Free Contract Template for Copywriters
Copywriting contracts need revision limits, content ownership clauses, and increasingly an AI disclosure policy. Without revision caps, a single blog post can go through eight rounds of edits at zero additional cost to the client. Define what 'revisions' means (consolidated feedback, not rolling comments) and when ownership transfers.
Copywriter Contract Preview
Brand Identity Redesign
Effective Date: March 25, 2026
Parties
Party A (Service Provider)
{{partyA}}
{{partyAAddress}}
Party B (Client)
{{partyB}}
{{partyBAddress}}
This Agreement is entered into as of March 25, 2026 and shall remain in effect through June 30, 2026, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms herein.
1. Scope of Services
2. Payment
3. Terms & Conditions
4. Confidentiality
5. Termination
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
Party A: Service Provider
{{partyA}}
Signature: __________________
Date: __________________
Party B: Client
{{partyB}}
Signature: __________________
Date: __________________
This preview uses the Modern style. View all 9 contract styles
What to Include on a Copywriter Contract
Billing Tips for Copywriters
Charge per project, not per word, for anything over 500 words. Per-word pricing creates a perverse incentive: the client pays more for longer content, even when shorter, tighter writing delivers better results. Quote a flat fee per deliverable (e.g., $750 for a 1,500-word blog post) that includes research, writing, SEO, and two revision rounds.
Always charge for research as part of the project fee, not as an add-on the client might try to eliminate. Good copywriting requires understanding the audience, competitive landscape, and subject matter. When clients push back on research costs, explain that the research phase is what makes the final copy persuasive rather than generic.
Invoice the 50% deposit before starting any work, and the balance upon delivery of the final draft (not upon client publication). Tying payment to publication gives the client indefinite control over your payment timeline. You are delivering words, not marketing results.
Build a rush fee into your pricing structure from day one. A 25-50% surcharge for turnaround under 48 hours compensates you for disrupting your schedule and incentivizes clients to plan ahead. Clients who need copy urgently are rarely the ones who push back on rush fees.
For retainer clients, invoice at the beginning of each month for that month's content allocation. If the client does not use all of their allocated content, the unused portion does not roll over. Your retainer secures your availability and planning time, not just deliverables.
pro tip
Copywriter Rate Ranges and Payment Terms
| Experience Level | Rate Range | Pricing Model | Payment Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | $0.10 per word | Per-project (not per-word) | 50% upfront, 50% on delivery of final draft |
| Mid-level | $0.50 per word | Per-project (not per-word) | 50% upfront, 50% on delivery of final draft |
| Senior / Specialist | $1.00+ per word | Per-project (not per-word) | 50% upfront, 50% on delivery of final draft |
Rate data reflects 2025-2026 market ranges for freelance copywriters in the United States. Rates vary by location, specialization, and project complexity.
How to Create a Copywriter Contract
Choose Your Template
Fill In Your Details
Download and Send
next step
Complete Document Suite for Copywriters
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should a copywriting contract include an AI disclosure policy?
- Yes. With AI tools becoming common in content creation, clients want clarity on how you use them. Specify whether AI is used for research, outlining, drafting, or not at all. Transparency builds trust and protects both parties from future disputes.
- What does 'work-for-hire' mean in a copywriting contract?
- Work-for-hire means the client owns the copyright from the moment the content is created, not just after delivery. This is common in copywriting but means you cannot repurpose the content or claim authorship. If you prefer to retain copyright and license the work, negotiate different terms.
- How many revision rounds should a copywriting contract include?
- Two rounds is standard. Define a 'round' as one set of consolidated feedback from a single decision-maker, not rolling comments from multiple stakeholders. Specify the hourly rate for additional rounds so both parties understand the cost.
- Should a copywriting contract have a kill fee?
- Yes. If the client cancels after you have completed research and outlining, a kill fee of 25-50% of the project total is standard. If you have delivered a draft, the full fee should apply. Kill fees compensate for time you cannot recover or repurpose.
- Who is responsible for fact-checking in a copywriting contract?
- Define this explicitly. Typically, the writer is responsible for verifying factual claims using reputable sources. However, industry-specific data provided by the client is the client's responsibility. Include a clause clarifying this division.
Contract Templates for Similar Professions
Build your copywriter toolkit.
The FreelanceDesk Chrome extension includes all 45 templates, saved client data, and custom branding. $49 once, and your data never leaves your browser.