 Michael McCook |
How do I price a photo for a travel book? I've recently been asked if I would sell one of my images for a Travel Book. Of course the answer will be yes, but I'm not sure how to negotiate the selling price. I was not given any information about how the the photo will be used...1/4 page, 1/2 page, cover,etc. or distribution of the publication. I'd like some help on how to respond to this initial inquiry. Since this would be my first book sale, should I ask for a photo credit and a copy of the book as part of the compensation? Or, is this standard practice? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
"I was not given any information about how the the photo will be used...1/4 page, 1/2 page, cover,etc. or distribution of the publication." And BOOM goes the dynamite. Find that out first. And yes you should get credit and retain rights. If it goes through, you allow them the right to use the photo, not have it. The more it's used(more copies, or for longer length of time) the more money should be charged. As well as bigger on the page. I read in a photographer's blog that nothing is ever standard. Except to get stuff as cheaply as possible, and that means free if they can. The internet can make offers come from anywhere. So find out the what, where, when, and how many of the book. It may be somebody wanting something for the price of a print, or it may be a good opportunity. Asking for a copy a the book sounds like a courtesy. I wouldn't consider it part of the compensation. In fact, I wouldn't bring it up as part of the compensation. Makes me think of getting a couple grand for a magazine shoot, but actually getting $1995 because they threw in a copy of the magazine. Good luck with it.
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Michael McCook |
Thanks Gregory! I kind of had an idea of how to respond, but want to be sure. It was all very vague. I will send a reply asking for more information so I can better make an informed decision. I see what you mean about the copy of the book. I appreciate your help. Thanks Again,
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Irene Troy |
Michael - I don’t want to rain on your parade, but are you 100% certain this is on the up and up? I’m a freelance writer, doing mostly travel and nature work. I also do photography, mostly to accompany my writing. It’s uncommon for a legitimate editor/publisher to approach someone offering to purchase an image or article without providing full details as to how this image/article will be used and under what terms. In truth, it’s unusual for a legit publication to approach an outside contributor directly. Generally, it works the other way – you propose an article or image, present samples of your work and qualifications for doing the proposed project and then the editor (more likely an editorial assistant) responds with either a request for more information or a rejection. When editors need images to accompany an article (or, in this case, a book) they contact former contributors or photographers known for doing the type work required. There are, of-course, plenty of exceptions to these generalities, but you do want to make 1000% sure that any requests of this sort are legitimate. The lack of details provided by the person making this request would cause me concern.
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Michael McCook |
Thanks Irene. I too am a bit suspicious. I did respond asking for more information. Unfortunately, the response I received back was again without the requested information. The individual wrote: "Can I just purchase it from you and use it for the German and English version of the book? I have never purchased photos before and do not know how that works. I understand that royalty free means I can use them as often as I want. What would make sense to you?" I think perhaps this may be a writer making a self-published book. I'm not sure how to proceed from here. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Hi Michael, You could set up an account with Corbis and post the image for him to download & use. Its easy to set up an account with Corbis and I would use Jim Zuckermans or other photographers prices as a guide for pricing my own images as there are different size/quality, length of time & usage allowed, etc and looking at their options & prices will give you a starting point... I have an account with them but have yet to post & price my own images. This whole thing sounds a little fishy to me so proceed w/caution dealing with him directly. Hope this helps, Carlton
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Michael McCook |
Thanks Carlton, I'll check that out. I was thinking maybe there was a way I could post and sell it on line through a website. Corbis just may be the ticket. Mike
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Irene Troy |
Hi Michael – yep, sounds like self-published endeavor. I would move very carefully and definitely look into selling through Corbis because they provide a level of security you won’t be able to have on your own. You may also want to visit this website: http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/ This is Writer Beware and, although the genre is science fiction, they maintain a database of most on all sorts of scams against writers and other artists. Self-publishing is a field rife for scam artists and thieves of all sorts. This said, if the project is well done, then selling your image to the author should only help, not hurt you professionally. Just make sure the terms of the sale are correctly written and executed. If you sell through Corbis or a similar site, all of this will be taken care of and you won’t have to worry. Good luck!
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Michael McCook |
Thank You Irene. I think a place like Corbis is the route for me. I will definitely check out Writer Beware. I'd hate for my first real sale to be bogus and get scammed...might leave a bad taste. Thanks again to everyone for you suggestions! Mike
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Bob Cammarata |
I've been approached with similar requests and have followed up by thanking them for their interest...then, requesting more information. In all but one occasion, I never heard from them again. Try Googling their name (or company/website name, if they have one) and see what pops up.
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Michael McCook |
Thanks Bob, I did take your advice and the great advice above from Irene, Gregory and Carlton. I never really got anything helpful from the internet search. I did thank her and once again request more information. I also set up accounts with several stock agencies and provided her with instructions on how to proceed. Unfortunately, I haven't heard from her since....Oh well, maybe next time.
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