If you are freelancing for In These Times, whether for the website or the print magazine, your work is covered by an agreement negotiated between In These Times and the National Writers Union. This agreement is detailed in two documents: a freelancer agreement that should be provided to you by In These Times and a union agreement available from the National Writers Union by request. If you are currently freelancing for In These Times and would like to request a copy of these agreements, click here to contact NWU.
You do not have to be a member of the NWU to freelance for In These Times. This agreement covers every freelancer who does work for In These Times whether they are members of the NWU or not. If you would like to join NWU, click here for more information about becoming a member.
Here are some of the highlights of this agreement:
Rates – Work appearing in the print magazine will be paid at a minimum of $0.25 per word. Work appearing online will be paid at a minimum of $250 for reported pieces and features and $125 for opinion and editorial and any short pieces. Writers are free to negotiate higher rates than this, but In These Times is not allowed to pay writers any less.
Kill fees – When work is assigned and rejected without request for revision, writer is entitled to 25% of the agreed upon fee.
Payment – Full payment owed to writers will be paid within thirty days of completion of the work, including kill fees.
Grievance Procedure – Writers are allowed to handle any disputes or grievances with In These Times through the National Writers Union and the agreed-upon grievance process.