Let’s talk money

🤑 A Pocketful of Rye [#198]

Mermaid Street, Rye by Helen Hotson

I worked at the George in Rye today — my little seat by the window overlooking the High Street. Julieta had an early appointment, so I thought we’d hole up here for the day and do some dino hunting at the Kino. We did my favourite walk to Rye Cemetery — I love it up there, so peaceful with fabulous views over Tilling Valley (‘Tilling’ is the fictional coastal town in the Mapp and Lucia books).

I had a call from an agency I’ve worked with asking for help with a new project. One of their clients wants to pay writers per piece rather than the usual day rate or contract. It’s a new way of working for both, and they’re not sure how to price it, so she asked me what I’d charge.

I said I prefer project-based work over a daily/hourly rate, as I don’t want to charge for my time. Clients are paying for results, so what’s it worth to them? What will it bring? It’s hard to price without more info, but it depends on how much research is involved (any interviews or case studies?). It’s not likely to be an opinion piece as it’s healthcare.

I sent her a link to the NUJ Freelance Fees Guide to pass on to the client (had a quick look to compare online writing with PR/corporate rates). To keep this up-to-date, we need more submissions to the Rate for the Job (good, bad and ugly).

The work begins before it begins! Be useful and position yourself as a strategic partner rather than a task taker ;-D

Tell us what you’ve been paid – anonymously if you prefer. It helps us all negotiate better rates.

Working with brands

I’d like to expand the FFG to include rates for creator journalism, brand partnerships and sponsorships (coming soon to Substack!). I’m trying to find out what creators are charging, and will start my own list. I had a look to see what’s already out there.

F*** You Pay Me (FYPM) is a platform where you can see what brands are actually paying, read anonymous reviews from other creators, and get data on rates, usage rights and exclusivity. Founder Lindsey Lee Lugrin calls it “Glassdoor for brand deals” and wants to even the playing field between sponsors and creators.

It’s free to access if you review brands you’ve worked with or if you have a referral code (see Lindsey’s very cool OOO: Prioritizing Health & Sanity on Insta if you want one!) No humans are answering support emails or verifying reviews until September so there’s no rush.

I’ve also emailed the Digital Creator Association in the UK (never heard of ‘em) to see what they’re up to and if they have any resources.

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School’s out! Julieta finished her exams on 18 June, so it’s been a juggle — my health is up and down. I’m working until the end of July (Self Assessment folks – payment on account is due on 31st) and planning a hermit month for August. I just want to be outside, enjoying the hot summer.

A bit of news from our Writers’ Café (now running twice a week!)

• Alan Durant did a three-week house swap in Vancouver via The Guardian Home Exchange – an affordable way to see the world. The Canadians loved Hastings, especially Pirate Weekend!

• Jemima Dury and her walking pals hiked the entire 1066 Walk (31 miles) in one day and raised over £13K for the Teenage Cancer Trust. “If William can conquer it, so can we.” 💪🏻

• Katie Lee / KJ Lyttleton
  , will be at Hastings Museum on 9 August for Crime Writers’ Day. Coincides with their Agatha Christie – Queen of Crime immersive exhibition, which explores her life and legacy.

• 10 Reasons to Visit Rye – I’m still getting a lot of views on this piece I wrote in 2018, and need to update it. Rye has changed a lot since lockdown – more creative businesses here (check out RyeZine, which shares their stories). I’m adding my biz to their listings. Let's see if they want to feature us. 🤗

Nika

PS Nika Does Newsletters. I’ve set up some new ways to work with me on my website. I’m offering async writing & publishing support so lmk if you need some help.

I love talking shop, and I’m nosy too. Feel free to book a 1:1 call so I can learn more about you!