Re: How much to pay writers?
Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:49 am
This is something I've been wondering, myself; the answers have been really interesting/informative. I'll definitely be keeping tabs on this thread to refer back to later. ![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Supporting creators of visual novels and story-based games since 2003.
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That is the thing about budgets and contracts. There are plenty of Artists, Video Game producers, Animators and the like who do the same thing. If they run out of money or time THEY work for free. It's a consequence for violating the contract.SundownKid wrote:All those other options are just more unfair to the writer than "pay by the word", though. Any artist I would hire would require me to outline all the work, and a writer is no different. I doubt any artist or writer worth much would consider doing unpaid "overtime" considering it's freelance already. By the word is a nice, precise estimate without any strings attached for either party.
That's one of the negotiations you'll have to make as a project manager or a writer. I think the decision is more complex then that. If I was a project manager, why would I pay someone green per word? If I'm going to pay the most expensive option, you better be worth it and on time. Even more so that your skill is discernible. Chances are, I'm not going to find many people at this level. Hell, you better have won an award or two if I want to take this risk.SundownKid wrote:All those other options are just more unfair to the writer than "pay by the word", though. Any artist I would hire would require me to outline all the work, and a writer is no different. I doubt any artist or writer worth much would consider doing unpaid "overtime" considering it's freelance already. By the word is a nice, precise estimate without any strings attached for either party.
While it is your right to make such agreements, please remember that if you don't treat those that work for you fairly, don't expect them to do right by you. The more you cut corners, the more risk you take on getting someone who lacks quality, reliably and integrity. Finding reliable people is far easier said than done general, especially given the nature of the internet. While it's easier to replace a writer than an artist in terms of consistency, it's still problematic to introduce a new person to a mid-way project, especially if the previous writer didn't leave any notes. And even with a contract, you still would have to pursue legal action if they break it, and if they're in another country that can be difficult.CainVoorhees wrote:However, there are a lot of freelance writers. With the other options, the business risk is mitigated. Plus, as cruel as it may sound, if you're not willing to work with my conditions then I can always find someone else. There are lots of freelance writers out there.
Yes. That's something I failed to mention. The attitude in my reply is actually more rare then I make it seem; the truth is, most sensible people are usually willing to negotiate.Auro-Cyanide wrote:While it is your right to make such agreements, please remember that if you don't treat those that work for you fairly, don't expect them to do right by you.CainVoorhees wrote:However, there are a lot of freelance writers. With the other options, the business risk is mitigated. Plus, as cruel as it may sound, if you're not willing to work with my conditions then I can always find someone else. There are lots of freelance writers out there.
By the word is not the most expensive option, it's the only option if you want to find an actual quality writer. If you don't define the length of the written piece, don't expect someone who isn't a total noob to devote their time to the nebulously described project like "write this game" or "write this book". Just like if you ask a commissioned artist to "draw these pics", they will probably stop as soon as you stop paying them per pic. If you want someone who will abandon the project at the drop of a hat, then sure, make them work extra unpaid.CainVoorhees wrote:That's one of the negotiations you'll have to make as a project manager or a writer. I think the decision is more complex then that. If I was a project manager, why would I pay someone green per word? If I'm going to pay the most expensive option, you better be worth it and on time. Even more so that your skill is discernible. Chances are, I'm not going to find many people at this level. Hell, you better have won an award or two if I want to take this risk.SundownKid wrote:All those other options are just more unfair to the writer than "pay by the word", though. Any artist I would hire would require me to outline all the work, and a writer is no different. I doubt any artist or writer worth much would consider doing unpaid "overtime" considering it's freelance already. By the word is a nice, precise estimate without any strings attached for either party.
However, there are a lot of freelance writers. With the other options, the business risk is mitigated. Plus, as cruel as it may sound, if you're not willing to work with my conditions then I can always find someone else. There are lots of freelance writers out there.