If you do not believe that crossword compilers do something close to journalism, try solving one of the more imaginative cryptic crosswords when the setter is in a topical mood...

Those who commission 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. Rates should be at least twice those for a quick crossword 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 considerably longer again.

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• Since most crosswords do not go out of date, the potential for abuse is significant and agreeing to assignment of rights to a work that could be used in puzzle books in twenty years' time would be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).

Cryptic clues using anagrams, abbreviations, hidden words and so on take much longer to create than simple definition-type clues.

Add at least a 50 per cent surcharge for themed crosswords.

Magazines - category: A: large-circulation and glossy mags
15x15 squares and under		240.00
Over 15x15 squares		300.00

Magazines - category: B: smaller consumer mags
Over 15x15 squares		210.00
15x15 squares and under		130.00

Magazines - category: C: larger trade and trade union mags
15x15 squares and under		134.00
Over 15x15 squares		214.00

Magazines - category: D: smaller mags
Over 15x15 squares		140.00
15x15 squares and under		125.00

National newspapers -
Extra large (eg 21x21 squares)		500.00
15x15 squares and under		160.00
Over 15x15 squares		210.00

Public relations - category: High budget
15x15 squares and under		215.00

Public relations - category: Low budget
15x15 squares and under		140.00

Regional newspapers -
15x15 squares and under		100.00