The information on this page explains how we’ll work together if you engage me as a freelance copywriter. It lets you know what you can expect from me and what I expect from you in return.
When I send you a quote, I’ll also ask you to read the information on this page. When you agree to the quote, you also agree to these terms and conditions.
Brief
This is the most important part of the process. This is where we talk through what you need to get done and if I’m the right person to do it for you. I like to get this bit right so we’re starting off on the right foot.
That’s why I prefer to meet you face-to-face, either in person or via video call, to talk about what you need. I won’t charge for this meeting, whether I end up doing the work or not.
For all but the simplest of jobs, you should also write a creative brief. Having the scope of the project in writing helps clarify what needs doing so we’re both on the same page.
During this initial briefing stage, I may send you some ‘taster’ copy relating to the project. I do this to show you an example of my writing that directly relates to your project to help you decide if you want to work with me. There’s no charge for this sample copy and you can use it however you like.
Quote
When we’ve agreed what work needs doing, I’ll send you a quote (otherwise known as a proposal). It will tell you how long it will take me to do the work and how much it will cost. If anything’s not quite right, you should let me know and I’ll amend the quote.
From the moment you agree to the quote, we’re in a contract – I’ve agreed to do the work and you’ve agreed to pay me for it. You’ve also agreed to these terms and conditions.
I won’t start work until this contract is in place.
Project
I’ll complete the full schedule of work by the agreed deadlines.
Throughout the project, I’ll keep you updated on my progress. To start with, I might send you a few drafts or samples to make sure I’m on the right track. If you get back to me promptly and fully it helps me get things right first time.
Projects sometimes change as they go along. Let me know as soon as you can if this happens and we’ll work out how best to proceed. If a project changes considerably, it may be most appropriate for me to invoice you for the work I’ve done so far, then produce a new quote for the future work.
You can cancel our contract at any point, but you’ll need to pay me for the work I’ve done up to that point.
I never subcontract work out to anyone else.
Amendments
My quote includes two rounds of amendments, which is fairly standard. It’s very unlikely you’ll need these.
If you do need more than two rounds of amendments (it’s never happened), this falls outside our contract so I’ll quote for them separately.
Invoicing
I may invoice for a deposit before I start work, or invoice at stages throughout a larger project. In either case, we’ll agree it at the outset and I’ll include the details and dates in my quote.
I’ll send you the final invoice at the end of the project.
If we have an ongoing ‘retainer’ agreement, I’ll send you an invoice at the end of every month.
I’ll never send you any unexpected invoices for expenses or anything else not included in the original quote.
Payment
You can pay via bank transfer. You can also pay online, either using PayPal or by credit or debit card. All the details you need will be on your invoice.
I expect payment in full within 30 days of the invoice date. If for any reason you’re unable to meet the payment deadline, let me know as soon as you can.
If you don’t pay on time, I’ll charge you interest and late payment fees in line with UK Government guidelines. These are 8% interest plus the Bank of England base rate and a £40 late recovery fee.
Tax and legal
I’m not registered for VAT.
I’m self-employed so I’m responsible for my own income tax and National Insurance contributions.
I have specialist professional indemnity insurance provided through PolicyBee.
Copyright
I own copyright of my work until you’ve paid me for it. At that point, copyright passes to you and you can use it however you like.
I feature some past projects and testimonials on my website so that potential clients can see examples of my work. Let me know if you’d rather I didn’t feature your project.
If you have any questions about the information on this page, please let me know.
I last reviewed and updated this page on 1 March 2022.