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Copywriter Contract

June 16, 2023

Between:

Copywriter

FIRST_NAME
LAST_NAME
Corporation Corp.
‍ Acme LLC.
Client

FIRST_NAME
LAST_NAME
Corporation Corp.

Copywriter Contract

This Contract is between Sample Client (the "Client") and Cool Company, a Michigan limited liability company (the "Copywriter").

The Contract is dated [the date both parties sign].

1. WORK AND PAYMENT.

1.1 Project. The Client is hiring the Copywriter to do the following: Write compelling copy for the client's website

1.2 Schedule. The Copywriter will begin work on July 03, 2023 and will continue until the work is completed. This Contract can be ended by either Client or Copywriter at any time, pursuant to the terms of Section 6, Term and Termination.

1.3 Payment. The Client will pay the Copywriter a rate of $150.00 (USD) per hour. Of this, the Client will pay the Copywriter $1,500.00 (USD) before work begins.

1.4 Expenses. The Client will reimburse the Copywriter's expenses. Expenses do not need to be pre-approved by the Client.

1.5 Invoices. The Copywriter will invoice the Client at the end of the project. The Client agrees to pay the amount owed within 15 days of receiving the invoice. Payment after that date will incur a late fee of 0.0% per month on the outstanding amount.

1.6 Support. The Copywriter will not provide support for any deliverable once the Client accepts it, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

2. OWNERSHIP AND LICENSES.

2.1 Client Owns All Work Product. As part of this job, the Copywriter is creating “work product” for the Client. To avoid confusion, work product is the finished product, as well as drafts, notes, materials, mockups, hardware, designs, inventions, patents, code, and anything else that the Copywriter works on—that is, conceives, creates, designs, develops, invents, works on, or reduces to practice—as part of this project, whether before the date of this Contract or after. The Copywriter hereby gives the Client this work product once the Client pays for it in full. This means the Copywriter is giving the Client all of its rights, titles, and interests in and to the work product (including intellectual property rights), and the Client will be the sole owner of it. The Client can use the work product however it wants or it can decide not to use the work product at all. The Client, for example, can modify, destroy, or sell it, as it sees fit.

2.2 Copywriter's Use Of Work Product. Once the Copywriter gives the work product to the Client, the Copywriter does not have any rights to it, except those that the Client explicitly gives the Copywriter here. The Client gives permission to use the work product as part of portfolios and websites, in galleries, and in other media, so long as it is to showcase the work and not for any other purpose. The Client does not give permission to sell or otherwise use the work product to make money or for any other commercial use. The Client is not allowed to take back this license, even after the Contract ends.

2.3 Copywriter's Help Securing Ownership. In the future, the Client may need the Copywriter's help to show that the Client owns the work product or to complete the transfer. The Copywriter agrees to help with that. For example, the Copywriter may have to sign a patent application. The Client will pay any required expenses for this. If the Client can’t find the Copywriter, the Copywriter agrees that the Client can act on the Copywriter's behalf to accomplish the same thing. The following language gives the Client that right: if the Client can’t find the Copywriter after spending reasonable effort trying to do so, the Copywriter hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Client as the Copywriter's agent and attorney-in-fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for the Copywriter and on the Copywriter's behalf to execute, verify, and file the required documents and to take any other legal action to accomplish the purposes of paragraph 2.1 (Client Owns All Work Product).

2.4 Copywriter's IP That Is Not Work Product. During the course of this project, the Copywriter might use intellectual property that the Copywriter owns or has licensed from a third party, but that does not qualify as “work product.” This is called “background IP.” Possible examples of background IP are pre-existing code, type fonts, properly-licensed stock photos, and web application tools. The Copywriter is not giving the Client this background IP. But, as part of the Contract, the Copywriter is giving the Client a right to use and license (with the right to sublicense) the background IP to develop, market, sell, and support the Client’s products and services. The Client may use this background IP worldwide and free of charge, but it cannot transfer its rights to the background IP (except as allowed in Section 11.1 (Assignment)). The Client cannot sell or license the background IP separately from its products or services. The Copywriter cannot take back this grant, and this grant does not end when the Contract is over.

2.5 Copywriter's Right To Use Client IP. The Copywriter may need to use the Client’s intellectual property to do its job. For example, if the Client is hiring the Copywriter to build a website, the Copywriter may have to use the Client’s logo. The Client agrees to let the Copywriter use the Client’s intellectual property and other intellectual property that the Client controls to the extent reasonably necessary to do the Copywriter's job. Beyond that, the Client is not giving the Copywriter any intellectual property rights, unless specifically stated otherwise in this Contract.

