Struggling Authors

I'd really appreciate any advice anyone could give me on this one. I usually write fiction, but I have recently applied to write a monthly column for an online magazine. They've set me the first month's, but have asked me what my rates are ... ? ... having never been in this situation before I have no idea what to say. i don't want to either over price myself or under sell myself. Has anyone here had to this before, or could offer me any advice at all. I'd be so grateful.

thanks

sam

Sorry Sam
I have no idea on this one at all. Good Luck though
Mad Tee

thanks Tee, it's a tricky one and I suspect if I ask ten people I'll get ten different answers!

Sam if you get really stumped I would say £40.
It's stating you consider your self worth it.

Anything less may give them the impression you lack experience perhaps.
Just a thought....

thanks Tee, not knowing yet how much work is going to go into this, I was thinking of saying 10p a word rather than a set amount. What do you think? Does that sound reasonable?

Actually I think that is a far better approach and yes 10p sounds
fair. It doesn't feel quite so expensive when you look at 10p
written down. Does that make sense?

My American Lit. Agency charged me something similar when I had
my MS critiqued and edited.It does seem to be a common
practice these days. Good luck. Tee

thanks Tee, I'll let you know how it goes.

How is it going with the lit agent? My second novel is currently with my publisher/agent person at the moment. It's an anxious time!

Well it's the Writers Literary Agency in America and I must admit they seem to have got everything down to a fine art.
I deal with several different people who are all based in the same place! I view it as a shuttle service/conveyor belt . "I've done my bit" so it goes on the shuttle/belt to the next person for their bit. I smile at it but I must admit it works and also because of our different time zones their response is also quicker.
It seems to be thus: One does the critique another editing someone entirely different does finance. (You get the picture?)
As we speak my first book has been critiqued and edited and is with my dedicated agent, who will start the round of suitable publishers.
Their word is their bond seems to be the motto as their reputation goes before them.
Therefore in theory :
(1) they will only accept "publishable" work
(2) they know exactly which publisher to aim it at.

My work is a trilogy ( I wrote the three books in a year) The Literary Agent knows they are probably on to a good thing as they can bang them out one after the other to the right publisher.
Having said that once they get me published the same process has to be repeated with the second and third books.
I have been with them since April and I feel it has worked well.

If it's of any help I know that the industry freelance rate is about 20p p/w.

Crickey It seems I got off lightly then Sammi.
Hang on; I'm thinking in pounds and pence instead of cents and
dollars.
Even though I still feel I got it fairly cheap.

oh bum. I've just quoted them 10p a word!

Well to be honest if it's a website they probably can't afford to pay 20p p/w anyway. 10p p/w is still a good price

thanks Shadmin, I'm sure you're right. I don't want to put them off by quoting too high a price. I appreciate the advice guys, thanks.