S.
technical writers, nor was the quality of their writing. Not many
technical writers seem to have combined both good writing skills and
subject matter expertise. Their attitude seemed to be that technical
writing is simply massage the English of engineering notes. They did
not seem to "get" that it is the job of technical writers to organize
and present information so that it is easily understand. Some writers
were good with tools, but they did not have an in-depth understanding
of technical writing processes."
** "Costs are generally 1/6th of American costs (84% cheaper), asides
from rent (which is often close to American prices.) Services can be
very bad (phone, electricity, DSL, etc.). After other costs
(post-processing, management, etc.) are factored, the offshore costs
are about 1/3rd to 1/4th of onshore costs. The Indian writing style is
British and formal. There are sometimes problems with urgency,
deadlines, follow-up, and enforcement. They are often careless,
sloppy, and not pro-active or organized. The Americans must stay on
top of project management. Everything had to be rewritten by editors
in the USA. Even when the Americans write texts, these must be
rewritten into Indian English. There is a growing stigma for Indians
to work in an Indian company. They prefer international companies."
==
From "Technical Writers? Salary Survey 2003," by Gurudutt Kamath. IT People
http://www.expressitpeople.com/20030901/careers1.shtml
"STC India?s 2003 technical communicator salary survey indicates that
the median salary for technical communication professionals in India
is Rs 3,10,000 per annum or Rs 25,833 per month. The survey also
suggests that 10 percent of the technical communication community
earns upward of Rs 58,333 per month."
"A median salary of Rs 26,000 per month. The salary structure is
elaborated as follows:
"The median salary for technical communicators with less than two
years of experience is Rs 17,958 per month. The median figure for
those with two-three years of experience is slightly higher at Rs
18,000. The three-four years of experience group earns a median salary
of Rs 25,000. The figure goes up to Rs 33,333 for the four-seven years
experience group. The median figure for those with more than seven
years of experience is Rs 58,333 per month. Just imagine, within two
years, someone could be earning as high as Rs 18,000. With seven
years, you could touch the peak of Rs 60,000!"
"We do not have figures of starting salaries. If we say that those
with two years experience are getting 18,000 and those with four years
are getting 25,000; what is the percentage increase per year? I think
it is 14 percent per year. In good years, everyone does get a hike of
15-20 percent. However, these are not good years. So going by say 15
percent appreciation, if we reduce Rs 18,000 by 30 percent (for two
years), we get a figure of about Rs 12,000 (an annual salary of say Rs
1,44,000). Indeed, those with six months to one year experience should
be getting this kind of salary. Newbies must be starting with Rs 6,000
to Rs 8,000."
==
From "Freelance technical writing and money," by Gurudutt Kamath. IT
People Evolve. http://www.expressitpeople.com/20020909/careers1.shtml
"The most frequent questions I am asked relate to money - the method
of arriving at the quantum of money a project is worth. The best way
to charge is on an hourly basis and by giving an estimate of the
number of hours a project will take. I have heard of figures of Rs
200-250 per hour. That makes it about Rs 32,000 to Rs 40,000 (for 160
hours per month)."
"But companies are often reluctant to agree to the above method as
they feel that the number of hours would be extended needlessly and
they would have no clue on the exact amount of money they would
finally spend on a project. Rather, charging on a project basis is
what they like. Quote Rs 30,000 and they will want the job done in Rs
10,000 or Rs 15,000. Freelancing is meant for people with a business
sense or those who are highly professional. They would know how to
quote and how to negotiate."
==
From "Offshore Outsourcing: What It Is and Why It's Important to
Understand It," by Kevin Cox. The Willamette Galley. Volume 6, Issue
6, November 2003
http://www.stcwvc.org/galley/0311/C02_OffshoreOutsourcing.html
"In India, a technical writer, trained in the Queen's English, makes
$12 an hour, compared to his or her US counterpart doing the same job,
at $40 an hour."
==
From "Technical writing: On the ?write? note." Express Computer. January 2003
http://www.express-computer.com/20030106/indtrend1.shtml
Excerpts:
"According to STC, there are 74 technical writers registered with the
organisation. Another trade organisation, Technical Writers of India,
(TWIN) has a membership of 800. However, there are large numbers of
technical writers working in small organisations, which are not
registered with either STC or TWIN. According to estimates, this
number could range between 2,500 to 3,000. It is also estimated that
in Bangalore alone, there are 400 to 500 technical writers working in
various firms."