3. COMPETITIVE ENGAGEMENTS.

The Copywriter won’t work for a competitor of the Client until this Contract ends. To avoid confusion, a competitor is any third party that develops, manufactures, promotes, sells, licenses, distributes, or provides products or services that are substantially similar to the Client’s products or services. A competitor is also a third party that plans to do any of those things. The one exception to this restriction is if the Copywriter asks for permission beforehand and the Client agrees to it in writing. If the Copywriter uses employees or subcontractors, the Copywriter must make sure they follow the obligations in this paragraph, as well.

4. NON-SOLICITATION.

Until this Contract ends, the Copywriter won’t: (a) encourage Client employees or service providers to stop working for the Client; (b) encourage Client customers or clients to stop doing business with the Client; or (c) hire anyone who worked for the Client over the 12-month period before the Contract ended. The one exception is if the Copywriter puts out a general ad and someone who happened to work for the Client responds. In that case, the Copywriter may hire that candidate. The Copywriter promises that it won’t do anything in this paragraph on behalf of itself or a third party.

5. REPRESENTATIONS.

5.1 Overview. This section contains important promises between the parties.

5.2 Authority To Sign. Each party promises to the other party that it has the authority to enter into this Contract and to perform all of its obligations under this Contract.

5.3 Copywriter Has Right To Give Client Work Product. The Copywriter promises that it owns the work product, that the Copywriter is able to give the work product to the Client, and that no other party will claim that it owns the work product. If the Copywriter uses employees or subcontractors, the Copywriter also promises that these employees and subcontractors have signed contracts with the Copywriter giving the Copywriter any rights that the employees or subcontractors have related to the Copywriter's background IP and work product.

5.4 Copywriter Will Comply With Laws. The Copywriter promises that the manner it does this job, its work product, and any background IP it uses comply with applicable U.S. and foreign laws and regulations.

5.5 Work Product Does Not Infringe. The Copywriter promises that its work product does not and will not infringe on someone else’s intellectual property rights, that the Copywriter has the right to let the Client use the background IP, and that this Contract does not and will not violate any contract that the Copywriter has entered into or will enter into with someone else.

5.6 Client Will Review Work. The Client promises to review the work product, to be reasonably available to the Copywriter if the Copywriter has questions regarding this project, and to provide timely feedback and decisions.

5.7 Client-Supplied Material Does Not Infringe. If the Client provides the Copywriter with material to incorporate into the work product, the Client promises that this material does not infringe on someone else’s intellectual property rights.

6. TERM AND TERMINATION.

This Contract is ongoing until the work is completed. Either party may end this Contract for any reason by sending an email or letter to the other party, informing the recipient that the sender is ending the Contract and that the Contract will end in 7 days. The Contract officially ends once that time has passed. The party that is ending the Contract must provide notice by taking the steps explained in Section 11.4. The Copywriter must immediately stop working as soon as it receives this notice, unless the notice says otherwise. The Client will pay the Copywriter for the work done up until when the Contract ends and will reimburse the Copywriter for any agreed-upon, non-cancellable expenses. The following sections don’t end even after the Contract ends: 2 (Ownership and Licenses); 3 (Competitive Engagements); 4 (Non-Solicitation); 5 (Representations); 8 (Confidential Information); 9 (Limitation of Liability); 10 (Indemnity); and 11 (General).

7. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.

The Client is hiring the Copywriter as an independent contractor. The following statements accurately reflect their relationship:

  • The Copywriter will use its own equipment, tools, and material to do the work.
  • The Client will not control how the job is performed on a day-to-day basis. Rather, the Copywriter is responsible for determining when, where, and how it will carry out the work.
  • The Client will not provide the Copywriter with any training.
  • The Client and the Copywriter do not have a partnership or employer-employee relationship.
  • The Copywriter cannot enter into contracts, make promises, or act on behalf of the Client.
  • The Copywriter is not entitled to the Client’s benefits (e.g., group insurance, retirement benefits, retirement plans, vacation days).
  • The Copywriter is responsible for its own taxes.
  • The Client will not withhold social security and Medicare taxes or make payments for disability insurance, unemployment insurance, or workers compensation for the Copywriter or any of the Copywriter's employees or subcontractors.

8. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

8.1 Overview. This Contract imposes special restrictions on how the Client and the Copywriter must handle confidential information. These obligations are explained in this section.

