Free Freelance Content Writer Contract Template [Docs / DOCX]

As a fellow content writer, I get it. You're here for a quick and easy way to set up your work agreements. We've got a free template for Content Writer Contract right here for you to grab.

We'll cover the basics of this agreement, their good and bad points, the must-have parts, the best ways to use them, and how to make the template work for you. I'll share some handy tips and point out common mistakes to avoid, all based on my own experience in the field.

Read on to discover how to use this free template to protect yourself and impress your clients.

What is a Content Writer Contract?

It is a simple agreement between a writer and their client. It spells out the job details, like what work will be done, when it's due, and how much it will cost. This contract keeps things clear for both sides and helps avoid mix-ups.

Think of it as a plot for your writing project. From what you'll write to how you'll get paid, it covers all the important details. By getting this in writing, you ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Now, let's dive into why having this contract is important for your writing business.

Why do you need a contract?

Here's why you need one:

• This document explains exactly what work you'll do. 
• It says when and how you'll get paid, keeping your funds secured. 
• It decides who owns the writing after it's done. 
• Changing the work is subject to its rules.
• If things don't work out, either party can end the deal.
• It gives you a legal backup if there's a problem. 
• It keeps private information “private”. 
• It makes you look professional and trustworthy. 

Disadvantages of Not Using a Contract

Not using a contract can cause big problems for both writers and clients. Here are the main issues:

• Your paycheck might be late or never show up. For instance, I once waited months for payment because our agreement didn't specify due dates.
• You could end up doing more work than you agreed to, without getting paid extra. For example, I once had a client's Marketing Head ask me to teach other writers my research and writing methods. My contract clearly stated I was only paid per article, so I avoided this extra unpaid work.
• It's easier to ensure everyone keeps their promises with something in writing. I learned this when a client verbally promised me ongoing work but easily walked away since we didn't have a retainer agreement.
• You might accidentally break the law if you're not careful. I once nearly used copyrighted images in a client's blog because our contract didn't clarify who was responsible for sourcing images.
• Small disagreements could turn into big, expensive court fights. A fellow writer ended up in a costly legal battle over a $500 project because they didn't have a proper dispute resolution clause.
• There might be confusion about who owns the writing when you're done. 
• Someone could suddenly end the job without warning, leaving you high and dry. 

Without a contract, it's like working without a safety net. You're taking big risks that could hurt your work, your reputation, and your wallet. A contract helps avoid these headaches and keeps things fair for everyone.

Key Components to Include When Creating Your Contract

• Names and addresses of you and your client. For example, I always include my full legal name and business address, along with my client's company name and official address.
• Scope of work. Be specific, like "5 blog posts, each 1000-1200 words long, on digital marketing topics." 
• How much you'll get paid, when, and how. For instance, I typically state something like "$500 per article, paid via PayPal within 7 days of submission." This clarity once saved me from a payment delay dispute.
• When the work needs to be done. I usually include a timeline, such as "First draft due within 14 days of receiving the brief." 
• Who owns the writing after it's finished? I always specify whether I'm transferring full rights or licensing the work. 
• Rules for making changes to the work. For example, I offer "2 rounds of revisions included, additional revisions at $50/hour." This clause once protected me from endless unpaid edits.
• How to end the agreement if needed. I include a clause like "Either party can terminate with 14 days' written notice." 
• Keeping private information secret. I always add a confidentiality clause. This was crucial when I worked on a client's upcoming product launch.
• Stating that you're not an employee of the client. I include an independent contractor clause, which once prevented confusion about tax withholding and benefits.

Tips and Best Practices in Creating a Contract

When making your contract, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Be clear about what work you'll do. Say exactly what you'll write and when. For example, "3 product descriptions of 200 words each, delivered every Monday for 4 weeks." 
• Spell out how and when you'll get paid. Include what happens if payment is late. In my contracts, I typically state "Payment due within 7 days of invoice, with a 5% late fee applied weekly thereafter." This clause once helped me recover fees from a consistently late-paying client.
• Say who owns the writing when it's done. I usually include a line like "Full rights transfer to the client upon final payment." This prevented issues when a past client tried to use my work before paying.
• Explain how many changes you'll make for free and what extra changes cost. My standard is "2 rounds of revisions included, additional revisions at $50/hour." This saved me from endless unpaid edits on a picky client's project.
• Include a way for either side to end the agreement if needed. You can add a clause stating "Either party may terminate with 14 days' written notice." 
• Use simple words that everyone can understand. I once rewrote a complex "force majeure" clause to simply say "unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control," which my client appreciated.
• If you're not sure about something, ask a lawyer for help. I consulted a lawyer about international client agreements, which helped me craft better contracts for my overseas work.
• Update your contract regularly to keep it current. I review mine quarterly. Recently, I added a clause about rights for AI-generated content, which has become increasingly relevant in my work.

Things to Avoid in Your Contract 

When creating your contract, watch out for these common problems:

• Vague payment terms. Don't leave out exact amounts and payment dates. For example, I once agreed to "payment upon completion" without specifying a date, which led to a two-month delay in getting paid.
• Unclear work details. Avoid being vague about the number, length, and type of articles you'll write. 
• Unrealistic deadlines. Don't commit to timelines you can't meet. 
• Fuzzy ownership rights. Steer clear of uncertainty about who owns the final work.
• No exit strategy. Don't forget to include a way for either party to end the agreement if needed. This saved me when a client's business direction changed mid-project, and we were able to part ways amicably thanks to our termination clause.
• Unlimited revisions. Avoid promising endless free changes; specify limits and costs for extra edits.
• DIY legal work. If you're unsure, don't skip getting legal advice. 
• Confusing language. Stay away from words or phrases that could be misinterpreted. I once used the term "reasonable timeframe" in a contract, which led to a disagreement about what "reasonable" meant. Now, I always use specific dates and durations.
• Poor communication plan. Don't leave out details on how and when you'll keep in touch with your client during the project. Here are 7 ways to improve your client communication.

How to Use Our Content Writer Contract Template

• Go to our website and download our free contract template.
• Add your info and style to the template. Put in your business name, logo, and contact details to make it look professional.
• Look for the highlighted parts. That's where you put in all the details about your client and the project you're working on.
• Before you send it to your client, read through the whole contract carefully. Make sure everything looks right and makes sense.
• Save this customized template for future projects. It'll help you set up contracts quickly and professionally every time you get a new gig.

Conclusion

Thanks for checking out our guide on content writer contracts. A solid contract sets clear expectations and builds trust between writers and clients–  it's like having a friendly game plan that everyone agrees on. It helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps projects running on track.

Managing these relationships gets easier with modern solutions. Take Manyrequests, a client onboarding software that puts contract signing, client forms, and project tracking all in one dashboard. Your clients get one simple place for everything, and you stay organized without messy emails. This gives you more time to focus on writing great content for your clients.

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