I just secured a brief to feature as a columnist in a new glossy magazine. The mag is an upbeat, lifestyle mag. My column is mainly to address issues concerning women in their different roles as girlfriends, wives, mothers etc. I will also have another column covering the latest trends in fashion, make-up, fashion police kinda stuff. I've done stuff like this before, but it's mostly been as a hobby and as such, my services were pro-bono.

The publisher is aware of my ignorance as per going rates and will most likely capitalize on this when we meet to discuss my fees, by asking me to say how much i want. I do not want to short-change myself, neither do i wanna scare him off by quoting too high rates. So, please advise me. Thanks.

Guy i tire 4 u,is it ur life rule it the way u like that's all.

Mr Turiano, there's something called keeping quiet, holding one's peace when one does not have anything of value to add to a matter.
Just a word of wisdom- Nairalander to Nairalander.

Is this your first time of writing for a publication? If yes, how much did
you charge?

If this is your first time, why dont you write for free? I know it sounds
crazy but you can use the opportunity to launch yourself. . .

akinalabi:

Is this your first time of writing for a publication? If yes, how much did
you charge?

If this is your first time, why dont you write for free? I know it sounds
crazy but you can use the opportunity to launch yourself. . .

Thanks, Akinlabi. That's a tall order, deadlines and all, but, Seen.

Are you going to be working there full time or will you just be a
contributor?

akinalabi:

Are you going to be working there full time or will you just be a
contributor?

Just a contributor.

If I were you, I'll do it for free. I currently publish a newspaper and yet, I still
write for free for other publications. It will only cost you ink and paper.

Do it for free.

I'd really have loved to do it for free but i will not. This is because i've already done a lot of free work, free make-overs, articles etc, all in the name of "it's just a hobby". But i have since noticed, and if i may say so myself- i'm just as good, sometimes even better than those i see getting paid for their services.
@ Akin Alabi- I love writing, yes, but  there's no harm in getting paid while at it. I wouldn't have a problem writing free for a magazine owned by an Non Governmental Organisation. If you can however make me see the rationale behind writing for free for a magazine that's solely for the purpose of financial gain, i might be swayed.
Looking forward to your reply.