Understanding Change Orders in Freelance Writing Contracts

Change orders are essential tools in freelance writing contracts that allow for modifications to the scope of work without disrupting the entire agreement. They provide clarity on how changes affect timelines, costs, and deliverables. Below are three diverse examples of using change orders in freelance writing contracts.

Example 1: Additional Article Request

In a situation where a client initially requests five articles on a specific topic and later decides they need three more articles, a change order would formalize this new request. This ensures both parties agree on the new deliverables and any associated costs.

The freelancer would draft a change order that states the following:

• Original contract: 5 articles for $500
• New request: 3 additional articles at $100 each
• Total revision: $800
• New deadline for all articles: MM/DD/YYYY

This change order clarifies the new expectations and payment terms, preventing misunderstandings about the scope and price.

Notes: It’s important to specify how payment for the additional articles will be processed, whether upfront or upon completion.

Example 2: Change in Article Length

Imagine a freelance writer who agrees to produce 1,000-word articles for a client. Midway through the project, the client requests that all articles be extended to 1,500 words to incorporate more detailed information. A change order helps document this adjustment.

The change order should include:

• Original contract: 5 articles at 1,000 words each for $500
• Revised contract: 5 articles now at 1,500 words each for an additional $250
• New total: $750
• New delivery timeline: Adjusted to accommodate the additional writing time, e.g., MM/DD/YYYY.

This modification ensures both parties have clarity on the new expectations and compensation.

Notes: Always discuss and agree on how additional workload will impact deadlines before drafting the change order.

Example 3: Change in Tone or Style

In some cases, a client may request a change in the tone or style of the writing after the initial drafts have been submitted. For example, if the client initially requested a formal tone but later prefers a more conversational style, a change order would be necessary to address this adjustment.

The change order could specify:

• Original contract: Formal style for 5 articles at $500
• Revised request: 5 articles now in a conversational style for an additional $150
• New total: $650
• Timeline for revisions: MM/DD/YYYY

This change order formalizes the stylistic changes and ensures that the freelancer is fairly compensated for the additional revisions.

Notes: Clearly outline the new expectations for the style, and consider including examples of the desired tone to avoid ambiguity.

Using change orders effectively in freelance writing contracts helps maintain professionalism and ensures that all parties are aligned with project expectations and deliverables.