# Free freelance writing invoice template Freelance writers bill in many ways: per word, per piece, per hour or on a monthly retainer. The invoice needs to show which one you agreed, name the pieces so the editor can match them to the assignment and carry the right payment terms. The template below mixes the most common units in one monthly invoice. Edit the example, add the editor's details and save the PDF from this page. No account, and nothing is uploaded. Doing design as well? Take a look at the [graphic design template](https://jiffy-invoice.com/invoice-template/graphic-design). ## Fill it in and save as PDF The lines are examples for freelance writers. Change anything, add your details and download the PDF. Nothing you type leaves this browser. - Maya Okafor Writing - Beacon Media Group - Content for April | Description | Qty | Price | Amount | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Feature article: "How small cafes cut energy costs" (1,800 words) | 1,800 | $0.35 | $630.00 | | Blog post: product launch announcement (flat fee) | 1 | $250.00 | $250.00 | | Editing and rewrite of contributor draft (hours) | 3 | $55.00 | $165.00 | | Newsletter copy, 4 issues (per issue) | 4 | $120.00 | $480.00 | | Rush fee for 24 hour turnaround | 1 | $100.00 | $100.00 | Rights: first publication rights for the pieces above transfer on payment. Please reference the assignment numbers when paying. Payment due within 30 days of invoice date. ## What to put on an invoice for freelance writers - The title or description of each piece, so the editor can match it to the assignment - The unit you billed: words, a flat fee per piece, hours or a monthly retainer - Word counts if you bill per word, as delivered or as agreed in the contract - Extras: rewrites, rush work, research and interviews, billed as their own lines - The rights granted, such as first publication or full ownership - A purchase order or assignment number if the client uses one - Payment terms, your payment details and a W-9 or tax form note where needed ## How freelance writers bill Per-word rates are common for editorial work, and per-piece flat fees are common for blogs, website copy and newsletters. Hourly is used for editing, research and rewrites. Monthly retainers fit writers who produce a steady stream of content for one client. Whichever you pick, put it on the invoice in the same form as the contract, so there is no doubt about the number. Magazines and media companies often pay 30 to 60 days after publication, so state the due date and follow up. A kill fee, a reduced payment when a piece is cancelled after delivery, is worth asking for and invoicing as its own line. Retainer clients are a good fit for [recurring invoices](https://jiffy-invoice.com/features/recurring-invoices), created for you each month. ## Tips to get paid faster 1. Quote the assignment title and number exactly as the editor gave it. Their accounts team pays what they can match. 2. Invoice on delivery or on acceptance, whichever the contract says, rather than waiting for the publication date. 3. Charge for rush work and heavy rewrites. A clear rate for each change request protects your time. 4. Keep your tax details ready, like a W-9 for US clients, and attach them to the first invoice. 5. Send a friendly [reminder](https://jiffy-invoice.com/features/payment-reminders) the day after the due date. Editors are busy, and a nudge works. ## Common invoice mistakes - Billing per word without agreeing how words are counted - Not stating the rights you are selling, which can cause trouble when a piece is reused - Waiting for publication to invoice and then waiting again for payment ## Questions ### What should a freelance writing invoice include? Your details, the client and contact, a description of each piece, the unit and rate, word counts, extras, rights, any PO number, the total, due date and payment details. ### How do I bill per word? Add a line per article with the word count as the quantity and your per-word rate as the price. The total is calculated for you. ### When should I send the invoice? As soon as the piece is delivered or accepted, depending on your contract. Do not wait for publication unless the contract says so. ### Is this freelance writing template free? Yes. Fill it in here and download the PDF with no account. ## Templates for other trades - [translators](https://jiffy-invoice.com/invoice-template/translation) - [graphic designers](https://jiffy-invoice.com/invoice-template/graphic-design) - [consultants](https://jiffy-invoice.com/invoice-template/consulting) - [tutors](https://jiffy-invoice.com/invoice-template/tutoring) [Invoice templates by trade](https://jiffy-invoice.com/invoice-template) Source: https://jiffy-invoice.com/invoice-template/freelance-writing