"A technical writer can start his or her career as a trainee technical
writer with a starting salary of Rs 8,000 onwards, depending upon the
organisation. After gaining two to four years experience he/she can go
on to become a technical writer or a senior technical writer drawing a
salary of Rs 25,000 and above. Once the person reaches the managerial
position, some can diversify into marketing, quality co-ordination,
software development or managing a technical team. Other choices
include copywriting, marketing communication, and related fields."
The Indian English challenge:
"The English-language as it is taught in Indian schools emphasises on
nouns and not verbs. Hence, the final tone of the English language
differs from the Queen?s English. Therefore, though India does have a
large English-speaking population, it doesn?t meet world standards. So
the advantage is only a theoretical advantage that can actually
adversely affect the Indian market."
"There are a number of MNC subsidiaries in India as well as Indian
software services companies and their main market is the US and
Europe. When a technical document is sent to the US from India, often
MNCs have to conduct a teleconference with their subsidiary to make
corrections to understand the true meaning conveyed in the
documentation. According to industry sources, MNCs spend crore of
rupees in teleconferences calling back for corrections and making
changes in documents. By not converting nouns to verbs we are
increasing the overall cost. Sanyal says, "This is the major challenge
India is facing today and if companies do not realise this, India will
loose out on its advantage of being a large English-speaking nation."
"R Ramkumar, chief knowledge officer at Cognizant India acknowledges
the lack of training as the main reason for technical writing not
catching up with the software industry. He says, "We take students
from the literature and mass communications stream and provide them
with in-house training on customer projects." Sanyal points out a
peculiar problem. He says there is no separate breed of technical
writers that are groomed in the country primarily because there is no
distinction in teaching technical and non-technical English."
Read more....
=
Also read "SA01: Technical Writing in India," by Guru Kamath. March 1999
http://www.tc-forum.org/topicspe/sa01tech.htm
==
Though several years old, the following article provides a good overview:
From "SA04: Technical Writers of India - A Survey," by Frederick
Menezes. June 1999 http://www.tc-forum.org/topicspe/sa04tech.htm
"If Indian technical writers are arranged according to their technical
or non-technical background, the division looks like this:
55% - Technical background
35% - Other background
"The survey reveals that a substantial number got into the field
without having a clear picture about the job they were supposed to do.
These technical writers mostly answered advertisements thinking they
would fit the bill. A lot of technical writers also seem to have been
introduced to the field by friends and family members who were already
technical writers or who were aware of the field."
"The majority of technical writers, however, came to know about
technical writing through the organisation they were working in. These
people apparently came in contact with people doing documentation in
their respective organisations, took a liking to what the
documentation people were doing, and embarked on the path of technical
writing themselves.
WHERE DO INDIAN TECHNICAL WRITERS CONGREGATE ONLINE?
====================================================
Technical Writers of India (TWIN)
==========================
http://twin-india.org/
"Welcome to the cyberhome of TWIN (Technical Writers of India). TWIN,
the bonding glue of the Indian technical writing community, was
founded in the winter of 1997. The TWIN mailing list, with over 1000
members, is a forum to communicate, share, and discuss issues about
technical writing."
Jobs Database: TWIN now hosts a jobs database where companies looking
for technical writers can specify their requirements. Job seekers can
look out for opportunities based on their needs.
On the Contract Search page, you can see the available listings for
technical writers by clicking on that category
http://twin-india.org/html/Registration/Search.asp
Salary Survey: Provides an overview of salaries by Region and city,
etc. However, this does not seem to reflect an hourly, freelance or
per contract basis. (Click on link on front page to see the figures.
** An excerpt from this survey is written up under Salary, below)
Forum Archive: http://user.itconsult.co.uk/twin/archive/
Technical Writer India: Blog on technical writing, usability, and
more. ========================================================================
http://tw-india.blogspot.com/
(You can follow down through the archives)
Technical Writing Blog (Society for Technical Communication)
=============================================================
http://techwriting.blogdrive.com/
PLACES TO ADVERTISE FOR WRITERS AND FIND POSTED RESUMES
=======================================================
TimesJobs.com
=============
http://www.timesjobs.com/
CareerAge.com
=============
www.careerage.com
Posted ad for Technical Writer (no info on pay)
http://www.careerage.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?KEYWORDS=technical+writer
CIOL Jobs
==========
http://www.cioljobs.com/
Posted ads for Technical Writers
http://www.cioljobs.com/jobseeker/searchresults.asp?val=TECHNICAL+WRITER
Society for Technical Communication - India
============================================
"The chapter aims to promote awareness about technical communication
in India and to create opportunities for budding technical
communicators.
