FREELANCE WRITER CONTRACT

Freelance Writer Contract

A writing services contract between Northwind Studio and Acme Co covering commissioned articles, editing, and delivery rights.

Parties and Engagement

This agreement is entered into by Northwind Studio (the "Writer") and Acme Co (the "Client") for the commissioned writing services described below. Replace the sample details with the specifics of the publication, audience, and editorial calendar before signing.

Recitals

The Client wishes to commission original writing on topics aligned to its audience and editorial goals. The Writer has the subject knowledge, editorial standards, and availability to deliver those articles on the schedule agreed below. On acceptance, the Client owns the finished articles under the rights terms set out on the fees page.

Scope and Editorial Process

Each article moves through three steps so the Client and Writer share a common view of the editorial workflow.

What is included

• Outline for approval before drafting each article
• Original writing, research, and citation of sources
• Two rounds of consolidated Client revisions per article
• Optional headline and subhead options with each final article
• Monthly editorial check-in to plan the next batch

Not included: in-person interviews, transcription, illustration, CMS entry, and SEO strategy beyond basic keyword guidance. New scope can be added in writing at any time.

Fees and Rights

The engagement is billed at a fixed rate per article, invoiced monthly for articles accepted in the period.

Payment Schedule

Rights and Byline

On payment for a given article, the Client acquires first serial publication rights and a perpetual, non-exclusive license to publish and archive the piece on its owned channels. The Writer retains ownership of the underlying work and the right to reference the piece in a portfolio. Byline is included unless the article is commissioned as ghostwritten in the brief.

Acceptance

To start commissioning, complete the fields below and sign. The first brief is delivered on the confirmed start date.

PUBLICATION OR CHANNEL

START DATE