Prepare final documents from typed, hand-written or taped drafts,
such as student term papers, business letters, legal briefs,
manuscripts, resume’s and institution reports.
Much of the work in the pure business of finalizing documents can
be accomplished on a typewriter, especially a good one (with
changeable type, error removal and/or a memory.
A typewriter, however, really limits the amount and variety of
jobs that can be performed, so it is STRONGLY recommended that
anyone contemplating this type of business skip the typewriter
stage and go directly to a word processor.
A word processing system can be purchased for little more than a
modem, self typewriter with a memory — but it does a thousand
times more! If you want to start with a typewriter, we suggest
you use the one you have or get a used one ( an old IBm for
example) – and not invest any more than absolutely necessary in
it.
Because if your business is to grow, you will sooner or later
change to a word processor. Although the rest of this material is
directed to word processing, the same principles apply to typing
- only it’s a lot more work on a typewriter.
The basic requirements for a word processing business are a
computer with a word processing program, a letter quality printer
and a dedicated working area.
The computer should be IBM compatible — the particular brand is
not important, so long as it is 100% IBM compatible and you can
get a decent service and assistance locally.
The word processing program can be very simple one, but we
recommend an up-to-date version or a well known, industry
compatible program such as WordPerfect or WordStar.
Your printer can be a daisy wheel if you do not need graphics
(illustrations) or much type or style variety. It can be a 24 pin
dot matrix for high quality printing AND graphics. An inexpensive
9 pin dot matrix will suffice for minor jobs, but not for major
contract work, where “letter quality” is desired.
The top of the line printer, a laser jet would be nice — but
they are quite expensive.
Your working area is very important, especially if there are any
type of interruptions (children head this list). You need a place
that is dedicated to your business — where nothing else takes
place except business.
Ideally, it should be a separate rom (soundproof?), with a
locking door and an outside entrance, which will allow clients to
enter your office without going through the house on the way to
your office.
Word processors normally earn from $1 to $3 per double spaced
standard sized page or $10 to $20 per hour, depending on the
location (part of the country, city size), job complexity, typing
speed and local demand.
Note that this business was conducted with typewriters a few
years ago, but the most expensive typewriters cannot compare with
even low priced word processors of today. With a word processor,
you type the data, check it on the screen, then file (save) it on
a disk (forget about cassettes!).
Whenever you want to see (or edit) the text, you simply recall
(load) it back onto the screen, review or revise it, and re-save
the revised version back on the same disk.
Or, press a couple of buttons and print it — in a choice of
print styles, margin settings and spacing.
At any time, a printed version (draft or final) can be obtained
without affecting the stored version. If your margins are set at
1″ and you suddenly realize they should be 1/2″, you pull your
hair out if you are typing.. But on a word processor, you simply
press a button, re-set the margins ( a second or two) and the
entire document can be repositioned in a flash and reprinted with
the new settings by pressing another button.
Major word processors include many features that would make a
typist’s head “swim”: automatic word separation (hyphenation) at
the ends of lines, spelling correctors (correct a word a second),
the ability to inset illustrations and print in columns (from
“normal” input).
For those who might be “petrified” of the word “computer,” let us
just say that it should take an ordinary high school graduate no
more than one week to learn to prepare this report on an IBM
compatible computer with WordPerfect or WordStar.
A good typist should be able to produce a professional looking
business letter in a few hours. There are a lot of new terms,
buttons, etc., but you only need to learn a few of them to get by
– and learn more steps and techniques as you need to!
Many professionals never use more than just some of the average
word processing program can do. It is like learning to ride a
motorcycle or cook a gourmet meal — how “impossible” these seem
to those who don’t know how (yet).
But, of course, you don’t start with a powerful motorcycle or
pheasant under glass — you start on a two-wheeler bike with
training wheels or Kraft dinner, both of which may take a little
practice. And, you can learn them both, one step at a time!
the reason your computer must be IBM compatible is twofold:
first, your program should be standard so you can produce the
standard products, and second because the things you prepare and
“save” on disk can be processed by other computers.
If you use a (cheaper and) smaller, lesser known program, it
won’t do some things that “standard” programs do.
For example, the major programs have 100,000 word spell
correctors, while some of the smaller ones have 40,000 or so.
When your prospective client asks what computer you use, he/she
will recognize IBM compatible as the current word standard; when
you tell them you use WordStar or WordPerfect, they will know you
have the “very latest” and can do their work professionally.
