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Topic: Book editing pay structure?
| Author | Message |
| snappiness | Posted – 7/23/2008 10:18:02 AM | show profile I am looking at a freelance book editing project that would take a month or perhaps two of pretty much fulltime work. Is it customary to receive an advance up front for a project like this? Or do publishers tend to pay lump sum after the project is done? |
| Little Fingers | Posted – 7/23/2008 11:06:45 AM | show profile Depends on the publisher. I have found that each has it's own way of doing things, and unfortunately they are often pretty rigid about it. But there's no way I would take on a project like the one you're describing without half up front or a third up front with another third mid-way through. Full time work for 1-2 months? That's a significant investment of your time. It requires a significant deposit. Good luck! |
| westsidestory | Posted – 7/23/2008 11:53:59 AM | show profile half or third up front half or third up front is the norm. Your contract should have a set schedule, and stipulate that the first installment is paid upon signing the agreement...with an understanding that you will not start the project until you receive a check. This is standard procedure for working with any book publisher, they are notorious for not sending checks out for 30 or 60 or 90 days after invoicing. On a two month project, I would expect half the money up front. You have to be a little firm with book people. |
| es112379 | Posted – 7/23/2008 2:07:12 PM | show profile Depends on the publisher. I've been working as a freelance book editor for almost a year now (after working in-house for several years). I always get a contract and schedule for the work and then send in my invoices on a regular basis. They pay me withing 30 days of my invoices arriving. I've never received an advance, but then again, I've worked for these companies for years and they trust my work and are reliable at paying. |
