United StatesLicensing fee for an executive portrait, to be used on back inside cover of paperback book?
A couple of months ago I photographed an up and coming author for her public relations portrait. Her publisher liked the photo so much they want to use it at the back of the paperback edition of her book.
I don't have a final number for the first run but here is what I do know.
Author: New & unknown at this point. Her first book. Author is paying entire bill for publishing.
Publisher: Small, focusing on e-book distribution at this point. Book will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Nobel etc.
Book run: I don't have an exact number but was told it will be very limited due to cost. Probably 1,000 or less for first run. U.S. distribution only. In English only.
I would like to hear what a reasonable licensing fee would be for this first run paperback and for subsequent runs if she is successful. I've looked on Blinkbid, fotoQuote & other resources with out much guidence.
I'm leaning toward $200 - $400 for the first run only.
Rick,
This is a vanity press book. Any traditional publisher would cover all the costs involved with printing a book and then deduct those costs from the author's advance.
commented:
July 5, 2012
Gordon Mooneyhan
Semi-Professional
Gordon,
I'm learning that many small publishers, which I gather are becoming popular, are leaving it up to the author to supply the photo. I just photographed another and his book was actually going to be a traditional book with possible e-book later.
I priced these images along the lines of Triger's advice below. For both authors these were their first books. Both are unknowns now.
Further work will be priced higher based on their popularity and exposure. Thanks for your input!
commented:
July 5, 2012
Rick Lewis
Professional