Cost of having a DnD module written then/now?

[cavetroll]

So ignoring the cost of the artwork, how much do you think contract writers were paid back in the old days to write a basic 30 page basic/1e module?

Now if one were want to find a writer to write you a custom module, where would you find someone and how much would in cost nowadays?

While anyone can write their own module, finding someone to author an amazing module (using your high level specs) seems tricky.
Perhaps one could find new/undiscovered authors in the fantasy section of Amazon books and contact them?

 

[Retreater]

I suppose you could look up some 3rd party publishers to see what they pay freelancers. You wouldn't be getting art or maps with that - just the text - and not necessarily a professional layout (all that costs extra). I would guess you could get something for a couple hundred?

 

[Sacrosanct]

Last I looked, freelance writing rates range anywhere between 6 and 12 cents a word. More if you have someone experienced and/or well known.

Looks like a 30 page adventure has roughly 10,000 words. so that's $1000 if you pay 10 cents a word. You said ignore art, so I won't tell you costs for that

 

[Morrus]

Freelance rates in the industry typically range from as awfully low as 1c/word up to 20c/word or so. Then there's art, editing, and layout. Assuming 500 words per page, a 30 page module is 15,000 words, so it will cost you anything from $150 to $3000. I'd say you'd be looking at $1,000+ for the writing.

 

[cavetroll]

Last I looked, freelance writing rates range anywhere between 6 and 12 cents a word. More if you have someone experienced and/or well known.

Looks like a 30 page adventure has roughly 10,000 words. so that's $1000 if you pay 10 cents a word. You said ignore art, so I won't tell you costs for that

Sounds right. Art I had to search world wide to find costs I can afford, but not sure where to find freelance writers yet.

 

[Morrus]

There's not really a central place to recruit RPG freelance writers. It's more word of mouth. Posting an ad somewhere and linking to it on social media is a good way to reach out.

 

[Sacrosanct]

There's an RPG Writers and Artist Guild on FB that might help

RPG and Fantasy Writers and Artists Guild | Facebook

Be nice to each other! A place to collaborate, share ideas and resources, discuss problems, find solutions, and have some fun! Cooperation and sharing....

www.facebook.com

 

[GreyLord]

A guess...maybe...

Back in the day, it would depend on how it was submitted and how it was commissioned (as well as the WHO). I think on the low end it could go as low as $50-$100, and on the higher end it could start at $500 to $1000, or if you were REALLY lucky, you could get a percentage of the sales! (which could also be unlucky if the sales were really bad).

There were also the guys that were employed by the companies, but you are asking about contract work rather than employee salaries...

These days...costs would be different.