When I agree to take on work for new clients, our professional relationship will usually start with a 'Letter of Agreement' rather than a formal contract. This will state, in very simple terms, our initial contractual obligations to each other.
Once a preliminary working period has concluded, we will then draw up a formal contract. This arrangement saves time for both parties:
Of course, sometimes we're just not the right fit. In this event, I'll happily recommend other freelancers in my network.
The following is an example of my typical 'letter of agreement.' This can easily be modified for individual clients.
LETTER OF AGREEMENT
between XYZ Corp and Charles Archer Writing Services.
Name of Project: XYZ Copywriting Project A
As promised, I have set out below a brief description of the services that I, Charles Archer, will provide to you, XYZ Corp, together with our agreed-upon fees. I will provide the following services:
1) Article topics will range widely, including, but not limited to, themes such as equities, forex, and general investing. Charles Archer will endeavour to email an article title the day before commencing work to ensure they fit with website strategy.
2) Articles will be provided copy-edited, SEO-optimised, and ready to upload, to XYZ Manager via email at johndoe@xyz.com
3) As is best practice, articles will be X words long, and often come with accompanying photos, graphs etc.
4) Rate of pay is Xp per word, but for convenience I will charge a flat £X per article, unless work shorter than 600 words or longer than 800 words is required; but this shall be communicated in writing via email only.
5) Invoices will be generated at the end of each month, and sent to XYZ contact B, to be paid ideally by the 15th of the following month, and no later than the 28th. Invoices will be generated by my accountant, Crunch Accounting.
6) Rate includes two rounds of copy-editing; in the rare instance it is required. If XYZ is still not satisfied with work provided after two rounds of editing, they reserve the right to reject the work without payment.
7) Copyright to all articles produced will belong to XYZ, though they may be used by Charles Archer Writing Services for portfolio, radio, podcasts, and quotation purposes.
8) XYZ or Charles Archer Writing Services may terminate this arrangement immediately, via email, until (three months from date of signing). Thereafter, Charles Archer Writing Services will issue a formal contract for additional services.
Signed and dated on xx/x/2023
Manager A, XYZ:
Charles Archer, Charles Archer Writing Services:
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