Think of them as sophisticated generalists, interested in learning, curious. Most articles are written by experts and edited for a general audience. Features pay somewhat more, but audience, not rates, should be the chief attraction for the writer. Expect detailed questioning. Absolutely perfect stories take 2-4 months to traverse editorial process.
Writer is paid after editing.
Appreciate writers who understand editing process. A written contract can insure that both writer and editor have the same understanding of the assignment. Maxine Rock offered practical pointers for selecting an agent, based on questions asked by other free-lancers. Agents will work on books only until they have developed a productive relationship with a writer. Good agents ask for 15 percent, no reading fee.