Uploaded 2008-05-05; for current version see http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/CrossPrn.html
If you do not believe that crossword compilers do something close to journalism, try solving one of the more imaginative cryptic crosswords like Araucaria in a topical mood...
Those commissioning crosswords need to know that there is an enormous difference between the cryptic and the quick variety. Consider these two clues:
- Refugee eels' fen - acid shuffle for useful tome (9,4,5)
- Tells you what compiler's worth (9,4,5)
Setting clues of the first - cryptic - kind so that they are entertaining, challenging but (just) doable by the target audience takes much longer than simple definitions; probably twice as long. Rates should be at least 50% more than for a quick grid of the same size.
Compiling a themed crossword - for example one in which a significant proportion of the answers relate to a client's business or to a special occasion - takes far longer, on top.
Though software is now available to help create the grids and fill in the "lights" or solutions, it cannot help with clue-writing and is not much assistance with creative theming.
These are some things to remember when negotiating rates for crosswords. And please send us your accounts of successful negotiations.
- Crosswords are copyright works. Compilers should expect to be paid for each edition they are published in - which means granting a limited licence, for example for one edition of one newspaper.
- Since most crosswords do not go out of date, the potential for abuse is significant and assignment of rights to a work that could be used in puzzle books in twenty years' time would be foolish.
- Each extra use licensed - for example in other newspapers in the same group - should attract an extra fee.
- The rates are suggested as minima from which freelance compilers will negotiate upward according to their experience, wit and specialist knowledge.
- Freelances who are registered for VAT will add it to every invoice.
We would much appreciate hearing from compilers of more rates actually paid. Two tow a Yukon hod (3, 4, 4, 2, 2).
For definitions of the categories used, see below
Cryptic clues using anagrams, abbreviations, hidden words and so on take much longer to create than simple definition-type clues; probably twice as long.
- Complicated cryptic crosswords should be charged at 50% above the fees shown below.
- Another 50% surcharge should also be levied for themed crosswords.
| - Magazines - category: A: large-circulation and glossy mags | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 15x15 squares |  |
230 |
| 15x15 squares and under | |
180 |
| - Magazines - category: B: smaller consumer mags | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 15x15 squares | |
160 |
| 15x15 squares and under | |
100 |
| - Magazines - category: C: larger trade and trade union mags | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 15x15 squares | |
160 |
| 15x15 squares and under | |
100 |
| - Magazines - category: D: smaller mags | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 15x15 squares | |
105 |
| 15x15 squares and under | |
95 |
| - National newspapers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Extra large (eg 21x21 squares) | |
370 |
| Over 15x15 squares | |
160 |
| 15x15 squares and under | |
125 |
| - Public relations - category: High budget | ||
|---|---|---|
| 15x15 squares and under | |
160 |
| - Public relations - category: Low budget | ||
|---|---|---|
| 15x15 squares and under | |
105 |
| - Regional newspapers | ||
|---|---|---|
| 15x15 squares and under | |
75 |
Notes:
- Compilers should charge more if they are commissioned by a group of papers and the crossword will be used by several titles.
- Negotiate a higher fee for crosswords that will be exclusive to one client.
- Clients who want compilers to provide explanations for readers should negotiate an additional fee, probably by the hour.
Definitions
Here we define the categories used in the suggested rates sections.
|
Category definitions for National newspapers |
|
|---|---|
| Newspapers | National newspapers: daily and Sunday titles produced in London and distributed throughout the UK; The Herald, Sunday Herald, Daily Record and Sunday Mail (Glasgow-based) and The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday from Edinburgh. Although the London Evening Standard is not a national newspaper, similar rates apply; likewise for Lloyds List. |
| Newspapers - broadsheet | A size of paper: 17 x 22 inches. Until 2003 this was the size preferred by quality papers in the UK. |
| Newspapers' supplements | Glossy colour supplements to national newspapers and their matte equivalents - which should pay more than the parent paper for words and pictures. Unfortunately many of the plethora of dingier supplements - Buy Into A Mutual Fund Now You Idiot, Lifestyle Options Involving Shopping and so forth - pay toward the low end of their parent paper's range. |
| Qualities | What tabloid editor Kelvin McKenzie called "the unpopular press" - national newspapers that were still broadsheet sized in January 2003. From London, for example, the Telegraph, Guardian, Times, Independent and Financial Times (in ascending order of unpopularity). |
| Tabloids | Strictly, a size of paper: 11 x 17 inches or 280 x 430 mm. In terms of rates, conditions and culture, however, tabloids are those newspapers that used this size of paper before January 2003. From London, for example, the Sun, Mirror, Mail, Express and Daily Sport. |
Public relations
Given the huge disparity between the rates available from a desperate corporation that needs to save its reputation from nasty allegations, and those from a tiny (or stingy) outfit wanting a routine press release, these are the broadest of broad-brush strokes...
Texts © Mike Holderness & Andrew Wiard; Moral rights asserted.
The National Union of Journalists must not, can not and would not wish to dictate rates or terms of engagement to members or to editors. The information presented here is for guidance and as an aid to equitable negotiation only.
Suggestions apply to contracts governed by UK law only. In any event, nothing here should be construed as legal advice.