How to Write a Column - What Should You Charge?

·	How much money will I make from writing a syndicated column?

The term “syndication” means selling the same column to a number of editors on a non-exclusive basis. Because of this, a syndicated columnist can charge far less per article than their counterpart on staff at a daily newspaper. You get a little bit from a lot of periodicals. It adds up.

·	Should I offer free columns?

That depends on your objectives. Since the true benefit of having a syndicated column comes from the free "ad" space you will be receiving in newspapers, you may very well decide to do that. However, if you write a Question & Answer column, as I did, you should consider that you will be answering a great many more questions for "free."

·	What about a sample contract?

You don’t really need one. But if you want a Sample Contract for Columnists, here one is.

·	How do I bill editors for my syndicated column?

When I began to self-syndicate my own column, I would bill the newspaper monthly, for however many Monday's there were in that month. That means if there are four Monday's in the month, they are charged four times the weekly rate. If there are five Monday's, I bill them five times the weekly rate.

I used Quicken for Home and Business - their invoice program. There you just enter the column once (as an item) and it multiplies it out for you. You can either mail, fax or E-MAIL them the invoice.

·	Do newspaper editors pay columnists promptly?

Newspapers usually pay in 30 days. All I have worked with have stuck to that schedule.

·	If I use a pen name, how do I cash the check?

The editors should know your true name. Unless you are in the witness protection program or something.

·	Can you give me some sample prices, at least?

Oh, all right. Below is what I received from various newspapers for my “Ask Rat Dog” column, first syndicated by King Features in 1993. You will note that some newspapers with higher circulations actually paid less than those with smaller circulations.

This is because the price is entirely negotiable - and in the end, it is better to get a newspaper at a lower price than not to get any money at all.

·	But what should I charge???

In the end, the price of the column will be negotiated between the columnist and the editor.

Editors have wildly varying budgets depending on the size of the periodical, but usually you can count on $12 to $75 per column, depending on the newspaper’s circulation.

The best way to determine what you should charge is to call interested editors and ask, “What is your budget?” In many cases, the editor will offer more than you would have dared ask for. Should the editor offer you less than you had hoped, you might consider taking it since being in any paper increases your credibility.

How will writing a syndicated column change my life?

What makes the “Market 2 Editors” site THE expert on writing a syndicated column?

How does one write a syndicated column?

Do newspaper editors prefer E-MAIL or snail-mail?

Is my column’s topic of interest to newspaper editors?

Does the “Market 2 Editors” site turn down any columns?

Do you need to be an expert to write a column?

How important is my column’s title?

How do I write a compelling query letter?

Any tips for editing my writing?

What do I need to know about the business end of writing & syndicating a column?

What should I charge for writing my syndicated column?

Do you have a sample column contract?

How will my syndicated column submission be presented to newspaper editors?

Does the “Market 2 Editors” site send to ALL newspaper editors?

How will newspaper editors contact me?

What percentage response can I expect from submitting my syndicated column?

Do you have any references? Does the “Market 2 Editors” site guarantee its service?

Why isn’t a single submission enough to launch a syndicated column?