Free Copywriting Contract Template
A [copywriting contract](/product/contracts) covers deliverables, payment terms, revision rounds, ownership, portfolio use, responsibilities, and how either side ends the project.
Copy can sound like it came off a shelf, even after the client shares the real story, the real offer, and the real words they use every day. A copywriting contract helps on the other side of that, because the agreement puts the working rules in writing before the first draft goes out and before feedback turns into a tangle.
The contract starts by linking back to an accepted proposal, so the pricing, timing, and inclusions live there while the agreement handles the day to day. What you get names the website copy deliverables and leaves room to write to an existing site map or shape one, with SEO keywords worked in so the pages still read naturally. The rest covers Payment, Edits and changes (including consolidated feedback and change requests), Who owns what, Portfolio use, and What we are responsible for, with Syne headings over Roboto body text and a warm rose layout that keeps the document from feeling generic.
- If you have accepted a proposal Connects the agreement to the accepted proposal, leaving pricing, timing, and scope specifics there while the contract covers the working rules.
- What you get Lists the website copy deliverables and notes how inputs, interviews, site map decisions, and SEO keywords get handled.
- Payment Explains project billing in ZAR, deposits and staged invoicing, and what happens to writing and delivery dates if payment runs late.
- Edits and changes Defines a revision round, asks for consolidated feedback, and sets the rule for pricing and approving change requests beyond the included rounds.
- Ending the project Covers written notice, aligning any notice period to the accepted proposal, and the handover of completed work once invoices are paid, with a signature block.
Once the terms are filled in with names, dates, and any differences in how the work runs, the contract goes out to a client to sign online. Signed terms sit with the rest of the project paperwork, so there’s one agreed reference point when scope shifts, invoices run late, or the project needs to end cleanly.
We went from spending hours on every proposal to creating fully customized ones in under 5 minutes. That's not an exaggeration - we timed it.
What this contract contains
1) If you have accepted a proposal
Points back to the accepted proposal for pricing, timing, and what’s included, and keeps this agreement for the day to day rules. You update the names and make sure the proposal and contract match.
2) What you get
Spells out the website copy deliverables, how inputs and interviews feed the writing, and how a site map and SEO keywords get handled. You adjust the deliverables if the scope differs from the proposal.
3) Payment
Covers project pricing in ZAR, deposit and staged invoicing, due dates, and pausing work if payment is late. You fill in the agreed amounts and timing in the linked paperwork.
4) Edits and changes
Defines revision rounds, requires consolidated feedback, and explains what counts as a change request beyond the included rounds. You align the included revision rounds with the accepted proposal.
5) Who owns what
Keeps ownership of internal methods and working documents with the writer while allowing normal business marketing use of the finished copy. You note any reuse outside that and confirm it in writing.
6) Portfolio use
Allows portfolio sharing of finished work, with an opt out or time based restriction if confidentiality matters. You put any embargo or no sharing request in writing.
7) What we are responsible for
Sets responsibility for delivering the writing services with care, but doesn’t promise rankings, sales, or enquiry volumes. The client reviews final copy for factual accuracy and flags regulated or sensitive claims.
8) Ending the project
Explains how either side ends the project by written notice and how the handover works once invoices are paid, and it carries the Signature block. You confirm the notice period if the proposal includes one.
Who it is for
Copywriters and studios delivering website copy, sales & direct response pages, or brand voice work for clients who want the deliverables and revision rules in writing.
Questions about this contract
What should a copywriting contract include?
A copywriting contract usually covers deliverables, payment terms, revision rounds, ownership, portfolio use, responsibilities, and how either side ends the project. This template also links the agreement to an accepted proposal for pricing, timing, and scope specifics.
How many rounds of edits should be included in website copywriting?
The included revision rounds should be stated in the accepted proposal, because the number depends on the scope and who needs to sign off. This contract defines what counts as a revision round and treats extra rounds or expanded scope as a priced change request that needs written approval.
Can a copywriter write to an existing site map, or do you need to create one first?
A copywriter can write to an existing site map, and this contract also allows shaping a site map from what the business offers and how people buy. The deliverables section is where the final page list gets confirmed.
Can website copy use SEO keywords without sounding unnatural?
Website copy can use SEO keywords without forcing them, but the keywords and page priorities need to come up front. This contract states that approach so the expectations stay clear before drafting starts.
Who owns the website copy after it’s delivered?
The client gets the finished copy for normal business marketing use, while the writer keeps ownership of internal methods, templates, checklists, prompts, and working documents. Reuse outside normal marketing use needs a written confirmation and may involve an extra fee.
Can a copywriter show my website copy in their portfolio?
A copywriter may show finished work by linking to the live site, sharing excerpts, or using screenshots in a case study. This contract also gives the client a way to request an embargo or a no sharing rule in writing.
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