The Nation

If you are freelancing for The Nation, whether for the website or the print magazine, your work is covered by an agreement negotiated between The Nation and the National Writers Union. This agreement is detailed in two documents: a freelancer agreement that should be provided to you by The Nation and a union agreement available from the National Writers Union by request. If you are currently freelancing for The Nation 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 The Nation. This agreement covers every freelancer who does work for The Nation 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: 

Notification – Writers will be notified of acceptance, rejection, or request for revision within three weeks of receipt.

Rates – Reported features that require research and/or reporting will be paid at a minimum of $0.25 per word or $500 flat fee, whichever is less. Opinion, editorial, and short features that require little to no reporting or research will be paid at a minimum of $0.10 per word. Writers are free to negotiate higher rates than this, but The Nation is not allowed to pay writers any less. 

Kill fees – When work is assigned and rejected without request for revision, writer is entitled to 50% of the agreed upon fee. When work is assigned and rejected after a requested revision, writer is entitled to 75% .

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 The Nation through the National Writers Union and the agreed-upon grievance process.