Re: Fwd: Reiman publications

**Melinda Myers m*@execpc.com**

> Hello Garden Writers and Photographers,

The following e-mail was forwarded to me by a fellow garden writer.  I wanted to
share my response to all that recieved her comment (it follows).  I have been
treated well by Reimans - that includes pay as a writer and consultant reviewing
copy. I do not give my work away - my time and expertise are too valuable.  And
as mentioned - if someone needs what I have to offer - they are willing to pay
for it.  If their rates do not match yours it only makes sense you would not do
business.  Linda and Allan Dietrick said they have been happy with their working
relationship. I have forwarded your comments and concerns to my editor so
Reiman's not just other garden writers can hear your concerns.

Hello Joellen and Doreen,

Good to see both of you at the Garden Writers
Conference.

Thanks for the comments on the photography for
Reiman.  The magazines are reader
based and they do use a lot of their readers
submissions - this is not meant to
be a fine gardening or horticulture magazine.
Linda and Allan Dietrick told me
at the conference they were very pleased with
their relationship with Reiman -
sorry to hear that was not your case or that
of your friends.

I do agree that we only get what we ask for
and I think we all turn down work
and opportunities that no longer fit into our
pay scale.  I know I do on a
regular basis.  If a client's rate does not
match mine - then there is no deal.
I think we all make those decisions and move
on.  That helps maintain my value.
I try not to worry about the things I can't
control - There will always be
people in many areas of horticulture and
garden communications giving it away
for free or very low price - just another
challenge for all of us.

Take care,

Melinda

>
>
> Subject: Re: [GWL] Reiman publications
> Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 11:13:32 -0500
> From: "Doreen Howard" <doreenh@ticon.net>
> Reply-To: gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
> Organization: None
> To: <gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org>
> References: <3D5BD303.4020204@richpomerantz.com>
>
> Reiman's has the reputation of low pay all the way around.  They are used to
> getting photos and text from their readers for free.  When they ask a
> professional for material, they low-ball.  I'm surprised that your friend
> was even offered the $50 per photo.  They have offered me $40 before, and I
> turned it down.  They came back with a more acceptable offer later, only
> because they needed the photo.
>
> The interesting thing is that Reiman's is so profitable that Reader's Digest
> bought them several months ago, supposedly for their extensive mailing
> lists, but also for their excellent cash position.  Obviously, these people
> can afford to pay.  So, as Rich suggests, demand fair compensation.
> Doreen Howard
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Rich Pomerantz" <rich@richpomerantz.com>
> To: <gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org>
> Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2002 11:12 AM
> Subject: [GWL] Reiman publications
>
> > A colleague recently related a story about her dealing with Reiman,
> > publisher of Country Discoveries, Country, Country Woman & other
> > publications aimed at the rural & "country" lifestyle market. They pay
> > very much on the low end for photography generally. My colleague had
> > submitted photos, three of which were chosen to run on a page
> > illustrating a story about a restaurant they were featuring. They
> > wanted to pay her $150 total for all three photos, justifying the
> > ridiculously low rate because of the value of the tearsheet, claiming it
> > is especially valuable since there would be no other photos on the page,
> > only my colleague's.
> >
> > Fortunately my colleague explained to them that cash & not tearsheets,
> > gets her own bills paid, & she negotiated a higher rate. However, this
> > mentality is only reinforced by the many wannabes and skillful amateurs
> > who are more than happy to give away work to publishers like this.
> >
> > Please watch out for the "credit-line-as-payment" routine, and don't
> > give in to it. The rates in editorial work are so low already, partly
> > BECAUSE the credit line is part of the consideration. It seems in many
> > garden publications the pay rate for photographs is even lower than in
> > the general editorial world. To lower it even more is insulting.
> >
> > Rich Pomerantz
>
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