Free Freelance Writer Invoice Template
Writers get paid in many ways: per word, per article, per hour or on retainer. Editors and publications often handle dozens of invoices, so a clear one that references the right piece and editor gets paid faster.
Typical line items
- Article: title, word count and rate (e.g. "'10 Tips for Remote Teams' – 1,500 words × €0.20")
- Copywriting package (homepage, 5 product pages)
- Editing or proofreading (hours or words)
- Additional revision round
- Kill fee for commissioned work that was cancelled
- Research, interviews or travel expenses
Include the details editors need
- The commissioning editor's name and any purchase order or commission number
- The publication date or delivery date
- The rights you are granting (e.g. first publication rights, or full copyright transfer)
Tips
- Send the invoice when the piece is accepted, not when it is published, unless your contract says otherwise.
- Use payment terms of 14 or 30 days and follow up politely the day after the due date.
- For retainers, invoice at the start of each month.
FAQ
Should I charge per word or per project?
Per word is common in publishing; per project is more common for copywriting and makes pricing predictable for clients. Both work on the same invoice template.
What is a kill fee?
A kill fee is a partial payment (often 25–50%) when a client cancels commissioned work. Agree it in advance and invoice it as its own line.
Do I need to mention usage rights on my invoice?
It isn't required, but stating the rights granted avoids disputes, especially when you only license first publication.
Related: Freelancer invoice template · Payment terms · Invoice number format