Free Copywriting Contract
Service Agreement
Working without a signed contract is like operating heavy machinery without a kill switch; one bad client will grind your profits to dust and leave you holding the bag for months of unpaid labor. You'll watch your bank balance bleed out while some suit ghostwrites their way out of paying for the sweat you put into their copy.
Pro Contractor Tip
Insert a 'Kill Fee' clause to ensure that if the client pulls the plug mid-project, you still get paid for the hours you spent on the job site.
Why use a written agreement?
Handshake deals are risky. As a Copywriting Contract, "scope creep" is your biggest enemy. A clear agreement ensures everyone agrees on the deliverables before money changes hands.
🛡️ What this template covers:
- ✓Deliverables List
- ✓Payment Terms
- ✓IP Rights
- ✓Revision Limits
- ✓Cancellation Policy
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REF: 2026-0011. Project Background
This Agreement is entered into by and between the Client and the Contractor. The Client wishes to engage the Contractor for professional Copywriting Contract services.
2. Scope of Services
The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables:
- Initial Project Brief and Site Map
- Competitive Audit Report
- First Draft Manuscript
- SEO Metadata and Tagging Layout
- Revision Punch List Execution
- Final Proofed Deliverables
- Source File Handoff
3. Performance Standards
The Contractor agrees to perform the Copywriting Contract services in a professional manner, using the degree of skill and care that is required by current industry standards.
TERMS & CONDITIONS (Summary):
1. Payment: 50% Deposit required.
2. Copyright: Rights transfer to Client upon full payment.
Disclaimer: This template is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when the client starts adding extra pages that weren't in the original estimate?
That's scope creep, and it's a profit killer. Your contract should define the exact number of pages so you can treat any extras as a 'Change Order' that requires a new price tag before you touch the keyboard.
How do I stop a client from dragging their feet on feedback while I'm waiting to get paid?
Put a 'Deemed Approved' timeline in your agreement. If they don't give you notes within five business days, the work is officially finished and the final invoice is due immediately.
I'm worried about finishing the whole job and then the client disappearing without paying the final bill.
Never deliver the final, clean files until the final milestone payment hits your account. Use the contract to set up a 'Pay-to-Play' schedule where you keep the keys to the work until the check clears.