Free Technical Writer
Service Agreement
One vague sentence in your scope lets a client bleed your hours dry until you're working for pennies. A single missed safety disclaimer in a manual is a one-way ticket to a lawsuit that'll take your house.
Pro Contractor Tip
Include a strict 'Revision Limit' clause to stop 'just one more tweak' from turning into a month of free labor.
Why use a written agreement?
Handshake deals are risky. As a Technical Writer, "scope creep" is your biggest enemy. A clear agreement ensures everyone agrees on the deliverables before money changes hands.
🛡️ What this sequence covers:
- ✓Deliverables List
- ✓Payment Terms
- ✓IP Rights
- ✓Revision Limits
- ✓Cancellation Policy
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Start building now →Statement of Work
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 Technical Writer services.
2. Scope of Services
The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables:
- Initial Documentation Outline
- Final Markdown Source Files
- Technical Illustration Schematics
- End-User Instruction Manual (PDF)
- API Endpoint Reference Guide
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Drafts
- Style Guide Compliance Report
3. Performance Standards
The Contractor agrees to perform the Technical Writer 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The client keeps changing the software UI and making me rewrite everything. How do I stop the bleeding?
Stick a 'Change Order' provision in your agreement; if the product changes after the draft is started, the original price goes out the window and they pay for the rework.
How do I make sure I get paid if the project gets canceled halfway through?
Write a 'Kill Fee' into the contract that guarantees you a specific percentage of the total project cost if the client pulls the plug before the finish line.
What if the client takes three months to review a single chapter and stalls my final payment?
Set a 'Deemed Acceptance' period in your contract where the work is officially considered approved if they don't provide feedback within five business days.