How much do you charge?
As a starting point, we use the pay-rate chart published annually by Writer’s Digest. We prefer per- hour or per-project rates and discourage per word rates. Examples of hourly rates for different assignments to prepare content are listed below.
Type of Assignment
Magazine/newspaper column
Scientific reports
Grant/proposal
PowerPoint presentations
Ghostwriting (articles, speeches)
Brochures, booklets, flyers
White papers
Workshop/conference panel
Content editing
Internet research
Web content
Rate ($/hr)
122
250
150
100
200
150
130
220
75
95
100
Is a written agreement required?
Yes. For simple assignments, we utilize a 1-page agreement. For more complex or long-term assignments, we use a multi-page agreement.
Will I own your work product?
The general answer is “no” unless the content is provided under a co-author, ghostwriting, or project specific agreement. Otherwise, our original content will be copyrighted and exclusively available for our use, including resale to other customers.
If the assignment is cancelled, what is the fee?
Our agreements include a cancellation clause to provide for instances where a client ends the assignment before completion. At a minimum, this fee is 25% of the estimated fee in the agreement.
Can you conduct supplemental research to help develop the content?
Yes. While we expect clients to provide the bulk of the information needed to complete the assignment, we can independently acquire supplemental information. If this is a sizeable effort, then the total cost estimate will include cost estimate for research activities.
Do you have additional experts who can assist in completing the assignment?
Yes. We can draw upon an informal network of individuals with additional expertise in a variety of scientific subjects, when detailed knowledge is required on emerging technologies and/or recent advances in science. The work of these individuals is included in the total cost estimate for the assignment.
Can you prepare PowerPoint presentations?
Yes. Upon completion of discussions with a client, we can develop and prepare presentations for delivery by the client to targeted audiences. Our product will include slides, handouts, and accompanying text.
Will you co-write books, or chapters, on scientific subjects?
Yes. In these case, we will consider payment in the form of an advance or based on per-hour rate. We typically do not work on the basis of earned royalties.