8.2 The Client’s Confidential Information. While working for the Client, the Copywriter may come across, or be given, Client information that is confidential. This is information like customer lists, business strategies, research & development notes, statistics about a website, and other information that is private. The Copywriter promises to treat this information as if it is the Copywriter's own confidential information. The Copywriter may use this information to do its job under this Contract, but not for anything else. For example, if the Client lets the Copywriter use a customer list to send out a newsletter, the Copywriter cannot use those email addresses for any other purpose. The one exception to this is if the Client gives the Copywriter written permission to use the information for another purpose, the Copywriter may use the information for that purpose, as well. When this Contract ends, the Copywriter must give back or destroy all confidential information, and confirm that it has done so. The Copywriter promises that it will not share confidential information with a third party, unless the Client gives the Copywriter written permission first. The Copywriter must continue to follow these obligations, even after the Contract ends. The Copywriter's responsibilities only stop if the Copywriter can show any of the following: (i) that the information was already public when the Copywriter came across it; (ii) the information became public after the Copywriter came across it, but not because of anything the Copywriter did or didn’t do; (iii) the Copywriter already knew the information when the Copywriter came across it and the Copywriter didn’t have any obligation to keep it secret; (iv) a third party provided the Copywriter with the information without requiring that the Copywriter keep it a secret; or (v) the Copywriter created the information on its own, without using anything belonging to the Client.

8.3 Third-Party Confidential Information. It’s possible the Client and the Copywriter each have access to confidential information that belongs to third parties. The Client and the Copywriter each promise that it will not share with the other party confidential information that belongs to third parties, unless it is allowed to do so. If the Client or the Copywriter is allowed to share confidential information with the other party and does so, the sharing party promises to tell the other party in writing of any special restrictions regarding that information.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

Neither party is liable for breach-of-contract damages that the breaching party could not reasonably have foreseen when it entered this Contract.

10. INDEMNITY.

10.1 Overview. This section transfers certain risks between the parties if a third party sues or goes after the Client or the Copywriter or both. For example, if the Client gets sued for something that the Copywriter did, then the Copywriter may promise to come to the Client’s defense or to reimburse the Client for any losses.

10.2 Client Indemnity. In this Contract, the Copywriter agrees to indemnify the Client (and its affiliates and their directors, officers, employees, and agents) from and against all liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) related to a third-party claim or proceeding arising out of: (i) the work the Copywriter has done under this Contract; (ii) a breach by the Copywriter of its obligations under this Contract; or (iii) a breach by the Copywriter of the promises it is making in Section 5 (Representations).

10.3 Copywriter Indemnity. In this Contract, the Client agrees to indemnify the Copywriter (and its affiliates and their directors, officers, employees, and agents) from and against liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) related to a third-party claim or proceeding arising out of a breach by the Client of its obligations under this Contract.

11. GENERAL.

11.1 Assignment. This Contract applies only to the Client and the Copywriter. The Copywriter cannot assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Contract to a third-party (other than by will or intestate), without first receiving the Client’s written permission. In contrast, the Client may assign its rights and delegate its obligations under this Contract without the Copywriter's permission. This is necessary in case, for example, another Client buys out the Client or if the Client decides to sell the work product that results from this Contract.

11.2 Arbitration. As the exclusive means of initiating adversarial proceedings to resolve any dispute arising under this Contract, a party may demand that the dispute be resolved by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its commercial arbitration rules.

11.3 Modification; Waiver. To change anything in this Contract, the Client and the Copywriter must agree to that change in writing and sign a document showing their contract. Neither party can waive its rights under this Contract or release the other party from its obligations under this Contract, unless the waiving party acknowledges it is doing so in writing and signs a document that says so.

11.4 Notices.

(a) Over the course of this Contract, one party may need to send a notice to the other party. For the notice to be valid, it must be in writing and delivered in one of the following ways: personal delivery, email, or certified or registered mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested). The notice must be delivered to the party’s address listed at the end of this Contract or to another address that the party has provided in writing as an appropriate address to receive notice.

(b) The timing of when a notice is received can be very important. To avoid confusion, a valid notice is considered received as follows: (i) if delivered personally, it is considered received immediately; (ii) if delivered by email, it is considered received upon acknowledgement of receipt; (iii) if delivered by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), it is considered received upon receipt as indicated by the date on the signed receipt. If a party refuses to accept notice or if notice cannot be delivered because of a change in address for which no notice was given, then it is considered received when the notice is rejected or unable to be delivered. If the notice is received after 5:00pm on a business day at the location specified in the address for that party, or on a day that is not a business day, then the notice is considered received at 9:00am on the next business day.

11.5 Severability. This section deals with what happens if a portion of the Contract is found to be unenforceable. If that’s the case, the unenforceable portion will be changed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, unless that change is not permitted by law, in which case the portion will be disregarded. If any portion of the Contract is changed or disregarded because it is unenforceable, the rest of the Contract is still enforceable.

