So, how do I pay writers?

The Adventure · 11-14-2006, 07:21 AM

Determining pay rate for freelance artists seems rather simple, pay a rate per page of work. But I'm not really sure of a standard for clocking script writer's pay. Should it be per-page of scripted work? Per word? A flat rate?

Specifically I'm looking to plan and plot various story ideas, and then hire script writers to put them into a form the artists can use. And I'm trying to determine start up costs to realize it.

**Kep!** · 11-14-2006, 08:39 AM

First off, what part of Conn are you in? I just moved here myself.

Second: this REALLY depends on your budget and the final disposition of the work. Typically, i get paid per page, but with a set number of pages predetermained (and therefore and exact budget before a word is written). This is similar to pre-issue, but the pages are set in stone this way and there are fewer surprises.

Also, when working with the bigger companies, I don't worry about getting paid...but when working with smaller/individuals, I usually insist on a certain amount upfront (like half). This should be standard with any pro you work with.

Finally, set a deadline. There's nothing worse than trying to figure out what "As soon as possible" or "whenever" means. ALSO, set a timeframe for which the writer should expect to get paid...on completion, publication, net-90...anything, just set it and stick to it and you'll have a happy word-monkey.

JAQ · 11-14-2006, 09:21 AM

Pay by the page.

Paying by the word is how the prose industry has traditionally worked, because in that world, more words = more story. But for a comics script, you'd just be encouraging the writer to do a bad imitation of Alan Moore, writing paragraph after paragraph to describe a panel in which somebody gets punched. And since you presumably know in advance how many pages you're asking for, paying by the page makes it easy to budget.

Even though there's a danger that you'll get a writer who skimps on the words ("page 17: they fight"), that's really more of a quality-control issue, not a how-much-to-pay-him issue. By reviewing samples of someone's scripts before you hire them, you should get some assurance that you're not going to get a script for a 25-page story that fits on both sides of a single sheet of paper.

dano · 11-14-2006, 09:23 AM

related, if someone hires a writer to create a story how much criticism or reworking is acceptable? So for example, if you write it and the client says 'I'd like to take this in a different direction' or ' can we make it like XYZ'.
do writers get a plot breakdown approved first and go forward in stages?

Gonzogoose · 11-14-2006, 09:32 AM

Dano, I'm no expert (never hired a writer, and have only done paid writing once) but I would think that if the writer is getting paid to work on someone else's project revisions, etc. would be expected. I mean they are getting paid. Again, someone with more experience (Kep or whoever) can probably shed some more light, but that's how I would handle it. Of course there comes a point where something can be edited to death as well...

As for the original question, by the page or flat rate. Like I said, I've only been paid once, and mine was flat rate (half up front, half on completion), but by page I think is more standard from what I've heard.

**Kep!** · 11-14-2006, 10:54 AM

Revisions are ALWAYS an issue and it's different for each contract. One key thing is to make sure the story is agreed upon...either a fleshed out flow or a full outline...that way there are no surprises. I like to keep my editors well informed on what is going on so they know what to expect (a lesson I learned the hard way).

Also, when talking "page" make sure that's the PRINTED page, not the written page. Occasionally these will be short, often they will be long...in the end, they balance out (usually).

The Adventure · 11-14-2006, 05:10 PM

Well, as line editor I would be looking to retain ownership of any stories I plan then contract out, which would give me full editorial control for revisions etc... Granted I'd look to keep that to a minimum to keep from alienating the writers, and send suggestions back before making any drastic changes.

Thanks for the advice so far it's really helping me to get a better idea of what I need to get this project off the ground, I just need to finalize my submission guidelines, figure out pay rate, then polish off my various story outlines that will be worked on.

EDIT: Just a general question, what would you say would be an average "living rate" for writers per page? So that I can scale according to my means but not insult writers who might see my ad?

