Contracts and Terms

The Code of Practice requires that we “agree clear terms of engagement before starting work” and “communicate honestly about scope, timelines and deliverables.”

Written agreements protect both you and your clients. They set expectations, prevent misunderstandings, and provide a reference point if disputes arise.

Many copywriters, especially when starting out, work without written contracts. This creates unnecessary risk:

Without a contract:

• Scope can creep indefinitely
• Payment terms are unclear
• Copyright ownership may be disputed
• You have no protection if things go wrong

With a contract:

• Both parties know what to expect
• Scope and revisions are defined
• Payment terms are clear
• There’s a reference point for resolving disputes

It doesn’t need to be complex. A simple, clear agreement is far better than nothing.

Your terms should cover these key areas:

Scope of work

• What deliverables are included
• What’s explicitly excluded
• Format and length expectations
• Research and input required from client

Timelines

• Delivery dates or turnaround times
• What happens if deadlines slip (on either side)
• Rush work premiums if applicable

Revisions

• How many rounds of revisions are included
• What counts as a revision vs. new work
• Cost of additional revisions
• Clarify when work is deemed accepted (for example, after final delivery or after a set review period)

Payment

• Total fee or rate
• Payment schedule (deposit, milestones, final)
• Payment terms (when payment is due)
• What happens with late payment
• You may add interest or fees for late payment, in line with UK law.

These are often overlooked but important:

Copyright/intellectual property

• When does copyright transfer? (Usually upon full payment)
• Do you retain portfolio rights?
• What happens to unused concepts?

Confidentiality

• Agreement to keep client information confidential
• Any exceptions (portfolio use, legal requirements)

Liability

• Often limited to a reasonable amount (for example, the fees paid)
• Exclude liability for indirect/consequential losses
• Clarify that client is responsible for legal compliance of how content is used

Cancellation

• What happens if the project is cancelled
• Kill fee arrangements
• Who owns work completed to date

Your quote or proposal often becomes part of the contract. Make it clear and specific:

What to include:

• Detailed scope breakdown
• Assumptions you’re making (very important when you’re relying on the client for information, assets, access or approvals)
• What’s included and what’s not
• Timeline and key dates
• Your fee (total and breakdown if helpful)
• Payment terms
• Validity period for the quote (protects you from changes to scope, availability or rates)

Avoiding scope creep:

Be specific about what’s included. “Website copy” is vague. “Homepage, About page, and 4 service pages, approximately 2,000 words total” is specific.

If the brief changes, provide a revised quote before continuing.

Make sure clients have clearly agreed to your terms. Don’t start work until acceptance is confirmed. Pressure to “just get started” is a common cause of disputes. 

Options:

• Email confirmation: “Please reply confirming you accept these terms”
• Signed proposal/quote: Send a PDF for signature
• Online tools: Use contract signing tools like DocuSign, HelloSign
• Upfront payment: Taking a deposit demonstrates acceptance

What to keep:

• The signed/accepted terms
• The original brief
• Any subsequent changes agreed in writing
• Email trail showing acceptance

If a dispute arises later, you’ll need to show what was agreed.

Even with good contracts, problems can arise:

Scope disputes

Refer back to the original agreement. If the client wants more than was agreed, provide a quote for the additional work.

Payment issues

Follow your stated process (reminders, late fees). Consider using a debt collection service for persistent non-payment.

Quality disputes

If the client is unhappy with work, refer to your revision process. If they reject work that meets the brief, your terms should protect you.

Escalation

Most disputes can be resolved through communication. Check your contract for dispute resolution clauses before escalating. For serious issues, consider mediation before legal action. 

Written agreements are a fundamental part of professional practice. They protect you, set clear expectations, and help maintain good client relationships.

Start with simple terms if you don’t have any. Improve them over time based on experience. And get professional legal advice to ensure your terms are robust.