11.6 Signatures. The Client and the Copywriter must sign this document using Bonsai’s e-signing system. These electronic signatures count as originals for all purposes.

11.7 Governing Law. The laws of the state of Michigan govern the rights and obligations of the Client and the Copywriter under this Contract, without regard to conflict of law principles of that state.

11.8 Entire Contract. This Contract represents the parties’ final and complete understanding of this job and the subject matter discussed in this Contract. This Contract supersedes all other contracts (both written and oral) between the parties.

THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE TO THE FOREGOING AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR SIGNATURES BELOW.

Copywriter

First_name
Last_name
Acme LLC.
Client

First_name
Last_name
Corporation Corp.

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Date: March 8th 2023


Between:

Coach:

First_name
Last_name
Acme LLC.
Client:

First_name
Last_name
Corporation Corp.

This Contract is between Client (the "Client") and Acme LLC, a California limited liability company (the "Coach").

The Contract is dated January 23, 2023.

1. WORK AND PAYMENT.

1.1 Project. The Client is hiring the Coach to develop a coaching relationship between the Client and Coach in order to cultivate the Client's personal, professional, or business goals and create a plan to achieve those goals through stimulating and creative interactions with the ultimate result of maximizing the Client's personal or professional potential.

1.2 Schedule. The Coach will begin work on February 1, 2023 and will continue until the work is completed. This Contract can be ended by either Client or Coach at any time, pursuant to the terms of Section 4, Term and Termination.

The Coach and Client will meet by video conference, 4 days per month for 2 hours.

1.3 Payment. The Client will pay the Coach an hourly rate of $150. Of this, the Client will pay the Coach $500.00 (USD) before work begins.

1.4 Expenses. The Client will reimburse the Coach's expenses. Expenses do not need to be pre-approved by the Client.

1.5 Invoices. The Coach will invoice the Client in accordance with the milestones in Section 1.3. The Client agrees to pay the amount owed within 15 days of receiving the invoice. Payment after that date will incur a late fee of 1.0% per month on the outstanding amount.

1.6 Support. The Coach will not be available by telephone, or email in between scheduled sessions.

2.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

- A coaching relationship is a partnership between two or more individuals or entities, like a teacher-student or coach-athlete relationship. Both the Client and Coach must uphold their obligations for the relationship to be successful.

- The Coach agrees to maintain the ethics and standards of behavior established by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

- The Client acknowledges and agrees that coaching is a comprehensive process that may explore different areas of the Client's life, including work, finances, health, and relationships.

- The Client is responsible for implementing the insights and techniques learned from the Coach.

3. REPRESENTATIONS.

3.1 Overview. This section contains important promises between the parties.

3.2 Authority To Sign. Each party promises to the other party that it has the authority to enter into this Contract and to perform all of its obligations under this Contract.

3.3 Coach Has Right To Give Client Work Product. The Coach promises that it owns the work product, that the Coach is able to give the work product to the Client, and that no other party will claim that it owns the work product. If the Coach uses employees or subcontractors, the Coach also promises that these employees and subcontractors have signed contracts with the Coach giving the Coach any rights that the employees or subcontractors have related to the Coach's background IP and work product.

3.4 Coach Will Comply With Laws. The Coach promises that the manner it does this job, its work product, and any background IP it uses comply with applicable U.S. and foreign laws and regulations.

3.5 Work Product Does Not Infringe. The Coach promises that its work product does not and will not infringe on someone else's intellectual property rights, that the Coach has the right to let the Client use the background IP, and that this Contract does not and will not violate any contract that the Coach has entered into or will enter into with someone else.

3.7 Client-Supplied Material Does Not Infringe. If the Client provides the Coach with material to incorporate into the work product, the Client promises that this material does not infringe on someone else's intellectual property rights.

4. TERM AND TERMINATION

This Contract is ongoing until it expires or the work is completed. Either party may end this Contract for any reason by sending an email or letter to the other party, informing the recipient that the sender is ending the Contract and that the Contract will end in 7 days. The Contract officially ends once that time has passed. The party that is ending the Contract must provide notice by taking the steps explained in Section 9.4. The Coach must immediately stop working as soon as it receives this notice unless the notice says otherwise.

If either party ends this Contract before the Contract automatically ends, the Client will pay the Contractor for the work done up until when the Contract ends. The following sections don't end even after the Contract ends: 3 (Representations); 6 (Confidential Information); 7 (Limitation of Liability); 8 (Indemnity); and 9 (General).

3. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.

The Client is hiring the Coach as an independent contractor. The following statements accurately reflect their relationship:

- The Coach will use its own equipment, tools, and material to do the work.