T.J. May · 11-14-2006, 06:45 PM

Rate is negotiable. The median writers at the big two get in the $50/ page range. From the smaller companies I ask for, and typically get $25/page. Indy? Is really project to project. You could get away with a lower page rate, with royalites of the gross profit as opposed to net thrown in. Or pay a higher page rate in a work for hire arrangement for a hired gun.

But there is plenty of room to be creative, particularly with writers.

Raven · 11-14-2006, 10:51 PM

Marvel writers make a hell of a lot more than 50 bucks a page. That is what writing a What If? book gets you, not any of the mainstream books.

**Lovecraft13** · 11-15-2006, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Adventure

Should it be per-page of scripted work? Per word? A flat rate?

The best way is with a check made out to J - O - S - H...

Gonzogoose · 11-15-2006, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven

Marvel writers make a hell of a lot more than 50 bucks a page. That is what writing a What If? book gets you, not any of the mainstream books.

Not that I know, but in TJ's defense, he said the MEDIAN writers, not the top tier.

T.J. May · 11-15-2006, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven

Marvel writers make a hell of a lot more than 50 bucks a page. That is what writing a What If? book gets you, not any of the mainstream books.

That's why I said median. i.e. Middle of the road. In the middle. Not top dollar.

The Adventure · 11-15-2006, 08:05 AM

I'm just full of questions....

what is Diamond minimum order number again? The one where if you don't meet it they'll cancel your solicitation and not deliver the book?

T.J. May · 11-15-2006, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Adventure

I'm just full of questions....

what is Diamond minimum order number again? The one where if you don't meet it they'll cancel your solicitation and not deliver the book?

In order to make Diamond's bench mark your book needs to acrue an order of $3700 at retail (cover price). Roughly 1,250 copies of a $3.00. If your order is less than 40% of the the benchmark, Diamond reserves the right to NOT submit a purchase order, i.e. cancelling their order.

But regardless of your product's cover price, the key numbers are $3700 and $1480. You hit $3700 you're golden. If you are at, or under $1480, you are in trouble.

At least that's how it was in the spring when we released Catching Lucifer's Lunch. I have not heard that it has changed.

Raven · 11-15-2006, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.J. May

That's why I said median. i.e. Middle of the road. In the middle. Not top dollar.

The median was $100 five years ago.
Did it drop?

11-14-2006, 07:21 AM	#1
The Adventure Learning how to Draw Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 70	So, how do I pay writers? Determining pay rate for freelance artists seems rather simple, pay a rate per page of work. But I'm not really sure of a standard for clocking script writer's pay. Should it be per-page of scripted work? Per word? A flat rate? Specifically I'm looking to plan and plot various story ideas, and then hire script writers to put them into a form the artists can use. And I'm trying to determine start up costs to realize it.

11-14-2006, 08:39 AM	#2
Kep! Self-Evident Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: He's EVERYWHERE! He's EVERYWHERE! Posts: 8,771	First off, what part of Conn are you in? I just moved here myself. Second: this REALLY depends on your budget and the final disposition of the work. Typically, i get paid per page, but with a set number of pages predetermained (and therefore and exact budget before a word is written). This is similar to pre-issue, but the pages are set in stone this way and there are fewer surprises. Also, when working with the bigger companies, I don't worry about getting paid...but when working with smaller/individuals, I usually insist on a certain amount upfront (like half). This should be standard with any pro you work with. Finally, set a deadline. There's nothing worse than trying to figure out what "As soon as possible" or "whenever" means. ALSO, set a timeframe for which the writer should expect to get paid...on completion, publication, net-90...anything, just set it and stick to it and you'll have a happy word-monkey. __________________ AEIOU, *Kep!* Writer, Letterer, Magician & Sophist www.wordybastard.com Why yes, I am on Facebook, thanks for asking

11-14-2006, 09:21 AM	#3
JAQ Jason A. Quest Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Purgatory, Michigan Posts: 1,785	Pay by the page. Paying by the word is how the prose industry has traditionally worked, because in that world, more words = more story. But for a comics script, you'd just be encouraging the writer to do a bad imitation of Alan Moore, writing paragraph after paragraph to describe a panel in which somebody gets punched. And since you presumably know in advance how many pages you're asking for, paying by the page makes it easy to budget. Even though there's a danger that you'll get a writer who skimps on the words ("page 17: they fight"), that's really more of a quality-control issue, not a how-much-to-pay-him issue. By reviewing samples of someone's scripts before you hire them, you should get some assurance that you're not going to get a script for a 25-page story that fits on both sides of a single sheet of paper. Last edited by JAQ; 11-14-2006 at 09:24 AM.

