ContributorCompensation
Effective Date: January 9, 2026
Last Updated: January 9, 2026
Fair Pay for Quality Work
The Meridiem compensates contributors based on piece length, type, and required research depth. We believe in paying fairly for the expertise and time required to produce rigorous analysis.
Standard Rates
Analysis & Commentary: $0.50 - $0.75 per word
Deep analytical pieces requiring significant research and original insight.
Trend Reports: $0.60 - $0.85 per word
Data-driven reports requiring substantial research, analysis, and visualization.
Technical Explainers: $0.50 - $0.70 per word
Complex technical content requiring deep subject expertise.
Founder Stories: $0.40 - $0.60 per word
First-person narratives about building and scaling technology companies.
Expert Commentary: $0.45 - $0.65 per word
Professional perspective on current developments in your field.
News Analysis: $0.40 - $0.55 per word
Timely analysis of breaking developments requiring quick turnaround.
Rate Factors
Your compensation depends on several factors:
Expertise Level: Recognized industry experts and established writers command higher rates.
Research Depth: Pieces requiring original research, data analysis, or exclusive sources receive enhanced compensation.
Exclusivity: First-time publication with The Meridiem receives standard rates. Simultaneous submission is not permitted.
Timeliness: Urgent assignments with tight deadlines may qualify for expedited payment.
Length & Complexity: Longer, more complex pieces requiring substantial time investment are compensated accordingly.
Additional Compensation
Multimedia Enhancement: Additional payment for original data visualizations, charts, or infographics created by you.
Expert Sourcing: Compensation for arranging and conducting exclusive interviews with hard-to-reach sources.
Series Development: Enhanced rates for multi-part series or comprehensive topic packages.
Payment Terms
Timing: Payment processed within 30 days of publication.
Method: Direct deposit, PayPal, or wire transfer based on your preference and location.
Invoice Required: Submit a simple invoice after publication. We'll provide a template.
Tax Documentation: International and U.S. tax forms required before first payment (W-9 for U.S. residents, W-8BEN for international contributors).
Special Opportunities
Column Opportunities: Regular columnists receive guaranteed monthly rates for committed publication schedules.
Commissioned Series: Multi-piece projects negotiated separately with enhanced per-word rates and kill fees.
Event Coverage: Paid opportunities to cover industry conferences and events as Meridiem correspondents.
What's Not Compensated
Rejected Pitches: Pitches that don't move forward to assignment receive no compensation.
Unpublished Work: Submissions that don't meet our editorial standards after editing process are not published or compensated (rare).
Revisions: Standard editorial revisions are expected as part of the process and don't receive additional compensation.
Promotional Pieces: We don't publish or pay for promotional content, regardless of quality.
Questions About Rates?
Every pitch accepted for assignment comes with a clear compensation agreement before you begin writing. Contact contributors@themeridiem.com with questions about rates for your specific project.
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
TheMeridiem
Missed this week's big shifts?
Our newsletter breaks
them down in plain words.

