I don't believe in writing for free! Even if payment for a piece is comparatively low, this proves my work has been selected on merit by the publication. 

I do make exceptions, though; I've written non paying articles to promote worthy causes, help people in need, and as news releases for business establishments. Of course, my client pays me for writing the press releases and if I submit them in the form of a feature story, I usually get a by-line (handy for future clips).

Don't think it's easy to get paid as a writer. You may love to write and you may be good at it, but you should work hard at producing the very best piece of work that you can. Never be content with second best.

I know, it's tempting to click the save button on your computer, print out your work, and dash it off to a publisher, but stop! Have you checked the grammar and spelling? Have you deleted every superfluous word? 

Writing is like a home baked cake. It's delicious when just taken out of the oven - all warm, soft and crumbly! After it sits on the kitchen counter for a while, it cools and becomes firmer, but it still tastes sweet.

To be considered a professional writer, submit your work in a professional manner - Click Here

Record your submissions and if your work is accepted, make a note of the date. Give the publication a decent period of time (about a month if the publication is local; longer if overseas). Then if you haven't received a cheque, send them an invoice. 

Invoices: 

This is the format I use for invoices:-

Centre your name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address, at the top of plain white 8 ½" x 11" good quality paper:

Date:

Invoice #: ……………… 
(This is helpful to the accounting department
and if it's your first invoice, start at #101, 
so you don't look like a novice!)

To: (Title of your work) $……………. (insert amount if you know what they're paying; if not, leave this blank)

Thank you.
(not necessary to sign the invoice)

(Often, the publication will also require your social security number or equivalent,
depending on where you live).

Cover letters:

Include a cover letter too, if you like:-

Centre your name, address, etc., as above

Date:………………………

Dear (insert Editor's name),

Thank you for using my (insert "article", "story", etc., as appropriate) in your (insert date) issue.

I would be grateful if you would kindly forward the enclosed invoice to your accounting department.

It has been a pleasure writing for your publication and I look forward to submitting more ……………(insert "articles", "stories", etc., as appropriate) in the future for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,
(sign your name)
(print your name)

Rates:

Writers' rates of pay vary considerably. Some new publications with low budgets only pay small amounts or in complimentary copies. Others pay by the word or in set amounts for specific word counts. 

Many on line markets pay little or nothing, but with the ever-evolving opportunities on the Internet, it's a great way for writers to be noticed.

Lynn Wasnak's comprehensive article "How Much Should I Charge?" in the print and on line versions of "Writer's Market" is a most helpful guide on rates of pay for writers. See Resources section

Kill fees:

A "kill fee" is an amount sometimes offered by publications to established writers on assignment, in case another more important story comes along or a competitor publishes a similar story. 

If a publication decides not to use the assigned piece, the author can be paid a kill fee. In some cases, this is negotiable in advance.

Many writers dislike kill fees, which are often considered too low. Of course, when a kill fee is paid, the author then has the right to offer the work elsewhere. Before accepting an assignment though, ask yourself if there's an alternative market for your piece if the publication doesn't run it.

Some of us are fortunate enough to make a living at writing; most of us need a "day job" as well. But getting paid is not only what writing is all about. Experiencing the flow of creativity from a well of inspiration; the satisfaction of a well crafted piece of work; and communicating across barriers - these are some of the reasons we write. And if a nice fat cheque arrives in the mail too, that just puts the icing on the cake!

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