newspaper liked my article idea...do I mention money?

[hatwoman]

would really welcome any thoughts on this. I sent an idea for a short article/opinion piece to a newspaper. originally I sent it to an on-line bit of the paper that has lots of contributors who I assume are unpaid. however - although they quite liked it they suggested I speak to another editor. I did and she likes it and has asked if I'll do a short piece (max 600 words). It's good for me and my profile etc...it'll be my first piece...but do I mention money?

Depends. You can do what do you think its worth?

Might be worth doing it as a freebie just so you can say you've been published.

Newspapers mostly pay at a standard rate per 1,000 words - you should ask her what that rate is and then send an invoice with the piece. You will be paid "on publication" (ha bloody ha) sometime up to 30 days after publication ususally. Unless the editor loses the invoice on her desk.

What LGP said.

One thing to bear in mind is that there's nothing stopping them taking your idea and asking someone else to write it if they don't want to pay you for it.

With the trouble I've had with my copyright being infringed, I don't do freebies anymore. The very least I will do is a short piece of work in exchange for a reference.

Can you do some subtle digging to see what others experiences with the paper are like?

DEFINITELY ask what the rate is. It is part of the brief, and only professional to ask.