About.com Topic Writer Compensation

How are Topic Writers paid?

In their first two years, Topic Writers are paid by the article. In subsequent years if the Topic Site grows, About.com also pays Topic Writers for page views above and beyond the minimum pay per article. Compensation is limited only by page views – while the guaranteed per article minimums are offered as a safety net, there is no cap on what a successful Topic Writer can earn.

Are there any minimum publishing requirements?

All Topic Writers are expected to write between six and 10 articles a month at an average of 600 words. After more than a decade of working with About.com Guides, we know that this baseline will help new Topic Writers grow their subtopics (and their earnings) more quickly by establishing a strong foundation of content. Topic Writers are also expected to promote their content via a blog.

The Legalese

All Topic Writers are independent contractors and shall not be subject to the direction, control, or supervision of About, Inc. ("About.com") regarding time spent or procedures followed in performing services hereunder. However, About.com is the final decision maker in regard to the produced product and reserves the right to request modification and/or modify the product to ensure, among other things, that it complies with quality standards. All Topic Writers are responsible for all tax liabilities emanating from their payments. Topic Writers are not eligible for any benefits from About.com and waive any right to them.

Please note: compensation earned by other Topic Writers is not a guarantee of any kind that any other Topic Writer who meets the minimum expectations will earn that much, or any specific amount. About.com offers this information as a means of sharing with applicants the potential compensation that they may earn. About.com reserves the right to terminate a Topic Writer's engagement and/or change the Topic Writer compensation model at any time for any reason, notwithstanding any information contained in the engagement materials.

I will not become a Topic Writer unless and until I am selected by About, in its sole discretion, and enter into a Topic Writer agreement with About after I complete the application process and Topic Writer Prep program.