- The Client will not control how the job is performed on a day-to-day basis. Rather, the Coach is responsible for determining when, where, and how it will carry out the work.

- The Client will not provide the Coach with any training.

- The Client and the Coach do not have a partnership or employer-employee relationship.

- The Coach cannot enter into contracts, make promises, or act on behalf of the Client.

- The Coach is not entitled to the Client's benefits (e.g., group insurance, retirement benefits, retirement plans, vacation days).

- The Coach is responsible for its own taxes.

- The Client will not withhold social security and Medicare taxes or make payments for disability insurance, unemployment insurance, or workers compensation for the Coach or any of the Coach's employees or subcontractors.

6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

6.1 Overview. This Contract imposes special restrictions on how the Client and the Coach must handle confidential information. These obligations are explained in this section.

6.2 The Client's Confidential Information. While working for the Client, the Coach may come across, or be given, Client information that is confidential. This is information like customer lists, business strategies, research & development notes, statistics about a website, and other information that is private. The Coach promises to treat this information as if it is the Coach's own confidential information. The Coach may use this information to do its job under this Contract, but not for anything else. For example, if the Client lets the Coach use a customer list to send out a newsletter, the Coach cannot use those email addresses for any other purpose. The one exception to this is if the Client gives the Coach written permission to use the information for another purpose, the Coach may use the information for that purpose, as well. When this Contract ends, the Coach must give back or destroy all confidential information, and confirm that it has done so. The Coach promises that it will not share confidential information with a third party, unless the Client gives the Coach written permission first. The Coach must continue to follow these obligations, even after the Contract ends. The Coach's responsibilities only stop if the Coach can show any of the following: (i) that the information was already public when the Coach came across it; (ii) the information became public after the Coach came across it, but not because of anything the Coach did or didn't do; (iii) the Coach already knew the information when the Coach came across it and the Coach didn't have any obligation to keep it secret; (iv) a third party provided the Coach with the information without requiring that the Coach keep it a secret; or (v) the Coach created the information on its own, without using anything belonging to the Client.

6.3 Third-Party Confidential Information. It's possible the Client and the Coach each have access to confidential information that belongs to third parties. The Client and the Coach each promise that it will not share with the other party confidential information that belongs to third parties, unless it is allowed to do so. If the Client or the Coach is allowed to share confidential information with the other party and does so, the sharing party promises to tell the other party in writing of any special restrictions regarding that information.

7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

Neither party is liable for breach-of-contract damages that the breaching party could not reasonably have foreseen when it entered this Contract.

8. INDEMNITY.

8.1 Overview. This section transfers certain risks between the parties if a third party sues or goes after the Client or the Coach or both. For example, if the Client gets sued for something that the Coach did, then the Coach may promise to come to the Client's defense or to reimburse the Client for any losses.

8.2 Client Indemnity. In this Contract, the Coach agrees to indemnify the Client (and its affiliates and their directors, officers, employees, and agents) from and against all liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) related to a third-party claim or proceeding arising out of: (i) the work the Coach has done under this Contract; (ii) a breach by the Coach of its obligations under this Contract; or (iii) a breach by the Coach of the promises it is making in Section 3 (Representations).

8.3 Coach Indemnity. In this Contract, the Client agrees to indemnify the Coach (and its affiliates and their directors, officers, employees, and agents) from and against liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) related to a third-party claim or proceeding arising out of a breach by the Client of its obligations under this Contract.

9. GENERAL.

9.1 Assignment​. This Contract applies only to the Client and the Coach. Neither the Client nor the Coach can assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Contract to a third-party (other than by will or intestate), without first receiving the other's written permission.

9.2 Arbitration. As the exclusive means of initiating adversarial proceedings to resolve any dispute arising under this Contract, a party may demand that the dispute be resolved by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its commercial arbitration rules.

9.3 Modification; Waiver. To change anything in this Contract, the Client and the Coach must agree to that change in writing and sign a document showing their contract. Neither party can waive its rights under this Contract or release the other party from its obligations under this Contract, unless the waiving party acknowledges it is doing so in writing and signs a document that says so.

9.4. Noticies.

(a) Over the course of this Contract, one party may need to send a notice to the other party. For the notice to be valid, it must be in writing and delivered in one of the following ways: personal delivery, email, or certified or registered mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested). The notice must be delivered to the party's address listed at the end of this Contract or to another address that the party has provided in writing as an appropriate address to receive notice.

