Fee Structure

What is the Art of Documentation Fee Structure?

For both freelance writers and those that hire them, that frequently asked question lacks a simple answer. Fees charged by professional writers vary according to the work involved. Many factors affect payment including:

  • the type of assignment (e.g., magazine article, speech, marketing report)
  • rights licensed to or purchased by the client
  • the number of words and/or time the project requires
  • the number of interviews and research needed
  • the deadline time constraints

Listed below are the average cost of most projects.  All projects have their own specific requirements, and may not reflect the averages below. A staff member of The Art of Documentation will be glad to discuss your project and give you a free estimate.

AdvertisingBusiness WritingGhost WritingPeriodicals
(including websites)
Ad Copy, News Releases,
White Papers
$350 to $500 per page
$750 to $1,000 per project for brochures
$75 to $150 per hour		Reports, Marketing Plans, Technical Writing,
White Papers
$1 to $2 per word
$300 to $12,000 per project
$40 to $125 per hour		Articles
Generally 2-3 times the usual rate		General Interest
$1.00 to $2 per word
$500 to $10,000 per article
$400 to $1,500 per column
Advertorials
$0.40 to $2 per word
$100 to $3,000 per article
$40 to $100 per hour		Editing
$30 to $60 per hour
$500 to $20,000 per project		Books
$10,000 to $50,000 flat fee
Entire advance + 50% of royalties		Trade/Special Interest
$0.30 to $2 per word
$500 to $4,000 per article
$300 to $1,000 per column
Newsletters
(Writing only; layout extra)
$0.30 to $1.50 per word
$400 to $6,000 per issue
$50 to $80 per hour

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