Most computer programs also have version numbers, which indicate
how new or old that particular program is. Once you have a word
processing program, however, updates are fairly inexpensive.
With a standard, professional word processing program, you can
not only prepare final documents, you can prepare manuscripts for
publication.
If you give your client a disk with his final draft, he can
forward that to a publisher who will run THE SAME DISK on his
computer to typeset the entire manuscript. Or, the disk can be
run by a “Desktop printer” to produce a magazine, complete with
photographs.
And, that’s not all: with an added device (called a MODEM)
costing $100 or so, you can send the contents of that disk over
the telephone to the publisher in just a few seconds!
Needless to say, if you used a non-standard system or program ,
your options would be severely limited. The effort to learn a
standard or non-standard program is about the same, so don’t
waste your time learning something that is not considered
industry standard!
The best advice you will get about your first computer is to JOIN
A USER’S CLUB! Some people join before they get a computer — so
they can take advantage of advice they might receive from other
members.
In most user clubs you will find “experts galore” who will be
happy to advise and assist you in every way.
You will learn which programs are considered best– and why: the
pro’s and con’s of different kinds and brands of equipment, as
well as where many of the members buy their supplies.
Most user clubs have instruction classes or meetings for
beginners, for specialist, and for groups with certain interests
– word processing being one of the major interests.
Accuracy and neatness are critical in a typing/word processing
service. There should be no discernible strikeovers or erasures,
and every page must adhere to the prescribed format.
Accuracy can be a serious problem with a typewriter because you
can see only a few (if any) words before they are printed on
paper.
If you miss something, the whole page may have to be re-typed.
Even a simple word processing program will allow you to correct
mistakes at any time. There are also client changes and
“revisions” — those things they never think of until they see
your “finished” version!
With your word processor, you simply enter the changes on the
screen, re-save the new version over the old, and PRESTO, the
document is revised. You can print it then, or whenever you
choose.
The entire document is stored on a disk that costs from 20 cents
to about a dollar and a standard (360K) disk will hold some 100
pages! When that job is finished, the disk can be erased and used
again — just like a tape.
Used personal computers (PC’s) start at about $300 — or about
the same as a good standard typewriter. Or, you can rent one for
about $50 per month until you decide, what you want. You pay a
good deal more this way, but you can get by for low, monthly
payments until you can buy one.
Another way is to shop around for a Master Charge or Visa card
that doesn’t charge 20% interest. Banks in Arkansas charge about
12%, and there are bound to be banks or other lending
institutions that charge under 15%.
Find one of these, get your card, and you can “pay cash” for a
complete set up. There is a lot of competition in the computer
sales business, so shop around.
You will need ta least an XT (8088) compatible system, but an AT
(80286) with a hard disk is recommended. The hard disk will allow
you to store several major programs in your computer and not have
to “load” your word processing system each time you turn on the
computer.
Also, try to get a 1.2 MB floppy disk drive — these cost only
about $20 more than the 360K, but they will allow you to use
1.2MB (1200)K or 360 disks interchangeably.
Most major newspapers have advertisement sections for COMPUTERS
AND SOFTWARE. The reason computers are being sold usually because
they are outdated, not because they are worn out.
Companies and individuals that operate a computer for a year or
so frequently discover how much more they could accomplish with a
new model, so they sell the “old one” — which may be just what
you need!
Once you have acquired and learned to operate your PC, the
services you offer will be bound only by the equipment
limitations and programs you have.
For example, if your word processor includes mailing lists (most
do), you can easily compile and print mailing lists or gummed
labels at your leisure.
If not, there are plenty of good mail list programs
available,many at no cost (public domain) or low cost
(shareware).
When you join a user’s club, you will get catalogs for these
types of programs automatically, or you can get copies at the
club meetings.
One thing that scares many of us about computers is “all that
programming.” A computer operator is NOT a programmer — or an
engineer. You don’t have to speak Chinese (or even use
chopsticks) to enjoy Chinese food, and you don’t have to know
programming to use a computer!
if you typing needs help, get a typing program and brush up –
you will learn 3 or 4 times as fast as the “old fashioned” way.
It is not unusual to learn to type on a computer — skills can be
mastered amazingly fast because they are taught by more than one
method (practice, on-the-spot tests and games).
There are programs for almost everything:taxes, forms, games,
bookkeeping, wills — even crossword puzzle generation.
