NUJ Freelance Fees Guide: Public relations - Writing+research

Please note that the suggested rates below are minima; that rates for copyright works are for limited licences; and that VAT is not included. See notes on negotiating rates and find a freelance.

Rates vary hugely. The "high budget" and "low budget" categories are no more than guides. Some clients fall well above the "high budget" band.

Read me first! Public relations advice

Uploaded: 2008-05-05; if you have a printout, check the current version at www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/PuWriRat.html

Reported rates, to compare for Public relations Writing+research

The suggested rates (know a better rate? tell us!)
For full definitions of the categories, click on their names

NUJ members discuss rates etc for writing in general

RATES: Writing+research category: High budget

Press releases: per 1000 words		350
Press releases: per day (include research time)		450
Brochures and annual reports: per day (include 2 or more sets of revisions)		450
Speech writing: 15-30 mins (include research and briefing)		2400
Corporate journalism: per 1000 words from		550
Web journalism: per 1000 words from		600

RATES: Writing+research category: Low budget

Press releases: per 1000 words		160
Press releases: per day (include research time)		270
Brochures and annual reports: per day (include 2 or more sets of revisions)		270
Speech writing: 15-30 mins (include research and briefing)		1100
Corporate journalism: per 1000 words		250
Web journalism: per 1000 words		270

See: NUJ Code of Conduct

See: Photography / Public Relations rates

Notes:

Writing articles that require extensive research should be charged for by the hour, at the consultancy rate - see Project fees.
Fees for specialist copy written by an expert should include a premium of at least 10% extra.
Freelances should charge a premium, for example 25% extra, for taking full responsibility for production up to and including image-setting.

Find a freelance

Code of practice for commissioning journalists

Generally useful links:

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.