Freelance Copywriter Contract Template (UK 2025)
Last updated: February 2025
When You Need This Contract
Freelance copywriter contracts must address content ownership, brand voice compliance, SEO requirements, and the specific deliverable expectations for written content. The contract should specify word counts, tone of voice guidelines, SEO keyword requirements, and the number of drafts included. Importantly, it must address copyright assignment since under UK law the writer owns copyright in their work unless assigned, and whether the content can be attributed to the client's brand rather than the writer.
Key Clauses
- Copyright assignment for all written content and drafts
- Brand voice and tone of voice guidelines compliance
- SEO requirements including keyword density and meta descriptions
- Draft rounds included and revision process
- Ghostwriting provisions and attribution rights
What to Watch Out For
- Not assigning copyright, leaving the writer with ownership rights to use or resell the content
- Failing to provide adequate brand guidelines and tone of voice documentation, resulting in off-brand content that requires extensive revisions
Sample Clauses
- Sample copyright clause: 'All copyright in the Content, including all drafts and preparatory materials, shall vest in the Client upon creation. The Writer assigns all present and future copyright in the Content to the Client and waives any moral rights.'
- Sample SEO clause: 'Each piece of content shall be optimised for the agreed target keywords, include a meta description of 150-160 characters, use appropriate header tags (H1, H2, H3), and achieve a readability score suitable for the target audience as measured by [tool].'
FAQ
Who owns content written by a freelance copywriter?
The copywriter owns copyright unless the contract assigns it to the client. This is one of the most important clauses in a copywriter contract. Include an explicit assignment of copyright covering all drafts, final content, and associated materials. Without this, the writer could republish, resell, or withdraw permission for the content at any time.
Should a copywriter contract address ghostwriting?
If the content will be published under the client's name or brand rather than the writer's, include an explicit ghostwriting clause. The writer agrees the content will be published without attribution to them, waives their moral right to be identified as the author, and acknowledges they will not claim authorship publicly. This is standard for corporate blog posts, thought leadership, and branded content.
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Get Started FreeThis is guidance for UK businesses, not legal advice. Templates are illustrative. Consult a solicitor for complex matters.
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