Invoice publications for freelance articles, features, and investigative journalism. Get paid on time with Tidybill.
A journalist invoice documents fees for editorial content contributions to newspapers, magazines, online publications, and broadcast media. Freelance journalists sell stories, features, investigations, and columns on a per-piece basis or under a regular commissioning arrangement. Payment rates in journalism vary enormously by publication, from modest rates at small regional outlets to £500-£1,500 per feature at national publications. Kill fees (partial payment for commissioned work that is not published) are standard practice at most established publications. Freelance journalists are self-employed and must invoice professionally for all commissions, keeping records for self-assessment and VAT purposes where applicable.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| News Article (up to 500 words) | £50 - £200 | per article |
| Feature Article (1,000-2,000 words) | £200 - £1,000 | per article |
| Investigative Feature (3,000+ words) | £500 - £2,000+ | per piece |
| Interview / Profile (1,000-1,500 words) | £200 - £800 | per piece |
| Travel & Research Expenses | At cost | per piece |
| Photography (if also providing pictures) | £50 - £300 | per image |
Invoice the commissioning editor's accounts department promptly after publication or after delivery of the accepted piece. Include the article title, word count, and agreed fee clearly. Claim expenses at actual cost with receipts. For kill fees, invoice as agreed in the commissioning terms — typically 25-50% of the contracted fee. Keep records of all commissions and invoice dates, as some publications have slow payment cycles (30-60 days or more).