Freelance Writing Contract Template

A freelance writing contract answers the questions editors and writers argue about later: how many revisions, when a piece is paid for if it's killed, whose name goes on it, and who owns the rights. This template covers each one for an ongoing article assignment, with per-article fees.

  • 1. Assignments
  • 2. Deadlines
  • 3. Revisions
  • 4. Fees and Payment
  • 5. Kill Fee
  • 6. Rights
  • 7. Byline
  • 8. Originality and Sources
  • 9. Independent Contractor and Confidentiality
  • 10. Ending the Agreement
  • 11. Limitation of Liability
  • 12. General
  • Signatures from both parties
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it when a publication, agency, or business commissions articles, blog posts, or other written content from you.

The full template

Words in brackets, like [Client Name], fill in automatically from your client's details when you use the template in Clientary.

In the editor, you can change any section or add your own. Once you send it, your client signs online from any device. Edit this template online

This Freelance Writing Agreement is made on [Contract Date] between [Company Name] ("Writer") and [Client Name] ("Client").

1. Assignments

Writer will write [describe the work, for example: four blog articles a month, 1,200 to 1,500 words each, on topics from Client's content plan]. Each assignment starts with a brief from Client, covering the topic, audience, angle, keywords, sources, and deadline. Writer will confirm each assignment in writing before starting.

2. Deadlines

Writer will deliver a first draft by the deadline in the brief, usually 10 business days after it's confirmed. Client will give feedback within five business days. Late briefs or feedback move the deadline by the same amount.

3. Revisions

One round of revisions is included for each article, based on one set of consolidated feedback. Further revisions, or changes to the brief after drafting has begun, are billed at $75 per hour, or treated as a new assignment.

4. Fees and Payment

The fee is $450 per article of up to 1,500 words. Longer pieces are priced when assigned. Writer invoices at the end of each month for articles delivered, and invoices are due within 15 days.

5. Kill Fee

If Client cancels an assignment after Writer has started, 50% of the fee is due. If Client cancels after the first draft is delivered, the full fee is due. Rights in a cancelled piece stay with Writer.

6. Rights

On full payment for an article, Writer assigns all rights in the final article to Client. Writer may show published articles in a portfolio, with a link to where they appear.

7. Byline

Articles are published under Writer's byline, unless Client asks for an article to be ghostwritten when assigning it. Writer won't then claim authorship of a ghostwritten article publicly.

8. Originality and Sources

Writer will deliver original work that hasn't been published elsewhere, will attribute quotes and sources, and will tell Client if any part of a draft was produced with AI writing tools. Client is responsible for edits it makes, and for final approval of what it publishes, including claims about its own products.

9. Independent Contractor and Confidentiality

Writer is an independent contractor, responsible for their own taxes and equipment, and may write for others. Writer will keep Client's non-public information confidential.

10. Ending the Agreement

Either party may end this agreement with 14 days' written notice. Assignments already confirmed are completed and paid for, or the kill fee applies.

11. Limitation of Liability

Writer's total liability for any claim is limited to the fees paid for the article concerned.

12. General

This agreement is governed by the laws of [state or country]. It is the entire agreement between the parties and may only be changed in writing. By signing below, both parties agree to these terms.

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any section or add your own. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your contract is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it to be signed. Your client reviews and signs online, and you can see when it's viewed and signed.

Learn more about contracts and e-signatures in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

What is a kill fee for writers?

A payment due when a client cancels an assignment after the writer has started. It's usually a percentage of the agreed fee, often higher once a draft has been delivered.

What rights should a freelance writer sell?

Content for a business's own site is usually sold with all rights, so the client owns it outright. Publications often buy first rights, where the writer can resell the piece after it runs. All rights usually command a higher fee.

Is this freelance writing contract template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

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