Fees and Payments

In most cases, I can provide a flat-rate estimate for a project so that you can budget accordingly. However, if the parameters change, or if the project involves much more time than originally estimated, I will inform you and we can renegotiate the rate.

For first time jobs or those I estimate with a flat rate of $750 for more, I bill for half the estimated cost when I begin and the rest (including all amounts over the estimate and expenses) upon completion. Long term and ongoing projects may be billed one third up front, one third at mid project and one third on completion, or as otherwise negotiated.

Invoicing and payments

All invoices are due and payable within 10 days of receipt. I accept credit card payments through Pay Pal as well as personal and business checks by US mail.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, projects get halted in midstream. No response is given by the deadline for project stage approvals, for example, or an Editor may reject a completed project because of a change in direction that had nothing to do with the project at hand. I do charge "kill fees" for time spent to that point that usually cover my hours spent at $50 per hour.

Unless otherwise negotiated, the flat rate for a project includes one telephone interview, if necessary, and one round of revision. Any additional interviews, meetings, research, phone calls and revisions are billed on an hourly basis ($50.00 per hour). Incidental expenses including long distance phone charges, postage, courier service, etc. are billed at cost. Mileage is billed at the current IRS rate.

Purchase orders and agreements

I require a purchase order or signed (emailed approvals ok) agreement before beginning any work on a project. Rush jobs are subject to a 20% surcharge to the normal estimate with one half of the total estimated cost plus surcharge paid before beginning the project.

Expiration and Estimate

All estimates are good for 90 days only.