Okay, let’s break this down. Neil has a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa, which is a prestigious program. He has also published several full-length poetry collections, which indicates a level of success in his field. As a professor, he likely charges a salary, but as a writer, his rate might be lower. Considering his experience and education, I'd estimate his hourly rate for writing services to be around $75, which is on the lower end of the spectrum for a writer with his qualifications. This rate is also influenced by his location in Portsmouth, Ohio, which is a smaller market.