That’s said, depending on use, I have no qualms about giving away shots (limited or one-time use) for free or for trivial amounts (yes $100 is a trivial amount). I’ve had several of my Flickr photos used — with my permission and my attribution — by various online sites for free. Meh, I figure, those are mostly (relatively) low traffic sites that may not be here next year.

Now, as you point out, a book cover is a different thing. Yes, they did have a $3000 budget and you did the right thing by telling them to pay up or hit the road.

I’d have offered them a non-exclusive rate in the $600-$1000 range (with attribution) and not cared a whit if they accepted or not.

I would do the same thing you did, but I am sure my “break-point” would be much lower than yours, but that’s about right because the quality of my shots are mech lower than yours.

One thing to always remember, amigo, GKMF.

That’s said, depending on use, I have no qualms about giving away shots (limited or one-time use) for free or for trivial amounts (yes $100 is a trivial amount). I’ve had several of my Flickr photos used — with my permission and my attribution — by various online sites for free. Meh, I figure, those are mostly (relatively) low traffic sites that may not be here next year.

Now, as you point out, a book cover is a different thing. Yes, they did have a $3000 budget and you did the right thing by telling them to pay up or hit the road.

I’d have offered them a non-exclusive rate in the $600-$1000 range (with attribution) and not cared a whit if they accepted or not.