Just what is a kill fee?

As a professional contract killer, I often - no, um, I mean, well as an editor I recently had to pay one of these on my employer's behalf, having unwisely commissioned an article that I then wasn't able to use (in this case for legal reasons). It's a way of compensating a writer/journalist for not using their work - in cases where you've given them a right to expect it would be published. At least that's my understanding.

Frances

Thanks for that!

Ani

I think Frances pretty much hits it on the head, although the compensation is more for the fact that the work was done and written before being pulled.

It's a good idea to check that the kill fee doesn't come with some sort of clause saying that it's on condition the author doesn't try to sell the article to another or rival publication for a set period.

Of course, the author always retains the copyright on their work.

I'm gradually discovering that writing, just like software development, has a jargon all of its own. At least, on this occasion, I've discovered a new term and its definition all in one go. I just hope the people who get told to "organise a kill fee for X" find the definition before the hit-man gets hired.


Alex

Yes Frances is correct.

If an editor accepts an article or story which you've written, agrees to publish it, then later decides not to do so, the rights in it revert back to you (first british serial rights, or whatever), and you are free to try to sell it somewhere else.

You are also entitled to a kill fee as compensation. This is often around half the amount you would have got if it had been published.

Some publishers will try to get out of paying this fee, seeing as they are not going to publish the article/story, but morally you have a right to it, so should stand your ground. If they have signed a contract to publish your book, and then decide not to, you can legally force them to go ahead with it. If you decide the hassle isn't worth it, you are then definitely entitled to some sort of compensation.

Kat