We've previously covered what should be in a freelance writer's contract, but writers can use alternative forms of a contract in order to simplify the process while still protecting themselves.
The first sample I'm sharing with you is a Letter of Agreement. It is indeed in the form of a letter, yet still requires two signatures and protects both parties. Notice how detailed the letter is, including delivery method, pay dates and etc.
Client Name
LETTER OF AGREEMENT (LOA)
Name of Project (make sure it's descriptive)
9/15/2011
As promised, I have set out below a description of the services that I, GardenWall Publications LLC/Allena Tapia ("Editor") will provide to you Client Name ("Role"), together with our agreed on fees. I will provide the following services:
- High level editing and proofreading of website copy using Microsoft Word TRACK CHANGES.
- Final delivery in Word .Doc format with changes ON.
- Style choices and issues will consult the examples provided first, and then the Associated Press Style Guide second.
- Author's tone and style will be retained.
- Documents will be returned edited within 48 hours (business days only, unless specifically requested by author).
Please note that we have not agreed to these services:
- Software conversion (i.e. PDF or similar).
- Whatever else you can think of, here is the place to carefully avoid problems.
My fee for these services will be as follows:
- $5 per 200 words
- Additional expenses: No additional expenses are anticipated; no additional expenses will be charged. This is the ideal place to add shipping fees, Paypal fees, etc.
Payment Terms:
- Payment can be made to Paypal (gwpublications@gmail.com) or check/money order to the address above.
- Payments will be due 3 days after copy is returned to author.
- No new copy will be taken on until payment is made for previous work completed.
- Any outstanding payment issues will be referred to an attorney representative at (name of your union if you are in one. One example is the National Writers Union.
Delivery Terms:
- Author to provide manuscript via Microsoft Word or convertible file.
- Editor to return manuscript via Word in 48 hours.
- Editor to provide invoice with completed manuscript.
- Author to pay within 3 working days for said work.
- Author and editor agree to electronic signature on this LOA as agreement.
If you agree that the foregoing fairly sets out your understanding of our mutual responsibilities, please initial a copy of this letter in the space indicated below via typing, fill in requested address information, and email it back to me. If you'd like changes made, let's chat!
Insert signature lines.
Another alternative to the Letter of Agreement is a Statement of Work. Here's a sample. You'll notice this sample comes from the POV of the employer, not of the freelancer.
Statement of Work
This Statement of Work (SOW) is by and between Name and Address and Name and Address.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This SOW is effective as of April 8, 2010 ("SOW Effective Date").
SCOPE OF WORK: English to Spanish translation of 12 health essays (or summarize the project). Translation to be delivered in agreement with and reference to (name style guide).
DELIVERY DATES: You shall complete the Services and/or Work by or in accordance with the delivery schedule below.
- Deliverable: 4 translated essays by APRIL 17, midnight
- 8 translated essays by APRIL 27, midnight
- In Word Format, 97 or higher acceptable.
Edits: Each translated document may be returned to you once for editing at the sole discretion of (name). Edits will be avoided at all costs and are not anticipated except in extreme circumstances. Edits will be performed by you within 72 hours of return, or forfeiture of 50% payment for the document will ensue.
Payment: Translation payment of $X USD per English (original) word translated. Official word count will come from X. Down payment is not available for this project. Interim payment is not available for this project. (Of course, if there was a down payment or incremental payments for incremental work, that would be included here. As a freelancer you should always try to negotiate one of both of these items, if possible.) Final payments to be paid out at latest date of June 20, 2010. Invoice from Translator proofreader should reach (name) no later than May 1, 2010. Domestic payments may be paid via check or Paypal. International payments will be paid in USD via Western Union or Paypal. All domestic contractors must have a completed W-9 on file with (name) before payment will be made.
Rights, Disclosures, Non-compete: You hold no copyrights to materials created. You agree to public non-disclosure of (name's) rates, processes, and client lists. You agree to refrain from competing with (name) for for same client (if subcontracted) during course of this contract ending May 10, 2010.
Execution by Counterparts/Facsimile. This SOW may be executed and delivered in counterparts by facsimile, each of which so executed and delivered counterpart is original, and such counterparts, together, shall constitute but the same instrument. Each of the parties hereto agrees to additionally execute, and deliver, original copies of this agreement circulated subsequent to its initial execution and delivery by facsimile.
