Local newspaper article

[TommyC]

How much, as a rough estimate, might I expect to be paid by the Editor of a local newspaper, for an original item of local interest, of say, 300-400 words, if it were published ? I appreciate such payments or rates probably differ from region to region, but is there any general rule of thumb, or current accepted Rate for such an item written by an amateur - but capable - contributor ?

[grasscarp]

You will have to ask the editor. I had a piece published in a local paper and got np payment.

[joko]

I think unless you are a pro they won't pay...articles need to adhere to a set of guidelines etc
I did a journalism course and found the 'rules' to be pretty annoying and dull

Have you any experienc?

[TommyC]

Thanks for your reply. No direct experience, No. But I understand the basics of proof-reading, copy-editing and House Standards, so I wouldn't struggle with any of that. But I'm surprised about the no-amateurs rule - and to be honest, I'm not much interested. It just means that before I submitted an item, I'd state clearly that I wanted an agreement to payment before I agreed to publication.

[joko]

its not that theres a rule as such, just that they dont want any random people sending articles in that are simply not suitable for publication... badly written, not relevant, not in keeping with their style, too emotional, too long etc etc

some places thrive on input others dont want to know
there are so many rules that you would be wise to ask first if they will accept material from you with an synopsis.

have you checked the W&A yearbook?

[Skyline D]

No idea about news stories, I'm sure a freelance could tell you though. I'm not sure they'd print anything by a non NUJ member though. It's virtually certain they wouldn't publicly credit anything to a non-NUJ member. They are more likely to accept your story, pay you for it and have it re-written by a staff journalist than do that though.

A journalist friend of mine used to do football reports for a local paper though and generally got £10 or so per report.

[Buenchico]

With apologies for the late reply. (I've only just seen this question).

The NUJ's 'official' minimum rates are here:
http://www.londonfree...newspapers&page=INDEX

Some actual rates paid are reported here:
http://www.londonfree...esguide/prregr4j.html

Many local newspapers are struggling to survive and consequently have very limited (or non-existent) budgets for freelance contributions. For a 'one-off' piece of the length you suggest I'd probably settle for simply seeing my byline on it, but I'd be looking for a nominal payment if I was a regular contributor. (I hardly ever submit freelance work 'on spec' these days. The payments offered, if anything, are usually less than I was getting 30 years ago!).

If you do get something accepted, you need to know that most journals require you to invoice them after publication. (The fact that they've got your contact details already, and that they agreed the fee, is irrelevant. No invoice means no payment!)

Chris

[boxtops]

I agree with Chris - I've been published in national journals for which there is a set rate (and they have the final editorial say on content and layout), but our local rags would only pay out (IMO) for a feature they've commissioned.