When looking for a freelance writer, one of the first steps you might consider is to sign a freelance writer contract. As much as we all want to be able to trust the people we work with on writing projects, there are dishonest people who take advantage of the soul of trust in an instant. By making a freelance writer contract, you can protect yourself, your company, and your rights to the work you’ve created.

Reasons to Create a Freelance Writer Contract Before you start working on a project, you have many good reasons to sign a freelance writer contract. Money is at the top of this list.

When you make a deal with a freelance writer, you expect a certain level of quality and dedication in return for the money you pay. By creating a freelance writer contract, you can specify exactly how much money you expect to receive. You can also create guidelines that specify how much you’ll pay after the project is completed, depending on whether those guidelines are met. With the support of a freelance writer contract, you don’t have to worry about being sued for unpaid fees if you turn down a job.

Your freelance writer contract will also keep you out of trouble if a writer tries to sue you for copyright infringement. Of course, you must state in your freelance writer contract that you own the copyright after you pay for the finished project. If you do, you don’t have to worry about losing the lawsuit if the author wants to change his mind later.

Financial factor aside, a freelance writer contract is just a great way to articulate what you’re looking for in your project. Also, creating a freelance writer contract will force you to have a clear idea of ​​what you are looking for in a writer and a completed project. Having a clear idea will help you choose the right freelance writer and have a smooth-running project.

What’s Included in a Freelance Writer Contract?

While certain details will vary when making a freelance writing contract, there are a few basics that should be a part of it. Including:

– how many words you want your finished project to contain

– the format you want your finished project to follow, especially if you want to divide it into sections or use formatting options (like bullet points)

– How would you like to deliver the finished project (hardcopy or digital format, if digital, what type of word processing software?)

– When you expect a completed project to be delivered

– Your right to request a rewrite and/or how many chances the author has to rewrite before the contract is released

– Rules for keyword density and words to use when writing articles for SEO purposes

– Disclaimer about who owns the rights to the completed work

– A signature page, signed and dated by both you and the author, confirming your agreement to the freelance writer contract

If you’re working with a freelance writer, chances are your miles apart. In this case, make sure the author sends you a signed freelance writer contract by fax or scan and email attachment before work begins.

If you find freelance writers through a bidding commission, it may not be strictly necessary to set up a freelance writer contract, as many of these legalities may be covered by a bidding commission. Still, it’s a good idea to draft a freelance writer contract to further protect you.