In this guide: Freelance Contracts 101: What to Include to Protect Yourself. You’ll get practical steps you can apply this week.
For freelancers, a strong contract is your first line of defense against disputes, scope creep, and late (or no) payments. Shockingly, many freelancers work without formal agreements: one survey found that 40% of freelance journalists undertook work without any contract at all. That leaves them dangerously exposed
- and indeed 83% of those journalists reported being left unpaid at least once. A well-crafted contract spells out the rules of engagement so everyone is clear from the start. Here’s what you must include:
- Scope of Work (Deliverables). Define exactly what you will deliver: number of pages or word count, rounds of revisions, specific tasks or outputs. Leave no room for guesswork. Example: “Deliverable: One 10-page report on topic X, including up to two rounds of revisions.” Clear scope prevents clients from piling on extra tasks for free.
- Payment Terms. State your rates and when/how you’ll be paid. For instance: “Total fee: $3,000. Deposit of 30% ($900) due upon contract signing; remainder due within 30 days of final delivery.” Specify currency and accepted payment methods. Include late-payment penalties (e.g. “1.5% interest per month on past-due balances”). The Freelance Contracts guide emphasizes defining payment schedule and late fees. Having this in writing motivates timely payment and provides recourse if clients stall.
- Revision Policy. Clarify how many rounds of revisions are included and what constitutes a “revision.” For example, “Includes up to two minor edits. Major changes or additional revisions billed at $50/ hour.” By setting limits up front, you avoid endless tweak cycles eating into your time and profits
- Project Timeline & Deadlines. List key dates: when initial drafts will be delivered, revision deadlines, final delivery date. This creates accountability on both sides. Include what happens if deadlines shift (e.g. you need X extra days with notice, etc.).
- Cancellation/Kill Fee. If a client cancels mid-project, you should still be compensated for work already done. A common approach is a “kill fee” of 25-50% of the total contract if the project is terminated early. This ensures you’re not left hanging with wasted effort. State it clearly: e.g. “If project is canceled after work has begun, client pays 50% of remaining balance as kill fee.”
- Rights and Ownership. Specify who owns the final deliverables and usage rights. Typically, freelancers retain copyright until full payment is received. State what usage the client is buying (e.g. “Client is granted non-exclusive rights to use the delivered graphics for their website and marketing, with revisions allowed only by the freelancer”). Include any clauses on reversion of rights if payment isn’t made
- Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure (if needed). If you’ll be working with sensitive client info or proprietary processes, include an NDA clause. Even a brief statement (“Freelancer will not disclose any confidential information obtained during the project”) can protect both parties.
- Governing Law. Especially for international freelancing, note which country’s laws apply to the contract. Example: “This Agreement is governed by the laws of [State/Country]. Any disputes will be settled in [City, Country].” Beyond clauses, follow these invoicing and negotiation best practices: - Invoice Promptly and Follow Up. Send your invoice as soon as a milestone is approved or project wraps up. Include a clear due date (e.g. “Due in 30 days”) matching your contract terms. If payment isn’t received by then, send a polite reminder right away. Remember, 85% of freelancers report late payments at least some of the time, so don’t wait too long to chase unpaid invoices. - Use Written Contracts for Every Project. In New York, for example, any freelance contract over \$800 must be in writing and detail scope, payment and deadline Regardless of where you are, treating every engagement like a business deal (not a handshake agreement) means you can enforce these protections if needed. A simple way to get started is to customize a freelance contract template (the Freelancers Union offers a free contract builder, for instance). The key is to tailor it to each job: update the scope, fees, and dates for every new client and hit “send” before you start working. This upfront clarity makes negotiations smooth and eliminates most billing headaches. Key takeaways: A clear contract should outline work scope, payment terms (including deposit and deadlines), revision limits, deliverable ownership, and kill fees. Put everything in writing and sign before work begins. These measures dramatically reduce unpaid work and disputes Protect your time and income: use a solid contract for every project. For more guidance, download our free freelance contract checklist and keep your freelance business safe and professional. Wrap-up: Pick one step from this article and implement it today. Small systems compound fast in freelancing.
Next steps
Pick one tactic from this article and apply it in the next 30 minutes. Small, consistent improvements compound fast in freelancing. If you want a quick win, update one thing in your portfolio, then send one high quality outreach message to a well matched lead.