11-14-2006, 09:32 AM	#5
Gonzogoose Comic Related Rocks! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: KY Posts: 4,075	Dano, I'm no expert (never hired a writer, and have only done paid writing once) but I would think that if the writer is getting paid to work on someone else's project revisions, etc. would be expected. I mean they are getting paid. Again, someone with more experience (Kep or whoever) can probably shed some more light, but that's how I would handle it. Of course there comes a point where something can be edited to death as well... As for the original question, by the page or flat rate. Like I said, I've only been paid once, and mine was flat rate (half up front, half on completion), but by page I think is more standard from what I've heard. __________________ Brant W. Fowler www.comicrelated.com - Daily Updates www.gonzogoose.com - Lettering, etc. www.zone4podcast.com - Fridays www.newcomicday.net - Wednesdays www.darkavengerinc.com - Daily Videos

11-14-2006, 10:54 AM	#6
Kep! Self-Evident Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: He's EVERYWHERE! He's EVERYWHERE! Posts: 8,771	Revisions are ALWAYS an issue and it's different for each contract. One key thing is to make sure the story is agreed upon...either a fleshed out flow or a full outline...that way there are no surprises. I like to keep my editors well informed on what is going on so they know what to expect (a lesson I learned the hard way). Also, when talking "page" make sure that's the PRINTED page, not the written page. Occasionally these will be short, often they will be long...in the end, they balance out (usually). __________________ AEIOU, *Kep!* Writer, Letterer, Magician & Sophist www.wordybastard.com Why yes, I am on Facebook, thanks for asking

11-14-2006, 09:23 AM	#4
dano . Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Penna Posts: 923	related, if someone hires a writer to create a story how much criticism or reworking is acceptable? So for example, if you write it and the client says 'I'd like to take this in a different direction' or ' can we make it like XYZ'. do writers get a plot breakdown approved first and go forward in stages?

11-14-2006, 05:10 PM	#7
The Adventure Learning how to Draw Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 70	Well, as line editor I would be looking to retain ownership of any stories I plan then contract out, which would give me full editorial control for revisions etc... Granted I'd look to keep that to a minimum to keep from alienating the writers, and send suggestions back before making any drastic changes. Thanks for the advice so far it's really helping me to get a better idea of what I need to get this project off the ground, I just need to finalize my submission guidelines, figure out pay rate, then polish off my various story outlines that will be worked on. EDIT: Just a general question, what would you say would be an average "living rate" for writers per page? So that I can scale according to my means but not insult writers who might see my ad? Last edited by The Adventure; 11-14-2006 at 05:14 PM.

11-14-2006, 06:45 PM	#8
T.J. May Writer/SUMM Publications Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 2,185	Rate is negotiable. The median writers at the big two get in the $50/ page range. From the smaller companies I ask for, and typically get $25/page. Indy? Is really project to project. You could get away with a lower page rate, with royalites of the gross profit as opposed to net thrown in. Or pay a higher page rate in a work for hire arrangement for a hired gun. But there is plenty of room to be creative, particularly with writers.

11-14-2006, 10:51 PM	#9
Raven Writer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 1,999	Marvel writers make a hell of a lot more than 50 bucks a page. That is what writing a What If? book gets you, not any of the mainstream books.

11-15-2006, 08:05 AM	#13
The Adventure Learning how to Draw Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 70	I'm just full of questions.... what is Diamond minimum order number again? The one where if you don't meet it they'll cancel your solicitation and not deliver the book?

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