Frozen Penguin huddle

FROZEN Frozen fees at publishers Penguin and Dorling Kindersley (DK) are the priority of freelances who work for the company.

This was the overwhelming view of those who attended a meeting organised by the NUJ Publishing and Freelance departments. One freelance reported she had turned down offers to work for less than "100 per day, and it was claimed there are freelances being paid much lower fees than that.

Freelances also explained that "DK jobs always expand" and no further payment is offered, so the agreed rate reduces during the course of the job.

The meeting was also attended by members of the NUJ Chapel committee, who offered their support to the freelances.

It was agreed that everyone would provide information on rates paid by other book publishers, for comparison purposes. The NUJ organisers will write to the company seeking information on their current rates and asking by what mechanism increases can be negotiated.

John Toner
Freelance Organiser