What should a new rpg adventure writer expect in regards to the contract?

February 19, 2009 8:17 AM

What should I be paid for writing an adventure for a rpg system?

Against all logic, I've been approached by a reputable make of role playing games to write an adventure for one of their new game systems.

This is against all logic because my last experience with playing pencil and paper RPGs was probably over ten years ago. And, also, because I don't have anything even slightly resembling a track record.

That aside, they've approached me, I'm interested and, at some point, I imagine they'll be wanting to offer me a contract.

So, my question is, in essence, what should I expect to be paid? Also, should I expect to maintain any ownership of the characters or stories in the adventure? And should I expect royalties on this or are these sorts of things strictly work for hire? If I write before they get me a contract, do I get to set my own terms?

Basically, I have no idea what I'm getting into and my contact - an otherwise very friendly sounding bloke - sort of hemmed and hawed when I started asking these questions. I need to stress, the company has, as near as I can tell, a proven history of success.

Anyhow, basically, I need some decent "newbie RPG adventure author" sort of advice. Help?

posted by anonymous to work & money (5 comments total)

I can't exactly answer your question directly; all I can do is provide some additional questions that might help you better frame this, plus an anecdote.

Expectation of payment should be based on at least these factors:

1) Small adventure or big?

2) Will this company provide (or can you find) amounts they've paid others for similar work? Something of a longshot, but you could gumshoe it. Other authors of similar work might, might tell you something if gently approached.

3) Ownership — the more you give up, the more you should expect to get up front. If you want to own the NPCs and realms for later modules for that RPG, say so. You'll get paid less now but might make more later. If it's a one-off, forget about it.

4) Who are you? If you've got name recognition, where (what audience) is it? Why did they approach you? If you're J.K. Rowling, you can ask for more.

Now the anecdote: some years ago, I was approached by the creators of a fairly successful RPG system. They were interested in one of those tie-in novels. A little research found that, while these guys were successful by most measures, the authors who wrote for them had a terrible time getting paid. Just because they are successful doesn't mean they plan on cutting you some big checks.
posted by adipocere at 8:58 AM on February 19

Adipocere gives good advice, and the cynic in me just requires me to chime in: be absolutely sure and get things in legally binding writing before starting work for them.

What I know of the game industry, it's incredibly insular, people often have to work their way up or even work for free before they get hired to write fictions for companies, so it seems surprising that they're approaching you if, as you say, you have no track record writing games or experience in the industry. If you're already a highly successful fiction writer, I could see it, perhaps. But, still, really check out the offer before devoting too much to it.
posted by ninjakins at 9:16 AM on February 19

What you are paid probably depends on the scope of the adventure you write. Are they looking for a one shot or for the World's Largest Dungeon part 2?
posted by valadil at 10:32 AM on February 19

I used to write my own adventures to use in AD&D and writing a good one is pretty difficult. There are so many variables to consider and, depending on the system, you may need to have a fairly comprehensive understanding of the mechanics and setting (like, I dunno, an encounter with a beholder in Ravenloft wouldn't be all that kosher, and having an atropal turn up in a level 5-7 adventure would earn you a chorus of huhs). Then it would need to be playtested. So there's a lot of time involved, and as the adventure gets longer, naturally more time will be needed.

adipocere's advice is great.

But this bit? The bit where "my contact...sort of hemmed and hawed when I started asking these questions"? I don't like that bit. It makes me feel like I'm watching somebody with their windscreen wipers turned up really high when it's only drizzling.
posted by turgid dahlia at 3:30 PM on February 19

Speaking as someone who's been writing and publishing RPG material for over 25 years, I'm baffled that a company would contact someone from outside the industry and ask you to write an adventure. Is there a reason that they want you in particular to write this material?

Companies and games systems do change hands, and well-known names do sometimes fall under the control of novices and well-intentioned amateurs. The fact that an established company doesn't have an established contract is a big warning sign.

To return to the heart of your question: payment rates in the RPG industry have never been high, and now the market is in decline those rates are very low compared to almost every other field of writing. 5c/word is considered the top of the market. Getting your name on the book cover is uncommon. Royalties are unusual, advances even more so. Retaining any rights to the written work is rare.

If you want to message me privately with a few more details, please go ahead.
posted by Hogshead at 11:46 AM on February 22