For all those freelance content writers who love to hustle and build the life of their dreams, an e-contract is like the Holy Bible. Without a contract, there is absolutely no guarantee that you will get paid for your freelance content writing services. Delayed payments, no payment at all, endless revisions – all these can turn your freelancing life into a living hell. So, if you do wish to get paid in return for your hard work, then prepare your e-contract today. Want to know how to make an e-contract? Read on and know the details!
What is an e-contract for freelance content writers?
An e-contract is like a letter of agreement between a freelancer and a client. One can mention all the terms and conditions of the work in that contract. This ensures a smooth work relationship between both parties. Things that you can mention in the e-contract are:
- Scope of work
You should always mention the scope of work in an elaborate manner in your letter of agreement. You will have to enlist all the deliverables. For instance, if you will be working for the client for three months and preparing landing pages as well as blogs for him, then break down the details in the following manner:
- 3 landing pages (Home page, about us page and Services page)
- 5 blogs of 700 words every month (for up to 3 months)
- Number of free revisions you wish to offer
When you clearly define the scope of work in the contract, then there will be no room for misunderstanding. Your client will have a clear idea of what you are going to deliver.
- Submission deadline
Make sure you mention the deadline by which you will be sharing all the deliverables. Setting up a deadline makes you work more proactively. At the same time, your client will also not be in a position to force you to deliver the project in a hurry.
- Late payment clause
This one is perhaps the most significant part of an e-contract for freelance content writing. Go on and mention your pricing structure for the deliverables. Share details about how you would like to collect the payment – Net banking, money transferring apps and so on. Then share the exact date or period of time by which you expect the payment. For instance, 7 working days after delivering the content. Also, mention the penalty for late payment. For example, you can charge INR 100 per day when the client fails to make the payment within the mentioned time period.
- Confidentiality
Keep details of your clients confidential. If they want you to sign an NDA, mention the same on the contract. This will offer peace of mind to your client, and they will rely upon you for your professionalism.
- Advance payment
Many freelance content writers charge 50% or even 75% of the total amount in advance. If you too follow this pricing model, then you have to mention this in your letter of agreement.
- Termination
State the terms upon which the two of you can terminate the project. Also, mention the charges in case the termination takes place in the middle of nowhere. This clause will help you save your precious time, and your hard work will not go in vain. So, if the client wants to pull out of the project in the middle of the work, you can charge for whatever you have written for them for the time being.
- Signatures
Here you should add a section for yourself as well as your client so that both parties can sign the e-contract. Signing the contract means that you both have agreed to everything that has been mentioned in the letter of agreement.
Different documents required for the preparation of an e-contract
- ID proof of both the parties
- Address proof of both the parties
In a nutshell
If you have not yet prepared your e-contract for freelance content writing, then go ahead and do it straight away. Do not let your hard work go waste.
A traveller at heart, writer by profession, Bidisha carries 5 years of experience in content writing. Her words give wings to brands, businesses and influencers and help them notch up their work to the next level. Writing is definitely her cup of tea, and she prefers sipping it now and then. When not writing, you will find her cooking and dancing.