(b) The timing of when a notice is received can be very important. To avoid confusion, a valid notice is considered received as follows: (i) if delivered personally, it is considered received immediately; (ii) if delivered by email, it is considered received upon acknowledgement of receipt; (iii) if delivered by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), it is considered received upon receipt as indicated by the date on the signed receipt. If a party refuses to accept notice or if notice cannot be delivered because of a change in address for which no notice was given, then it is considered received when the notice is rejected or unable to be delivered. If the notice is received after 5:00pm on a business day at the location specified in the address for that party, or on a day that is not a business day, then the notice is considered received at 9:00am on the next business day.

9.5 Severability. This section deals with what happens if a portion of the Contract is found to be unenforceable. If that's the case, the unenforceable portion will be changed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, unless that change is not permitted by law, in which case the portion will be disregarded. If any portion of the Contract is changed or disregarded because it is unenforceable, the rest of the Contract is still enforceable.

9.6 Signatures. The Client and the Coach must sign this document using Bonsai's e-signing system. These electronic signatures count as originals for all purposes.

9.7 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this document shall be governed by the laws of the United States of America.

9.8 Entire Contract. This Contract represents the parties' final and complete understanding of this job and the subject matter discussed in this Contract. This Contract supersedes all other contracts (both written and oral) between the parties.

THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE TO THE FOREGOING AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR SIGNATURES BELOW.

Coach

First_name
Last_name
Acme LLC.
Client

First_name
Last_name
Corporation Corp.
Table of contents
Copywriter Contract Template
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What is a Copywriter contract?


A copywriter contract is a legal document between a freelance copywriter and a client. An excellent copywriting agreement outlines the scope of work, offers legal protection to the writer, and defines how the writer gets paid.

Copywriter contracts provide freelance writers with protection for each writing job. This is why freelance copywriters should create unique agreements for every new client they work with.

Note: Need a written agreement for your freelance business? Use a high-quality, legally vetted copywriting contract template from Bonsai so you can focus on your freelance work. Sign up today.

What to include in the Copywriter contract 


A copywriting contract is an offer and acceptance between a freelance writer and a client. Typically, the writer offers to provide services to the client in exchange for monetary compensation.

Since an agreement is simply what both parties agree to do, it’s essential to understand the basic components of every deal. After all, it’s worth knowing exactly what you agree to before entering into a legal arrangement.  

Every copywriting agreement begins with a few essential components:

  • Your name, if you’re a sole proprietor or the name of your freelance business.
  • The name of your client’s business and the name of the person representing that business.
  • A description of the copywriting services you will create for the client, also called the scope of work.
  • When and how much the client pays when the job is completed.
  • The legal responsibilities of both parties as a result of the agreement.
  • A place for you and the client to sign the agreement.

Once signed, a copywriting agreement is legally binding for the two parties. Ensuring all freelance writers protect their business with written agreements is essential. 

Some clients may have their own contracts or use a copywriter contract template. While there isn’t anything wrong with that, you should know about the essential elements of every agreement to ensure your interests are protected. Ask for their copywriter contract sample and determine if you want to change or discuss specific clauses.

Plus, a written copywriting contract ensures you operate a professional business protected by the law. Without that protection, you risk missing payments or facing lawsuits for content delivered to clients. That’s not a situation any freelancer wants to be in.

Some clients may have their own contracts or use a copywriter contract template. While there isn’t anything wrong with that, you should know about the essential elements of every agreement to ensure your interests are protected.

A good freelance writing agreement addresses the most common potential issues with a client before they occur. While most clients are great to work with, a contract ensures you are protected if one decides to cause problems.

While the basic components of a contract are pretty simple, agreements can quickly become complex and often contain confusing legal wording. However, freelance writing agreements don’t need to be intimidating, and ambiguous language should not deter any copywriter from protecting their business.

Whether you decide to draft your agreement or use a copywriting contract template, there are multiple elements to consider and understand. Let’s explore some of the essential components.

Basic information for freelance writing contracts

Remember, an agreement is simply an offer and acceptance. As such, the beginning of every copywriting contract defines the parties involved. While it may seem redundant, it’s essential to include the client name requesting services from you and everyone’s relevant contact information. This way, it is explicitly clear who is involved in the offer and acceptance.

Scope of work

It’s not uncommon for businesses to want more than they originally asked for — more words, more revisions, less time. This never-ending expansion of work is called scope creep and can lead to a lot more work without any additional compensation.

Thankfully scope creep is avoidable by clearly defining the contract’s scope of work. 

For example, say you agree to write a 500-word blog post for a client with one revision. They may ask to “add a few extra words” or “take an additional round of revisions.” These are common questions that affect your time.

Most clients won’t consider the specific process or steps necessary to create their requested content; that’s why they’re hiring you. As such, the scope should clearly define precisely what the copywriter agrees to provide and what happens if the client requests additional work.

