Is low pay the norm?

Hi everyone,

I've read in many places that pet markets are notorious for low pay. Is that true in your experience? Is there a big difference in pay rates for personal essays vs. service pieces?

I've noticed (and found out the hard way) that many pet magazines do not pay for personal essays. Has that been your experience, too?

Thanks, Rose

Hi Rose,

It depends on the market. Some are low pay, others pay decent amounts. Don't know about the pay for essay writing in the print mags because I work mostly on assignment--articles, with lots of research and interviews, and I get paid extra for photographs. Brings in a pretty nice paycheck most months.

The animal-related essays I've sold have mostly been to print publications such as the Listening to the Animals hardcover books from Guideposts that came out a few years ago. They paid very nicely and I retained reprint rights to all my pieces, too.

But, on the other hand, I've also sold pieces for less than a hundred bucks if I liked the publication. You just have to really research the markets, know your subject (and I think you are quite familar with yours!) and turn in well written work that makes the editors happy. They'll remember your name and that helps a lot!

Don't know if any of this rambling will be helpful or not. . .

Hi Anne,

Your "rambling" is immensely helpful...especially since you are such a pro. I popped out to your website earlier - your list of credits is impressive.

It's good to know you're out there in AbsoluteWrite land!

Rose

Thank you, Rose! How nice of you.

One of these days I'll get around to updating that web site. *sigh*