Freelance Writer Contract Template

1. Parties and assignment

This Writing Services Agreement is between [Writer Legal Name or Business Name] and [Client Legal Name or Business Name] as of [Effective Date]. The Writer will create: [Article, copy, report, script, or other assignment]. The intended audience and publication channel are [Audience and Channel].

2. Brief and deliverables

The deliverables are [Number] pieces of approximately [Word Count] words each, in [Format], covering [Topics or working titles]. The Client will provide [Brief, source material, brand guidance, interview access, or other inputs]. The Writer will use reasonable professional judgment and will flag material ambiguity before drafting.

3. Research, sources, and factual review

Research responsibility belongs to [Writer, Client, or shared process]. The Client will identify approved sources, restricted claims, legal or compliance review, and subject-matter contacts. The Client is responsible for approving factual claims about its products, services, and regulated topics before publication.

4. Schedule and editorial rounds

Draft one is due on [Date]. Client feedback is due within [Number] business days. The fee includes [Number] consolidated editorial rounds. New briefs, major changes in direction, extra interviews, or additional drafts are outside scope and require written approval before work begins.

5. Fees and payment

The fee is [Amount] [Currency], payable as [Deposit, milestone, or final payment]. The invoice is due [Payment Terms]. Approved expenses are [Included, reimbursed with approval, or excluded]. Any agreed late-payment term is [Accurate agreed term, or remove this sentence].

6. Rights and publication

After full payment, the Client receives [Assignment, exclusive license, or non-exclusive license] to the final accepted work for [Media, territory, and term]. The Writer retains drafts, methods, and pre-existing materials. Unused concepts and rejected drafts remain with the Writer unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing.

7. Byline, portfolio, and attribution

The byline or attribution will be [Byline, ghostwriting, no attribution, or other term]. The Writer may display the final public work in a portfolio after [Publication, Client approval, or other condition], unless the Client requests confidentiality in writing.

8. Cancellation and kill fee

If the Client cancels after the Writer has reserved time or begun work, the Client will pay [Kill Fee or approved work-to-date amount] as agreed for the cancellation. The Writer will deliver paid-for work in its current state, subject to the rights terms above. Remove or revise this clause if no cancellation term was agreed.

9. Confidentiality and client materials

Each Party will protect the other Party's non-public information and use it only for this assignment. The Client confirms it has the right to provide materials and instructions used for the work. Confidential information does not include information that is public without breach or independently developed.

10. Independent contractor and responsibility

The Writer is an independent contractor responsible for taxes, equipment, and ordinary business expenses. The Client is responsible for final approval, legal or compliance review, publication decisions, and claims made from Client-provided information unless the Parties agree otherwise.

11. Termination, law, and signatures

Either Party may terminate with [Notice Period] written notice. The Client will pay for accepted work, work in progress that cannot reasonably be returned, approved expenses, and any agreed cancellation amount. This agreement is governed by [State or Country]. Changes must be written and accepted by both Parties.

Signatures

[FREELANCER LEGAL NAME OR BUSINESS NAME] By: [Your Name] Title: [Title, if applicable] Signature: [Signature] Date: [Date]

[CLIENT LEGAL NAME OR BUSINESS NAME] By: [Client Name] Title: [Title, if applicable] Signature: [Signature] Date: [Date]