Consider this example that clearly explains the various steps required by the agreement:

Here are a few questions to ask when outlining the services provided to the client company:

  • Does the project require a set number or words? If so, how many? Is there a page-length requirement? SEO keywords? What are the project requirements?
  • Are there revisions included? If so, how many? If not, are they available for an additional fee?
  • What are the copywriter’s obligations? What about the client? Who sources ideas? Are outlines provided?
  • What is the job’s turnaround time? Is it a set date and time or a rolling deadline?
  • How will the writer provide the final project to the client? A PDF, document link, or submitted via a content management system?
  • What happens if the client tries to change the agreed scope?

Copywriting contract payment terms

Unfortunately, businesses can be slow to pay freelance writers for completed work. It’s so bad that some states now require written contracts to prevent freelancers from losing income. For example, the New York Freelance Isn’t Free Act requires a written contract for any project larger than $800. 

In addition to defining how much a freelance copywriter earns for what they create, the agreement should also include clear expectations for everyone involved. 

Sometimes the person you interact with is not the same person who issues payments. For example, your contact may need to pass invoices to a billing department or accountant who issues payments.

The contract must define the payment process used by potential customers. This alleviates any surprise or confusion when it comes time to request payment from clients.

Using a copywriter contract template is easy to define how and when a copywriter gets paid. A contract template asks essential questions that writers often miss or don’t think to ask. 

When determining payment terms in your own copywriting contract, consider these questions:

  • Does payment come directly from the client or some other party?
  • Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much is required before writing?
  • When the project is complete, how much money will the copywriter receive?
  • If the client is overseas, what currency will the freelancer get paid in?
  • Is the client responsible for expenses incurred by the freelancer?
  • Does the copywriter offer a refund policy if something goes awry?
  • Does the client provide image credits for finding appropriate stock photos?

Legal responsibility of everyone involved

Businesses spend an average of $1.2 billion fighting litigation every year. Freelancers are not exempt from lawsuits, but a good copywriting contract outlines the legal responsibility of both parties and can offer you legal security. 

Thankfully, a copywriter contract template provides the language necessary for legal protections without consulting an attorney. However, it’s still important to understand what protections are in your contract.

Here are some questions to consider what legal responsibilities exist in a copywriting contract:

  • Does the client indemnify and hold harmless the freelance copywriter in the event of a lawsuit? Does the writer do the same for the company receiving services?
  • In the event of a lawsuit, is the prevailing party responsible for reasonable attorney’s fees?
  • Who retains the intellectual property rights of the content once the project is complete?
  • Does ownership transfer and become the sole property of the client, or is it shared with the writer?
  • Is a byline included, or will the freelance copywriter not receive public credit for the work they create?
  • Will disputes be tried in court or by the American Arbitration Association?

Competitive arrangements in a copywriting agreement

Freelance copywriters often specialize in specific niche markets. However, some clients do not want to work with freelance writers who also write for their competitors. Some require exclusivity from their competition, while others are fine with it as long as you let them know and outline how private information is compartmentalized.

A contract explains when these arrangements are acceptable and under what terms they occur. 

Likewise, clients often want to ensure a freelancer won’t disparage the company or attempt to persuade employees to leave. These situations are highly unprofessional and a great way to prevent future business with that client or their affiliates. 

Consider the following questions to maintain professional relationships with each company receiving services:

  • Will the freelance writer’s existing business relationships conflict with the client’s business?
  • Is the freelancer an independent contractor (most common) or a W2 employee?
  • Does working with potential competitors require verbal disclosure or written approval from existing clients?
  • Are there other legal documents required to enter into a working relationship?

Length of the contract

While some contract components can last indefinitely, most agreements don’t continue forever — they begin when the contract is signed and end when the final document is complete. 

A good copywriter contract also outlines what happens if the writer or the client decides to terminate the agreement early. 

When considering a contract length, here are some questions to consider:

  • What amount of time is reasonable to complete the project?
  • How long after the final version is delivered does the contract remain intact?
  • Are payments referenced earlier in the contract still required if one party decided to end the contract early?

Signatures of both parties

Contracts only become binding legal documents when signed by both parties. Without signatures, there is no agreement, and the terms are not enforceable. 

It may seem simple, but even the best contract template requires both parties to physically or digitally sign the document. 

Bonsai’s copywriter contract template provides clients with a document ready for digital signature. This sets the project in motion with a legally-binding contract.

How to write a Copywriter contract 


Copywriters are often versed in many types of writing, but many are clueless when writing a contract. There is no shame in this, as contracts require unique language and specific components. Thankfully, creating a copywriter contract starts the same way other writing projects do — with a conversation between two people.