http://www.stc-india.org/
Technical job postings:
http://www.stc-india.org/jobs/jobs.htm
Technical Communications Group
===============================
http://suman_malik.tripod.com/tcg/
"TCG aims to form a society of indian technical writers who are
willing to contribute selflessly to promote the profession of
technical writing. Active technical writers are encouraged to
conribute to the understanding of concepts of technical writing to the
budding community."
http://suman_malik.tripod.com/tcg/id4.html
"Contact me at infotechwriter@lycos.com to advertise indian technical
writing/editing jobs. http://suman_malik.tripod.com/tcg/id5.html
Ad-Programming.com
===================
http://www.ads-programming.com/index.html
Surprisingly, this job site has some postings from technical writers
wanting freelance work.
http://www.ads-programming.com/cgi-bin/wo/needed.cgi?ct=n_asp&md=viewadd&min=19&max=29&
Technical Writer and Developer - Hourly fee: $negotiable
"I am a Freelance Developer cum technical writer with 3+ years of
experience in developing Web based applications using
ASP,VB,SQL,ColdFusion and ASP.NET.have 2+ years of experience writing
course materials and books on various technologies, such as ASP,
ASP.NET,CFusion and PHP."
TechWriting:
"I'm a tech writer in IT field! Looking for Writing Job, Documentation etc"
See Resumes and Customers Orders
http://www.ads-programming.com/cgi-bin/wo/a601.cgi
JobStreet.com
==============
Ads for Technical Writers
http://search3.jobstreet.com/searchGo.asp?spe=-&loc=&key=technical+writer&site=in&by=search
************
COPYWRITERS
************
There was very little information for the Indian copywriting industry.
However, the following resources provide some references for
individual copywriters. Some copywriters post fees on their site which
will provide a small overview of the type of payscale you might
consider.
PLACES TO ADVERTISE AND FIND POSTED RESUMES
===========================================
India Copywriters Directory
============================
http://www.marketingtool.com/channel/copy/b.457.g.india.html
Some of the listings are for individuals, others are for groups of copywriters.
View the following individual copywriter's websites (some with fee information)
http://www.cvsurgeon.com/copy.html
http://galaxy4u.8k.com/index.html
http://deveshvernekar.8m.com/
Aamrit Hallan - Freelance Copywriter
====================================
http://www.amrithallan.com/
Rates: http://www.amrithallan.com/rates.asp
Amit's Profile
===============
http://www.geocities.com/amitamit_p/freelancewriter.html
CareerAge.com
=============
http://www.careerage.com/
Posted ads for copywriters:
http://www.careerage.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?KEYWORDS=copywriter
Asiaexpat (an unexpected find)
===========
http://tokyo.asiaxpat.com/careers/thread.asp?display=9229
kkvarma@hotmail.com.
(Mar. 11, 04)
"Greetings! i am an experienced copywriter from India offering
offshore outsourced creating writing services. I have had over 20
years fo experience and have been working with leading Indian and
Multinational companies. do write to me if you are looking for a value
priced outsourced solution for your communication assignments."
regards,
kk! varma
An Untitled Writers Ad page
============================
http://www.i-depth.com/P/j/jz00285.gst.writer.html
Several listings:
"i am a dedicated, self driven person with nine years of experience in
journalism with top indian publications. i seek yearly retainer
assignments from newspapers, magazines and web portals to write
regularly on business, corporate, travel, technology issues affecting
india and commercial copywriting and copyediting work as well.
contact: 91-11-22786643
kanishka gupta <kanishka_three@yahoo.co.in>
new delhi, india - Tuesday, August 26, 2003
"Hi, I am a freelance copywriter and am looking for freelance writing
jobs on net for web-pages and print medium. Even style editing of
current contents is welcome. From small print ads, corporate / product
brochures, leaflets, flyers, posters, calendar fly-leaf; I have
written compelling text for a variety of clients. Given the right
brief I can write compelling stuff. In addition to this I now write
regularly for e-brochures and Corporate CD presentations.
K R Vaishampayan <krv3m@rediffmail.com>
Nagpur, Maharashtra India - Tuesday, August 12, 2003
"malayalam copywriter. ad film script writer. radio jingles.
cherian pampady <cherianpampady@rediffmail,com>
cochin, kerala india - Sunday, July 13, 2003
"Copy/Content/Script/Technical writer. I write commissioned and
general articles. I also dabble with short-fiction and poetry. Am
based in Bangalore but am willing to accept work from anywhere in the
world. Assured quality and quick turnaround time. Competitive rates.
