How much will it cost?

We know you’ll hate this answer, but … it depends. On the format, paper, number of pages, quantity, and other factors: Do we need to schedule photos? Hire a freelance writer? Does your piece need to be mailed?

Here’s a few hints to get started.

1. Do you have a budget? (Did your boss basically say, “You’ve got XX dollars to spend?) If so, that’s the starting point.

2. Have you done this (or a similar) job before?  We send out chargeback statements for every job. Or check with your budget manager to collect those costs. We recommend that you add at least 15% to last year’s total to cover cost increases for fuel, paper, etc.

3. If you have absolutely no idea, call your account lead. We’ll set up a meeting, talk through ideas and research some numbers.

Fees   (As of June 2009)

Copy writing: Freelance writers and editors are assigned on a per-project basis. Hourly rates for non-profit writers in our area range from $75 to $100/hour. Call us to contract for a professional writer.

Design and Production and Proofreading (in-house): $40 per hour (we bill for all time spent on a project, including meetings, research, art direction of photo shoots, etc).

Our in-house design fees are one-third to one-half the industry/market rate.

Design (freelance): Freelance graphic designers are assigned on a per-project basis. In general, hourly rates for graphic designers in this market range from $80 to $150/hour.

Photography (University): $55/hour for live shoots, $35 per CD production charges..

Photography (freelance): Freelance photographers are assigned on a per-project basis.