Transparent pricing

Pick a starting point.
We'll shape it from there.

Three tiers cover most of what I'm hired to do — a single feature, a longer reported piece, or an ongoing partnership. Rates are starting points and assume the scope we discuss before any work begins. If your project falls outside these tiers, we'll write a clear quote rather than inflate a tier to fit.

What's Included

Three tiers. One scope conversation before any work begins.

Feature Story Starter From $450 / piece ~1,200 words · single-feature Recommended Long-Form Story From $900 / piece 2,500–4,000 words · reported Ongoing Partnership From $1,800 / month Retainer · editorial support
Per-piece project $450 / piece $900 / piece Available on request
Monthly retainer (commitment) — — $1,800 / month
Typical length ~1,200 words 2,500–4,000 words Scoped per month
Revision rounds included Two Two Two per deliverable
Source interviews Limited Included Included
Systems / OS hours add-on ($150 / hr) Add-on Add-on Included
Rush turnaround (under 10 days) — +25%, on request By arrangement
Choose a tier Get started → Choose this tier Start a conversation →
Common Questions

Five questions, honest answers.

Why three tiers and not four?
The Services page lists what I do; the Pricing page lists what it costs. Most projects fit one of these three shapes — a single feature, a longer reported piece, or ongoing work. The hourly Systems & OS Consulting rate is shown as an in-table add-on to keep the comparison clean. If your project is genuinely a fourth shape, we'll quote it explicitly rather than fitting it to a tier that doesn't match.
Do you ever go below those numbers?
For the right project, yes — typically nonprofit or independent journalism work with a clear brief. The published rates reflect the floor for most commercial clients. If budget is the binding constraint, send a note and we'll talk about whether the project is a fit before you commit.
Can I combine tiers?
Yes. Most commonly: Start with a Story Starter to test voice and fit, then move into a Long-Form Story or Ongoing Partnership. We can also bundle Systems / OS hours onto any tier as an add-on. Combinations are priced per scope, with the same revision and interview rules as the base tier.
What if my project doesn't fit any tier?
Tell me what you're working on in plain language. If it's a fit, I'll send back a written quote with the deliverable, timeline, and revision policy before any work begins. If it isn't, I'll usually point you to someone who is a better match rather than take the work anyway.
How does billing work?
Per-piece tiers are 50% on agreement, 50% on delivery. The Ongoing Partnership retainer is billed monthly, with one month's notice to pause or end. Systems / OS add-on hours are billed at the end of the engagement. Invoices are Net 14. Rush surcharges are agreed in writing before scope starts.

Still unsure whether it fits? Send a quick note instead →

Still deciding?

Send a quick note about what you're working on. I'll tell you honestly which tier (if any) fits and what the next step would look like — no follow-up sequence, no pitch deck.

Send a quick note

Response time: usually within 48 hours, always before 10 PM. Or jacki@nightowlos.com.