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Free freelance writing contract template (Word)

Reviewed by Clausery editors · · 3 min read

A contract between a freelance writer and client covering scope (articles, copy, books), word count, revisions, deadlines, payment terms, rights purchased and kill fees.

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A freelance writing contract defines what the writer will produce (article, blog post, copy, white paper, book), word count or deliverable, deadline, number of revisions, rate (per word, per project, or hourly), and what rights the client is buying (first rights, all rights, web rights, etc.).

Without a contract, scope creep ('can you just add a section?') and payment delays are common. Kill fees are especially important for writing because invested time is hard to recover if the client cancels.

What to include#

  • Writer and client. Writer name; client/publication name and contact; project title/brief reference.
  • Deliverables. What will be written (article, blog post series, copy deck, e-book), approximate word count, format (Google Doc, Word, Markdown), tone and style guidance.
  • Deadlines and revisions. Draft deadline, revisions included (typically 1-2 rounds), feedback turnaround time by client, and publication date/embargo rules.
  • Payment terms. Rate (per word, per project, hourly), total fee, deposit, payment due date (on delivery, net 15/30), kill fee if cancelled mid-project, and invoice process.
  • Rights and credit. Rights purchased (first North American serial, all rights, exclusive web rights, etc.), whether the writer gets a byline, portfolio rights, and reprint rights.

How to fill it in#

  1. Step 1: Attach the brief

    Attach a detailed brief describing topic, audience, tone, keywords, and word count.

  2. Step 2: State rights clearly

    Writers often grant specific rights (e.g. first publication rights for X months), not all rights forever; price accordingly.

  3. Step 3: Include a kill fee

    If the client cancels after work starts, pay a % of the fee (25-100% depending on stage).

  4. Step 4: Set revision limits

    1-2 rounds of revisions included; major rewrites are billed extra.

  5. Step 5: Define payment schedule

    Deposit up front, remainder on delivery (or on publication for publications); specify late fees.

Independent contractor agreement

Master contract for ongoing freelance work.

Graphic design contract

For content that pairs with design.

Coaching agreement

For coaching services (a different kind of freelance).

Consulting agreement

For longer advisory work.

Free contract templates

Full template library.

Questions

What rights am I selling?

It depends on the deal: all rights/work-for-hire means you cannot reuse it; first rights means they publish first then rights revert; exclusive rights means only they can publish during a period.

Do freelance writers get credit?

Byline is common for editorial content; ghostwriting means no byline (charge more).

Is a deposit required?

For new clients always (25-50%); for established publications payment on delivery/acceptance is standard.

What if they reject the work?

Define in the contract whether rewrites are included or if a kill fee applies.

Can I use the work in my portfolio?

Negotiate portfolio rights in the contract — you want to be able to show published work.

Browse all templates →

These are general templates, not legal or tax advice. Have anything unusual reviewed for your jurisdiction.

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