How do you discuss freelance fees with an editor? - Freelance UK Forums

Emy · 01-03-2010, 02:07 PM

I was recently made redundant and have decided to try the freelance route. I pitched some story ideas to a city guide and they have expressed an interest in one of my stories. I was just wondering at what stage I should ask about getting paid? Should I write the feature first and then wait to see how much they give me or should I talk about payment as soon as I discuss the story idea with them in greater detail? How would you go about asking how much they pay? Before I worked for a paper I spent so much of my career freelancing for free 'experience' that I always feel a bit guilty asking about money. Have to pay the bills though so need to be able to discuss money with editors - just need to find out how without scaring them off. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

belucky · 02-16-2010, 10:56 AM

Hi Emy, always discuss fees. You are qualified and need to be paid for work undertaken. I always pitch the idea first, then once an editor is interested I find out how much they will pay. Be reasonable but if they don't offer enough then tell them. Work out what you want your daily rate to be, work out how much time it will take, whether you will incur any extra expenses (travel, phone calls, paying the subject) then base it around that.

Hope that helps for a starter x

01-03-2010, 02:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Emy New Poster Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 0	How do you discuss freelance fees with an editor? I was recently made redundant and have decided to try the freelance route. I pitched some story ideas to a city guide and they have expressed an interest in one of my stories. I was just wondering at what stage I should ask about getting paid? Should I write the feature first and then wait to see how much they give me or should I talk about payment as soon as I discuss the story idea with them in greater detail? How would you go about asking how much they pay? Before I worked for a paper I spent so much of my career freelancing for free 'experience' that I always feel a bit guilty asking about money. Have to pay the bills though so need to be able to discuss money with editors - just need to find out how without scaring them off. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

02-16-2010, 10:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
belucky New Poster Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 2	Hi Emy, always discuss fees. You are qualified and need to be paid for work undertaken. I always pitch the idea first, then once an editor is interested I find out how much they will pay. Be reasonable but if they don't offer enough then tell them. Work out what you want your daily rate to be, work out how much time it will take, whether you will incur any extra expenses (travel, phone calls, paying the subject) then base it around that. Hope that helps for a starter x