This version is set up for a typical content client: two long-form blog posts billed per article, a newsletter piece billed by word count, and research for upcoming briefs. If a piece was killed after you delivered a draft, add a kill fee line rather than leaving it off entirely. Mention in the notes which rights you are granting, such as first publication or full ownership on payment.
Invoicing tips for freelance writers
- Put the article title and publish date or URL on each line so editors and accounts teams can match the invoice without emailing you.
- Agree on a kill fee in advance, often 25-50% of the fee, for commissioned pieces that are cancelled after you start.
- Note which rights you are licensing, such as first serial rights or full transfer, so reuse in other publications is clear.
- Ask whether the client needs a purchase order number or vendor setup before you invoice, because missing paperwork is a common cause of delayed payment.
Typical line items
- Long-form blog post (approx. 2,000 words)
- Newsletter feature (per word)
- Keyword research and outline (per brief)
Rates shown are examples only — edit them to match your pricing.
FAQ
Should I bill per word or per article?
Per-word rates are common in magazines and publishing, while marketing clients often prefer a flat per-article fee because it is easier to budget. If you bill per word, state whether the count is based on the assigned or the delivered length. A flat fee should still reference the expected word range so scope stays clear.
When should a freelance writer send the invoice?
Check the client's process first. Some publications pay on acceptance, others on publication, which can be weeks later. Content agencies and marketing teams usually prefer a single monthly invoice covering everything delivered that month. Ask up front and record the agreed trigger, such as acceptance of the final draft, in your payment terms.
How do I invoice a kill fee?
Issue an invoice with a single line describing the commissioned piece, the original fee and the agreed kill percentage, for example 30% of a $600 article. Reference the date the piece was cancelled and the commissioning email. In most cases the rights to the unpublished work stay with you, so you can pitch it elsewhere.
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