The going rate in Illinois is $20-30 per hour or $15-20 per
abstract. You may want to check on current rates in your area. Call
a few consulting firms and find out their fees. I would also like to
advise you to never work without a contract that spells out exactly
what your duties include (otherwise you may end up filing or copying
records because they are short staffed).
Last, remember that you are a professional in this field. You are
worth much more than the secretary who was probably doing the job
before you.
Hope it works out.
Cathy