As your business grows, you can increase your capability by
adding another terminal (monitor and keyboard), that can be
connected to your computer’s “brain” and/or the same printer.
Be sure to get compatible equipment, so programs you have will
work on both, and the machines don’t ” argue.”
When you have the equipment and have learned to operate it, you
are ready to advertise and contact prospective clients.
A good starting place is to send a letter (your service!) or a
brochure to each member of the Chamber of Commerce and other
businesses in the phone book.
Use quality business cards and letterhead (your image is theirs)
to help convey the impression of your quality work.
If you are near a college, place ads where students will see
theme (for theme papers).
Don’t forget to send brochures to lawyers and local stationery
stores (they might recommend you). It would be especially helpful
to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce and to be “visible”
in community activities.
Take part in local charity auctions, for example, by offering a
free (or discounted) word processing service.
Your place of business should be well planned and professional
looking. Clients who are surrounded by children in your living
room sometimes feel they can get cheaper rates from a “housewife”
situation.
You do not get paid for long conservations with clients, so keep
them as straightforward and free from distractions as possible.
As mentioned above, the best solution is to have a dedicated room
with an outside entrance for clients.
Professional writers who work from their homes not only have
separate working areas, but do not allow interruptions during
certain hours, when they are “at work.”
It is best to have someone look after little children during
normal business hours, so you can concentrate on the business.
Computer forms, letterhead and business cards are available from
NEBS (see Sources); Sam’s Club (Wal-Mart affiliate) has boxes of
3500 sheets of computer paper for just under $20.
Note that WRITER’S DIGEST has over 100 advertisements form
manuscript preparation nationwide — many states have only one
service advertised.
BUSINESS SOURCES
COMPUTER DIRECT 22292 N. Pepper Rd.,Barrington, IL 60010.
800/289-9473. Discount computers and computer equipment; 360K
floppy disks from 19 each.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, 1441 L Street NW, Washington,
DC 20416. Pays for some small business courses in computer usage.
Write for details.
C.I.L.E., Box 60369, San Diego, CA 91206-8369. Offers (sells)
information on computer services that can be sold.
ACS, 5311 Derry Ave.,Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Closeouts on IBM
compatible equipment.
PERSONAL PUBLISHING, Box 390, Itasca, IL 60143. Magazine for
desktop publishers (McIntosh oriented).
ALDUS CORP…, 411 1st Ave.,Ste 200, Seattle, WA 91804. Sells
Pagemaker programs for McIntosh systems.
THE WRITER’S DIGEST, 205 W Center St.,Marion, OH 43305.
614/383-3141. Trade magazine for professional writers (all
types); offers courses, books, useful lists of information, etc.
HALIX INSTITUTE CENTER FOR COMPUTER EDUCATION, 1543 W Olympic
Blvd.,Suite 226, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Offers home training for
several different types of computers. Note that this type of
training is for programming and servicing.
A.I.M.H.P. Box 60369, San Diego, CA 92106-8369. Free list of 100
services that can be offered by computer owners (instructional
books in the $20-$25 range).
DOVER PUBLICATIONS, INC. 31 East 2nd St.,Mineola, NY 11051.
Discount books, clip art, stencils, etc.
QUILL CORPORATION, 100 Schelter Rd.,Lincolnshire, IL 60917-4700,
312/634-4800. Office supplies.
NEBS, 500 Main St.,Groton, MA 04171, 800/225-6380. Office
supplies.
IVEY PRINTING, Box 761, Meridan, TX 76665. Letterhead: 400 sheets
plus 200 envelopes – $18.
SWEDCO, Box 29, Mooresville, NC 28115. 3 line rubber stamps – $3;
business cards – $13 per thousand.
ZPS, Box 581, Libertyville, IL 600448-2556. Business cards
(raised print – $11.50 per K) and letterhead stationery. Will
print your copy ready logo or design, even whole card.
WALTER DRAKE, 4119 Drake Bldg.,Colorado Springs, CO 80940. Short
run business cards, stationery, etc. Good quality, but no choice
of style or color.
MEI/MICRO CENTER, 1100 Steelwood Rd.,Columbus, OH 43212-9972.
800/634-3478. Discount typewriter and printer ribbons, gummed
labels and disks (floppies from 21, 1.2. MB from 49 and 5,000
gummed labels from $9.95.
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