Contract for a book

[R. Armstrong]

I am on my way out the door at this job, but before I leave, the Marketing
department wants me to write a book for them.  They want it to be a short
'Dummies Guide'  (48 pages,) but are willing to let me keep author credit
and pay me a contract rate. If they went with someone else, they would have
to spend more time and money on training that person. I'm already an SME on
the theme for the book. 

 

Since this is the first time I've ever considered this type of proposal, I
am completely stumped when it comes to how much I should charge for writing
the book. I know that the book is to be used 'mostly' as marketing
collateral, so asking for a percentage of sales would be rather worthless.
I have though about charging per page, or per hour.  I know it should take
about 3 weeks of full time work to do the research and writing, so I could
have a decent estimate on the cost if I charged by the hour. Unfortunately,
I'm not sure what that hourly rate should be. 

 

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. I seem to remember a similar
thread some time back, but I couldn't find it in the archive.

 

Thank you!

 

Robert Armstrong