Photography / Books

Commission rates vary from £300 to over £500. The higher price includes non-exclusive world rights for one title. For the right for subsequent re-use in a new edition, charge 50-75% extra.

The more territories a book will be marketed in, the higher the fee. Our categories A-E for stock pictures give examples of common territorial licences.

Note that these rates do not include production charges!

The suggested rates

* Read me first!  Photography / Books: advice

* See also: notes on negotiating rates for this work

* See also: reported rates, to compare: Photography / Books

* Know a better rate? Tell us!

* Find a freelance

Please note that the suggested rates below are minima; that rates for copyright works are for limited licences; and that VAT is not included.

RATES: Commissions
Books
Day rate GBP 330.00
With non-exclusive world rights for one title GBP 550.00
With right to re-use in a subsequent edition GBP 825.00

Notes:

  • Rates quoted are for use in one title only. For use in a different title, add at least 50 per cent to the rate if the day's shoot is to be used again.
  • If individual pictures are to be re-used, appropriate stock picture rates for these uses will at least provide a guide in negotiations if the client wants an all-in price .
RATES: Stock pictures
Books
category: A: UK only
Wrap GBP 530.00
Cover GBP 290.00
Back GBP 220.00
Double-page GBP 220.00
Full page GBP 145.00
3/4 page GBP 115.50
1/2 page GBP 88.00
1/4 page GBP 71.50
1/8 page GBP 66.00
RATES: Stock pictures
Books
category: B: UK and Commonwealth bar Canada
Wrap GBP 540.00
Cover GBP 310.00
Double-page GBP 264.00
Back GBP 242.00
Full page GBP 154.00
3/4 page GBP 121.00
1/2 page GBP 104.50
1/4 page GBP 82.50
1/8 page GBP 77.00
RATES: Stock pictures
Books
category: C: one language world rights bar USA
Wrap GBP 583.00
Cover GBP 352.00
Back GBP 297.00
Double-page GBP 286.00
Full page GBP 176.00
3/4 page GBP 132.00
1/2 page GBP 115.50
1/4 page GBP 93.50
1/8 page GBP 88.00
RATES: Stock pictures
Books
category: D: all Europe, or USA, etc
Wrap GBP 605.00
Cover GBP 429.00
Double-page GBP 385.00
Back GBP 330.00
Full page GBP 231.00
3/4 page GBP 176.00
1/2 page GBP 143.00
1/4 page GBP 121.00
1/8 page GBP 110.00
RATES: Stock pictures
Books
category: E: world rights all languages
Wrap GBP 638.00
Cover GBP 484.00
Double-page GBP 385.00
Back GBP 374.00
Full page GBP 253.00
3/4 page GBP 198.00
1/2 page GBP 176.00
1/4 page GBP 143.00
1/8 page GBP 132.00

Notes:

  • The size of the print-run is also important in negotiating a fee for stock pictures. Rates quoted are an industry average for print runs of 50,000 or fewer.
  • Changes in printing technology are making small and frequent print-runs or editions more common. It is important to specify that a licence covers one edition and that a new licence is required for subsequent runs or editions.
  • At least one photographer offers a discount of 10% on these rates for runs below 5000 copies.
  • Add 10% for print runs up to 100,000; at least 20% for print runs up to 250,000.
Find a freelance

Browse a selection of NUJ freelances with relevant skills through the Freelance Directory:

More advice and links...
* On negotiating for photography / books
* Uploaded 09/06/2323: if you have a printout, check the current version at www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/PhBooRat.html
[www.londonfreelance.org]
* Rates for the Job good, bad and ugly
* Join the NUJ to get individual advice & representation

Text © Mike Holderness & previous contributors; Moral rights asserted. The collection (database right) © National Union of Journalists. Comments to ffg@londonfreelance.org please. You may find the glossary helpful.

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.