The best examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters

Real-world examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters

Let’s start where copywriters actually live: in the inbox, facing a new project and a client who wants “something in writing.” Here are real-world style examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters that you can adapt.

Example of a one-page project-based copywriting agreement

This is the template many freelancers use when they’re starting out or working with small businesses on straightforward projects.

A one-page agreement usually includes:

• Project description in one clear paragraph: what you’re writing (e.g., “homepage + 3 service pages up to 600 words each”).
• Timeline with key dates: kickoff call, first draft, revisions, final delivery.
• Fees and payment terms: flat fee, deposit amount, when the balance is due.
• Revisions: how many rounds, and what counts as a “revision” versus a new scope.
• Ownership: when rights transfer (usually on final payment).

A real example of freelance agreement templates for copywriters in this category might say:

“Copywriter will provide one homepage and three service pages (up to 600 words each) for Client’s website. Fee is $1,200: 50% due before project start, 50% due upon delivery of first draft. Includes two rounds of revisions within 14 days of delivery. All intellectual property rights transfer to Client upon receipt of final payment.”

This kind of example of a freelance agreement template for copywriters is perfect for quick website projects, landing pages, or product descriptions where the scope is tight and the client is price-sensitive.

Examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters on monthly retainer

As you move up-market, you’ll see more retainers. These agreements focus less on a single deliverable and more on ongoing access to your time and skills.

A typical retainer-style example of freelance agreement templates for copywriters will:

• Define a monthly scope (e.g., “up to 8 hours” or “up to 4 blog posts of ~1,500 words each”).
• Set a minimum term (often 3–6 months).
• Spell out rollover rules (do unused hours carry over?).
• Clarify priority (e.g., retainer clients get first pick of your calendar).

A real example:

“Client retains Copywriter for up to four long-form blog posts per month (approximately 1,500 words each) plus light on-page SEO optimization. Monthly fee is $2,000, invoiced on the 1st of each month and due within 14 days. Agreement term is three months, automatically renewing unless terminated with 30 days’ written notice. Unused posts do not roll over to the following month.”

These examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters are especially useful for content marketing clients who want consistency and predictable billing.

Example of a day-rate or VIP intensive copywriting agreement

The “VIP day” model has exploded since 2020, and it’s still going strong in 2024–2025. Instead of pricing by word or project, you sell a block of your time.

A day-rate agreement typically includes:

• Exact date and hours of the intensive.
• Prep work expectations (questionnaires, brand voice docs).
• Deliverables or priorities list (e.g., sales page polish, email sequence audit, etc.).
• No-refund / reschedule policy (because you’re blocking your calendar).

A realistic example of a freelance agreement template for copywriters using a day rate:

“Copywriter will provide one full VIP Intensive Day on March 15, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. During this day, Copywriter will prioritize: (1) revising Client’s primary sales page; (2) drafting a 5-email launch sequence; and (3) updating key website headlines. Fee is $1,800, payable in full at booking. Due to the limited nature of VIP Days, payments are non-refundable. Client may reschedule once with at least 7 days’ written notice.”

This kind of example of a freelance agreement template for copywriters is ideal when you want to avoid endless back-and-forth and keep projects tight.

Example of an agency subcontractor copywriting agreement

If you write for agencies as a subcontractor, your contract will look different from your direct-to-client agreements. The agency wants control over the client relationship and brand.

Common elements in these examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters include:

• Confidentiality and non-solicitation: you can’t poach their clients.
• White-label terms: your work may appear under the agency’s name.
• Payment timing: sometimes tied to when the agency gets paid.
• Work-for-hire or rights transfer language.

A real-world style example:

“Copywriter will provide copywriting services to Agency on a project basis as described in individual Statements of Work (SOWs). Unless otherwise stated in an SOW, Copywriter will invoice Agency upon delivery of the first draft, and Agency will pay within 30 days of invoice date, regardless of Agency’s payment status with its end client. All work will be provided as a work-for-hire, and all rights, title, and interest in the deliverables will vest in Agency upon full payment. Copywriter agrees not to solicit or accept work directly from Agency’s end clients for 12 months after the last project.”

If you work with agencies often, keep a few examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters like this on hand so you can compare their terms to your preferred language before signing.

Example of a performance-based or royalty copywriting agreement

Some copywriters negotiate a lower upfront fee in exchange for performance bonuses or royalties, especially in direct response or e‑commerce.

These templates usually:

• Define performance metrics (conversions, revenue, leads).
• Clarify tracking and reporting responsibilities.
• Set payment timing for bonuses or royalties.
• Include audit rights so you can verify numbers.

A realistic example of freelance agreement templates for copywriters using performance pay:

“Client will pay Copywriter a base fee of $3,000 for development of a long-form sales page and three promotional emails. In addition, Client will pay Copywriter a performance bonus equal to 3% of gross revenue directly attributable to the sales page for 6 months following launch, as measured in Client’s analytics platform. Client agrees to provide monthly performance reports and to maintain accurate records. Copywriter may, upon reasonable notice, request access to anonymized sales data for verification.”

These performance-based examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters can be lucrative, but they require very clear definitions and honest reporting.

Example of a copyright and usage-focused copywriting agreement

In 2024–2025, ownership and AI usage are hot topics. Many brands now care deeply about where text comes from and who owns it. Copywriters, in turn, want to protect their portfolios and reputations.

A modern example of a freelance agreement template for copywriters might include clauses like:

• IP transfer timing: rights transfer only after full payment.
• Portfolio use: your right to show work in your portfolio.
• AI tool disclosure: whether you use AI and how.
• Client warranties: that client-provided materials don’t infringe others’ rights.