While Hollywood portrays business negotiations as intimidating and cut-throat spectacles, they are simply conversations between two people. Sometimes they happen in person or over the phone. Other times they take place entirely through email or text message. The method of the conversation isn’t important. Instead, discussing outcomes and expectations is essential in all good contract conversations.

During this conversation, freelance copywriters should have two objectives: determine what the client is looking for and how to meet that need. Most freelance writers have some form of this conversation with potential clients already and are well-equipped to discuss contract terms.

It’s worth reiterating that clear communication ensures a good relationship between the client and you, the freelance writer. When both sides are happy, they tend to find ways to work together in the future.

Let’s explore a few ways freelance writers can have healthy contract conversations with potential clients:

Find out exactly what the client wants

Potential clients look for freelance writers when they have a specific need — maybe they want blog posts, newsletters, sales copy, or technical guides. Regardless of what the client is looking for, all writing projects mean different things to different people. 

How long is a blog post? 

Is a newsletter a one-time email or a coordinated campaign spanning multiple messages? 

Is sales copy for a website, a print campaign, or a commercial?

Instead of leaving these points up to interpretation and ultimately leading to disappointment for either you or the client, discussing contract terms clearly defines what the client expects you to create. 

It’s worth reiterating that a contract is simply an offer and acceptance. Knowing precisely what to offer the potential customer is essential for a successful freelance business.

In addition to the questions shared in the previous section, finding out precisely what the client wants requires receiving clear information. 

Ask for clear deadlines and get as many details about the client’s expectations as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions when the client is vague. If something is unclear or doesn’t make sense, ask for more information.

The more specific information received when drafting the contract, the more likely the agreement will result in a healthy and ongoing relationship with the client.

Highlight what sets you apart 

Discussing contract points with a potential client isn’t only about their desires; you’re a vital part of the conversation. Remember, a contract is an offer and acceptance. Once you determine what the client wants, it’s time to create an offer to give them exactly what they want.  

Freelance writers can typically talk all day about the benefits their clients offer to customers but often struggle when talking about the benefits they offer clients. 

However, when discussing contract terms, it’s essential to highlight the skills and experience that you bring to the table.

Consider these questions to highlight what sets you apart from other potential writers:

  • Do you have experience with the subject matter hereof?
  • Have you completed similar projects or created comparable deliverables?
  • Why should the client choose to work with you over another freelance writer?
  • What have you charged other clients for similar projects?

Remember, a written agreement ensures both the offer and acceptance benefit all parties involved. 

Use the conversation to highlight the benefit working with you provides, and then be sure to charge according to your skill and experience. 

Once signed by the client, the contract guarantees you receive precisely what you ask for.

Creating a Copywriter contract is simple with Bonsai 


While knowing what a contract should include is beneficial to all freelance writers, writing an iron-clad, legally binding agreement is often quite tricky. A misplaced word or improper comma can change the legal meaning of a clause, resulting in expensive disputes for freelance writers. 

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars hiring a legal professional to write contracts, freelance copywriters can use Bonsai’s legally vetted copywriter contract template. With Bonsai, freelancers can create a copywriting contract in less time than it takes to brew the morning coffee. 

Bonsai knows what questions to ask and explains each option to you. Don’t worry; the client sees the entire agreement only when you’re happy with all the language involved.

When ready, Bonsai sends the agreement to the client to digitally sign. Bonsai digital signatures are legally enforceable and just as valid as wet-ink ones; no postage prepaid, certified mail envelopes are required! Creating contracts has never been easier!

Bonsai lets freelance writers spend more time generating revenue and less worrying about agreements.

Copywriter contract FAQs


Do you still have a few questions about copywriting contracts? Here are a few frequently asked questions and common answers.

How do I know how much to charge as a freelance writer?

Jobs that charge by the hour can generate upwards of $100 per hour, while projects that charge by the word can range as high as $1 to $2 per word. Your price rate depends on the client’s budget, the project, and your experience. 

Why should I use a copywriting contract template instead of a lawyer?

The average attorney charges hundreds of dollars to draft new agreements. Thankfully, Bonsai already hired the lawyer, so you don’t have to. Plus, Each contract template Bonsai offers is affirmed by thousands of freelancers who create new agreements every day.

What happens if a client refuses to pay what we agreed on?

While it doesn’t happen often, it’s possible a client may try to avoid paying for services provided. This is precisely why a written agreement is essential. With one, you have legal recourse to ensure payment is received. A judge will have to determine your word against the client’s word without a contract. That’s not a situation you want to be in.


Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about this template.