Comments on: The Freelance Writing Contract, Explained

By: Krista

Krista — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 15:39:58 +0000

Apologies in advance if this is a bit off topic. In the industry I’m in, the client usually provides the contract. Usually it’s pretty standard and nothing is of concern. However, twice in the past week I’ve seen something I haven’t come across before. The contract includes a clause stating the freelancer needs to take out liability insurance and name the client as an additional insured. Is this something new, or is it just coincidence that I’ve only encountered it recently? What do you think about it? I did get it removed in one case, but in the other the client is adamant about keeping it in.

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:49:17 +0000

In reply to Devon Ellington.

Excellent additions, Devon. You’re right about the upfront payment — because this particular client was known to me, I didn’t have that. But it’s a damn good idea otherwise.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:43:50 +0000

I need to add the Third Party clause to mine. That’s a glaring error in my contract.

My late fee is 20%.

I also have a “rush fee” clause. Anything that requires turnaround in less than 3 business days requires a rush fee.

Because I bill for phone time, in 15-minute increments, that’s another clause.

For ghostwriting, I have a clause to allow me to use excerpts as portfolio samples that do not give away specific details of the person for whom I’ve ghosted.

A lot of my clients are one-and-done, so I have the deposit and payment schedule.

If it’s a project with specific deadlines, I include those dates and the turnaround by when something MUST be back to me in order to meet the next deadline. With the caveat that missing deadlines incurs extra fees or a renegotiation.

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:42:32 +0000

In reply to Debbie. You're very welcome, Debbie! Hope it helps.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 15:47:40 +0000

This is fantastic–thank you!