Sample language:

“Upon receipt of full payment, Copywriter assigns to Client all rights, title, and interest in and to the final approved copy, excluding any pre-existing methodologies, frameworks, or templates used by Copywriter. Copywriter retains the right to display non-confidential portions of the work in portfolios and marketing materials. Copywriter may use AI-assisted tools as part of the drafting and editing process but remains responsible for originality and accuracy of the final deliverables. Client represents that any materials provided (including logos, product names, and claims) do not infringe third-party rights and comply with applicable laws and guidelines.”

If you want more background on intellectual property basics in the U.S., the U.S. Copyright Office at copyright.gov is a solid starting point.

Key clauses to borrow from the best examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters

Once you’ve seen a few real examples, patterns emerge. The best examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters tend to repeat certain clauses, just tailored to different project types.

Scope and revision terms

Scope creep is where profit goes to die. Strong templates:

• Define what’s included (deliverables, word counts, formats).
• Set clear revision limits.
• Explain what triggers a change order or new quote.

Many experienced copywriters include wording like:

“This agreement includes up to two rounds of revisions focused on clarity, tone, and factual accuracy. Revisions that involve new strategic direction, target audience changes, or additional pages will be quoted as a new project.”

Payment, deposits, and late fees

In 2024–2025, late payments are still a top headache for freelancers. A lot of examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters now include:

• Deposits (often 30–50%).
• Shorter payment windows (7–14 days).
• Late fees or interest.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has general guidance on managing contracts and payments at sba.gov, which can help you align your practices with broader small-business norms.

Typical language:

“Client will pay a non-refundable deposit of 40% to reserve project dates. Remaining 60% is due within 10 days of invoice date. Invoices not paid within 15 days are subject to a late fee of 1.5% per month (or the maximum allowed by law, if lower). Work may pause if payments are overdue.”

Kill fees and cancellation terms

Life happens. Clients cancel launches, change direction, or disappear. Many of the best examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters now include:

“If Client cancels the project after work has begun, Client agrees to pay for work completed to date, based on Copywriter’s hourly rate of $X, plus a kill fee of 20% of the remaining project balance to compensate for reserved time.”

This protects your calendar and income when projects evaporate.

Legal compliance and claims

If you write health, financial, or legal-adjacent copy, you need tight language around claims and compliance. While you should always consult a lawyer for high-risk niches, many copywriters use clauses that:

• Put responsibility for final legal review on the client.
• Require the client to ensure claims comply with regulations.

For background on health claims, you can review U.S. Federal Trade Commission guidance on advertising at ftc.gov and, for health content, general consumer information from sources like nih.gov or cdc.gov to understand how sensitive topics are handled.

2024–2025 trends shaping freelance copywriting agreements

The examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters that worked five years ago often feel dated now. A few trends are pushing updates:

AI and originality clauses

Clients are increasingly asking whether copy is “AI-free,” “AI-assisted,” or fully human. Contracts now:

• Clarify whether AI tools are used.
• State that the copywriter is responsible for fact-checking.
• Address plagiarism and originality expectations.

Remote collaboration and time zones

With more cross-border clients, agreements often specify:

• Primary time zone for deadlines.
• Preferred communication channels (email, Slack, project tools).
• Response time expectations (e.g., “within 2 business days”).

Data privacy and NDAs

If you work with customer data, email lists, or internal docs, clients may require NDAs or data privacy clauses. You’ll see:

• Restrictions on sharing confidential information.
• Requirements for secure storage and deletion upon request.

These shifts are showing up in newer examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters, especially in SaaS, healthcare, and finance.

How to adapt these examples to your own freelance copywriting business

You don’t need to copy any single example word-for-word. Instead, treat these examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters as a menu.

You might:

• Start with a simple one-page template for small, fixed-fee website projects.
• Maintain a retainer template for ongoing content marketing clients.
• Keep an agency subcontractor version that aligns with white-label work.
• Build a performance-based template for clients open to revenue sharing.

Then, customize:

• Tone to match your brand (plain, legalistic, or somewhere in between).
• Risk tolerance (how strict you are about late fees, kill fees, and scope).
• Industry specifics (compliance-heavy niches vs. general lifestyle brands).

If you’re in the U.S., it’s wise to have a licensed attorney in your state review your main template once you’ve drafted it. Think of it as a one-time investment in not having to panic every time a client pushes back on a clause.

FAQ: examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters

What are some simple examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters just starting out?
Common starting points include a one-page project agreement that covers scope, fee, revisions, and ownership; a short retainer agreement for monthly blog posts or newsletters; and a basic NDA if you’re working with sensitive information. These examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters keep legalese minimal while still protecting your time and rights.

Is there an example of a freelance agreement template for copywriters that covers AI usage?
Yes. A modern example might say that you may use AI tools during drafting but that you remain responsible for originality, accuracy, and avoiding plagiarism. It can also clarify that you’ll disclose AI usage if the client asks and that the final deliverables will be edited and approved by a human (you) before delivery.

Where can I find more real examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters?
You can often find real examples through professional organizations, legal clinics, and small business resources. In the U.S., local Small Business Development Centers listed through sba.gov sometimes offer contract workshops or referrals. University legal clinics, often linked from law school pages on .edu domains, may also share template language or low-cost review services.

Do I always need a lawyer to create my copywriting agreement template?
You can absolutely start by drafting your own template based on examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters like the ones in this guide. For higher-risk work, larger contracts, or if you’re in a heavily regulated niche, having a lawyer review your final version is a smart move, but you don’t need to wait for that review to start building a workable draft.

Can I mix elements from different examples of freelance agreement templates for copywriters?
Yes. Many experienced copywriters have a “core” template and then swap in clauses from other examples depending on the project: performance clauses for revenue-share clients, stricter IP language for agencies, or more detailed revision rules for brand voice development. The goal is consistency in your own business, not blind loyalty to any one template.