When you want Unique Web Copy to write for you, you’re signing a contract.

That’s all there is to it.

If you don’t want to sign a contract, we’re not the copywriting firm for you.

Why Unique Web Copy Won’t Work Without a Contract

Here’s the deal. A contract protects both parties – your company and mine. It shows you that my writers and I will complete the work you’ve requested of us, and that we’ll get it done by a specified date.

It also prevents us from pouring hours of work into your project and not getting paid for it.

I am completely unapologetic about this, and that’s okay. You sign contracts with your cellphone company, your cable company and your water delivery service. You’ll sign one when you want the best website copy, too, or you’ll risk working with an unprofessional (and possibly untalented) copywriter.

Be Ready to Pay a Deposit, Too

There are very few people who don’t have to pay deposits when they work with Unique Web Copy, and each of them is a long-term client who’s established a great working relationship with us.

Everyone else is required to pay a deposit that serves as a down payment and as a “kill fee” should you decide to cancel your project.

My contract looks like this:

AUTHOR AGREEMENT

This Author Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of ________ __, 2xxx, by and between XXXX, and Angela M. Johnston, an individual (“Contractor”).

In consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereby agree as follows:

  1. Services. Contractor agrees to write original articles (each, an “Article”), Web page content, a press release, business pamphlet, flier, e-mail copy, text-only newsletter, newsletter with photos, professional biography, tri-fold sales brochure, for publication and/or distribution by Publisher, and to provide the services, if any, set forth below. Such services are hereinafter referred to as “Services.” Other Services will include: up to two (2) re-writes.
  2. Payment for Services.
  3. Charges. As full compensation for the Services to be provided by Contractor, Publisher agrees to pay Contractor the sum of xxx, accepted by Publisher. If photographs are required but are not provided by Publisher, an additional photography fee will be negotiated.
  4. Payment Schedule. Publisher will furnish half the total estimated fees as down payment at onset of the project, which will serve as a non-refundable “Kill Fee” for portions of the work completed by Contractor but not accepted by Publisher. Upon receipt of completed Services, Publisher will furnish remainder of payment to Contractor.
  5. Independent Contractor. Contractor will perform the Services as an independent contractor. Contractor will not be deemed to be an employee of Publisher. Contractor will not be entitled to any employee benefits, and Publisher will make no deductions from any of the payments due to Contractor hereunder for state or federal tax purposes. Contractor will be personally responsible for any and all taxes and other payments due on payments received hereunder.
  6. Original Development. Contractor warrants that all Articles, Web page content, a press release, business pamphlet, flier, e-mail copy, text-only newsletter, newsletter with photos, professional biography, tri-fold sales brochure and other Services will be original works of authorship of Contractor and will not infringe upon or violate any intellectual property right of any third party.
  7. Confidentiality. This Agreement creates a confidential relationship between Publisher and Contractor. Information concerning Publisher’s and/or Contractor’s business affairs, vendors, finances, properties, methods of operation, computer programs, employees, documentation, and other such information whether written, oral, or otherwise, is confidential in nature.  Publisher and Contractor, and employees of both will adhere fully to this confidentiality agreement.
  8. Rights to Articles. The above fee licenses World Wide Web rights only. All other rights are reserved by the contractor and must be negotiated separately.
  9. Other Agreements. Contractor may work on similar projects (including articles on the same topics as Articles submitted to Publisher) for other parties, provided that Contractor will not reprint, republish, or permit any third party to reprint or republish any Article submitted to Publisher without the prior written approval of Publisher.
  10. Termination. This Agreement will continue until terminated by either party by written notice or until completion of Services, whichever occurs first.
  11. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This contract will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia without regard to any principles of choice or conflicts of law.
  12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the complete and exclusive statement of the agreement between the parties with regard to the matters set forth herein, and it supersedes all other agreements, proposals, and representations, oral or written, express or implied, with regard thereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year set forth above.

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

 

Publisher                                                        Contractor

BY:                                                                 BY:

 

 

 

                                                                                                                       

(Signature)                                                      (Signature)

 

 

 

                                                                                                                       

(Print Name)                                                   (Print Name)

 

 

Date:                                                               Date:______________

 

It’s that simple. It’s effective and requires the simple swish of a pen.

If you don’t like it, here you go.