Do get in touch!
Prashanth Kumar <prakup@yahoo.com>
Bangalore, KA India - Thursday, May 15, 2003
Jobstreet.com India
===================
Copywriting advertisement
http://search3.jobstreet.com/searchGo.asp?spe=-&loc=&key=copywriter&site=in&by=search
CareerDoWell outlines a job description for a copywriter with a sample
starting salary of Rs. 6,500 per month (excluding other allowances)
http://www.careerdowell.com/CareerFields/Advertising/CopyWriters.htm
====
For some issues to consider when outsourcing a project to India (even
though this is on a bigger level and concerns IT, read:
"IT Outsourcing and India," by Bipin Nambiar.
http://www.emergence.nu/events/brussels/outsource.pdf
See Section 4.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
========================
"Doing Business in India: A Cultural Perspective."
http://stylusinc.com/business/india/business_india.htm
"Let's Make a Deal - Part 2." Executive Planet
http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-culture-in/132249186761.html
"Business Culture of India." India Server
http://business.indiaserver.com/business-culture-india.html
"Cultural Insights: India." (includes religion)
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/cfsi-icse/cil-cai/inter-source/w-en.asp?iso=in&i=0&o=0
"Hands Across the Waters," by Tracy Mayor. CIO Magazine. (Sept 15, 2000)
http://www.cio.com/archive/091500_hands.html
PAYMENT METHODS
===============
The following freelance writing jobs website might serve as an
example. Although these are for research writers, reference is made to
payment through a bank:
"Wanted young freelance writers who are capable of writing excellent
research papers in excellent English by accessing internet sources for
information from their personal computers at home. ** Writers from
Pakistan, India and Bangladesh will be preferred.
** Payment through bank
http://www.freelancewriting.com/forumdir/fjb/
==
A good overview about payment methods can be found in the following article:
"Overseas Work - Arranging Payment," by Nicole Bishop. Writerfind
http://www.writerfind.com/resources/payment.htm
==
* In terms of any special payment idiosyncracies that apply to Indian
freelancers, I would contact the Society for Technical Communication.
Since they deal with technical writers that perform work for overseas
clients, they would be in the best position to provide the most
accurate information.
US Office Contacts:
http://www.stc.org/contactSociety.asp
Indian Chapter Newsletter
http://www.stc-india.org/indus/index.htm
AGE VERIFICATION
==================
The only advice I can give you on this issue is to go by an
individual's resume. If you are not dealing with an outsourcing
corporation, you are subject to the word of the individual freelancer.
Take note of other jobs they have performed. Look at their education.
If an individual cannot provide a proper resume, stay away.
As their employer, it is not outside your rights to ask for other
documentation that will verify their age. You might also request a
copy of college transcripts, a verification of graduation, or
documented referrals from past employers. These papers should provide
you with a good level of confidence concerning age.
If you hire someone who is a member of a professional organization,
find out if there are certain age requirements for membership.
BUSINESS AND TAX CONCERNS
=========================
This is also a matter that should be addressed by contacting an
organization like the Society for Technical Writers, or a local tax
attorney knowledgable in small-scale outsourcing. You have not
mentioned your country of business, and laws differ accordingly.
The following articles provide a bit of overview, though not the
nitty-gritty that you need:
"Indian outsourcing tax moves to help global firms," by Rosemary
Arackaparambil and Umesh Desai, (2/24/2004)
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/techinvestor/2004-02-24-india-outsourcing_x.htm
=
"File 2 File, lawyers take the outsourcing call," by Sangeeta
Kulkarni. The Economic Times.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/491410.cms
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
======================
If you can possibly attend the upcoming conference of the STC, you
will probably find out everything you need to know about hiring a
technical writer and a copywriter from India.
Society for Technical Communication
51st Annual Conference - May 9-12, 2004
http://www.stc.org/51stConf/
======
I sincerely hope my answer provides a good starting point for you. I
have provided the most definitive information I was able to find
concerning each aspect of your question. For more precise details, I
would again recommend contacting the Society for Technical Writers.
They may also be able to provide you with a good contact organization
for Indian copywriters. Unfortunately, the Copywriters Directory has
no contact listing or individual website.
Best of Luck!
umiat
Google Search Strategy
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