Freelance Service Agreement Examples for Writers

Explore practical examples of freelance service agreements tailored for writers.
By Jamie

Understanding Freelance Service Agreements for Writers

Freelance service agreements are essential for writers to outline the terms of their work with clients. These agreements help protect both parties by clearly defining the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, and other important details. Below are three diverse examples of freelance service agreements specifically designed for writers.

Example 1: Content Writing Agreement

Context

This agreement is suitable for freelance writers who are contracted to produce blog posts or articles for a specific client. It ensures that both parties understand the deliverables and payment structure.

The Client, [Client’s Name], agrees to hire the Writer, [Writer’s Name], to create [Number] articles per month on topics related to [Industry/Topic]. Each article will be approximately [Word Count] words and will be delivered by the [Delivery Date]. The total payment for this service will be $[Amount] per article, payable within [Payment Terms].

The Writer retains the right to include the completed articles in their portfolio but agrees not to share any proprietary information from the Client.

Notes

  • Variations can include different payment structures, such as a flat monthly fee or hourly rates.
  • Always specify what happens if deadlines are missed or if revisions are required.

Example 2: Ghostwriting Agreement

Context

This agreement is ideal for writers who will be creating content that will be published under someone else’s name, commonly known as ghostwriting. It clarifies ownership and confidentiality.

This agreement is made between [Client’s Name] and [Writer’s Name] for the purpose of writing a book titled “[Book Title].” The Writer will deliver [Number] chapters per month, with each chapter containing approximately [Word Count]. The total fee for the project is $[Total Amount], with [Percentage]% due upfront and the remainder upon completion.

The Client will have full ownership of the content created, and the Writer agrees to confidentiality, not disclosing any information pertaining to the project without prior consent. The Writer may not use the work in their portfolio unless given explicit permission.

Notes

  • It’s crucial to define the terms of revision and approval processes.
  • Consider including a clause for potential additional work that may arise during the project.

Example 3: Copywriting Agreement

Context

This agreement works well for freelance copywriters who are tasked with creating marketing materials, such as website copy or advertisements. It emphasizes deadlines and revisions.

The Client, [Client’s Name], engages the Writer, [Writer’s Name], to produce copy for [specific project, e.g., a new website]. The Writer will provide [Number] drafts of the copy, with each draft covering [specific sections or topics]. The fee for this service is $[Amount], payable in two installments: [First Installment] upon signing and [Second Installment] upon approval of the final draft.

The Writer agrees to deliver the first draft by [First Draft Due Date] and will allow for up to [Number] rounds of revisions. Any additional revisions beyond this will incur a fee of $[Hourly Rate].

Notes

  • Include specifics about what constitutes a revision versus a new request.
  • Define how long the Client has to provide feedback after receiving drafts to keep the project on track.

These examples of freelance service agreements for writers provide a clear framework for establishing professional relationships and ensuring that both parties are on the same page regarding expectations and deliverables.