Two weeks ago I got to drink a nasty orange concoction and then have my blood tested. Last week, the results were in and I was told I’m borderline diabetic. I was pretty discouraged by that news and was ordered to cut way back on sugar and carbs for the remainder of the pregnancy (lots of protein and veggies, brown rice instead of white, that sort of thing).
This Week:
My contribution to the debate over whether to charge clients flat fees or hourly rates is: Do both – at the same time.
Is there a guide of what to charge for second rights? One-time use? I’ve been told that one should try to get half of the first print, but honestly who can afford $1000 for a story on counter top surfaces?
I’m not sure how to explain the appeal of searching for documents and details about one’s ancestors, but it seems undeniable that the pull is there. I’ve fallen into the “hobby” of family history research, myself (starting with a first visit to the National Archives during a trip to Washington when I was a teenager), and I’m certainly not alone.
Unfortunately, we had to take a surprise trip to the emergency room last Thursday night. No, it wasn’t for one of the children. It was me.
I’m knee deep in email this week so I’m once again sharing snippets of some of the worst book proposals we’ve ever received. We hope you get a giggle from them like we did. Yes, these are real!
This Week:
Do editors need manners? Do they need to use basic writing skills in their correspondence with lowly writers? Does anyone care if they don’t? I think the answer to all three questions is: Yes.
As a freelancer, I am used to editors and publications stating that they will pay flat fees for a certain word count or pay so much per word, but I have come across a situation that is new to me and my circle of writing friends.
A local business with international contacts is looking for freelance writers. This business does quite a bit of work with government and commercial contracts and the freelance work is for a company publication which will go out to employees and retirees. I have submitted a resume and clips to them and now the department which solicits bids needs to contact me. At this point I will be asked to submit bids regarding the articles possibly based on word length or even number of sources.
How should I approach this as I am unfamiliar with what would be a good market rate and what if they want a bid based on something other than word length or type of article?
