Should I charge per word or per project?

Both models work well depending on the project type. Per-word works well for blog posts, articles, and content with clear length requirements. Project-based pricing works better for landing pages, email sequences, and complex copy where strategy and research add significant value beyond word count.

How do I invoice for rush copywriting jobs?

Add a rush fee clearly on your invoice, typically 25-50% of the base rate for 24-48 hour turnarounds, and up to 100% for same-day delivery. Specify the normal and rush timeline so clients understand the premium they're paying for fast service.

What about revisions—should I charge separately?

Include 1-2 rounds of revisions in your base price and clearly state this on your invoice. Bill additional revisions at an hourly rate or per-revision fee. This protects you from endless revision cycles while giving clients reasonable flexibility.

How do I handle research-heavy copywriting projects?

For projects requiring significant research (technical topics, interviews, competitor analysis), either bill research time separately at your hourly rate or factor it into a higher project rate. Make research requirements and billing clear upfront.

Copywriter Invoice Template

Professional Copywriter Invoice Template

Bill your clients professionally for copywriting services with our comprehensive invoice template designed for writers.

Free to use

Professional design

Instant download

Everything You Need for Copywriter Invoicing

Our copywriter invoice template includes all the features you need to create professional invoices and get paid faster.

Per-Word Billing

Calculate and bill based on word count with customizable per-word rates.

Project-Based Invoicing

Bill for complete projects: landing pages, email sequences, blog posts.

Revision Tracking

Track included revisions and bill for additional rounds of changes.

Multiple Content Types

Invoice for various content: web copy, emails, ads, scripts, blog posts.

Rush Fee Support

Add rush delivery fees for tight-turnaround projects.

Retainer Management

Set up recurring invoices for ongoing copywriting retainers.

Complete Guide to Copywriter Invoicing

As a copywriter, your words drive sales, build brands, and connect businesses with their audiences. From website copy to email campaigns, your writing generates measurable results for clients. Professional invoicing ensures you're compensated fairly for your expertise, protects your work, and helps you run a sustainable writing business. This guide covers everything copywriters need to know about professional invoicing.

$0.15-$0.50/word

Average Copywriter Rate

50% deposit, Net 14 final

Standard Payment Terms

32%

Experience Late Payments

Essential Elements of a Copywriter Invoice

Business Information: Your name/business, address, phone, email, and website.
Client Details: Client company, billing contact, address, and project reference.
Invoice Details: Invoice number, date issued, and payment due date.
Project Description: Clear description of the copywriting project completed.
Deliverables List: Each piece of copy: landing pages, emails, blog posts, ad copy.
Word Count (if applicable): For per-word billing, show word counts and rates.
Revisions Included: Note how many revision rounds were included in the price.
Research Time: If billed separately, show research hours and rate.
Rush Fees: Any premium charged for expedited delivery.
Subtotal, Taxes, Total: Clear breakdown of all services and final amount.
Payment Terms: Due date, accepted payment methods, and late fee policy.
Usage Rights: Clarify that rights transfer upon payment (if applicable).

Copywriting Invoicing Best Practices

Get Deposit on Large Projects: For projects over $1,000, require 50% upfront before starting work.
Define Revision Limits: Specify 1-2 revision rounds included. Additional revisions billed hourly.
Document Scope Clearly: List exactly what's included: pages, word counts, deliverables.
Bill Research Separately: For technical or research-heavy projects, itemize research time.
Invoice Upon Delivery: Send invoice when you deliver final copy, with payment due promptly.
Include Rush Fees Upfront: Quote rush fees before starting. Don't surprise clients after the fact.
Track Time for Hourly Work: Use time tracking for hourly projects. Provide time reports with invoices.
Reference the Brief: Note the project brief or scope document on your invoice.
Specify Rights Transfer: State that full rights transfer upon final payment.
Follow Up on Late Payments: Send reminders at 7, 14, and 30 days past due. Be professional but persistent.

Copywriting Pricing Guide

Copywriting rates vary by content type, complexity, and experience:

Per-Word Rates:

Entry-level writer: $0.05-$0.15/word
Experienced copywriter: $0.15-$0.50/word
Specialist/expert writer: $0.50-$2.00/word
Top-tier/celebrity copy: $2.00+/word

Project Rates:

Blog post (1,000 words): $150-$500
Website page: $250-$1,000
Landing page: $500-$3,000
Email (single): $100-$500
Email sequence (5 emails): $500-$2,500
Sales page (long-form): $1,500-$10,000
Product descriptions: $50-$200 each

Additional Services:

SEO optimization: +$50-$200 per piece
Keyword research: $100-$300
Competitor analysis: $200-$500
Rush delivery: +25-100%
Additional revisions: $50-$150 per round
Interviews/research: $75-$150/hour

Standard Payment Terms for Copywriters

Recommended payment structures for copywriting:

For Small Projects (<$500):

100% upfront, or
100% upon delivery, Net 7

For Medium Projects ($500-$2,000):

50% deposit, 50% on delivery
Net 14 on final payment

For Large Projects ($2,000+):

33% deposit
33% at first draft
34% on final delivery

For Retainers:

Invoice at start of each month
Payment due before month begins
Unused hours don't roll over (or do, per agreement)

Revision Policy:

1-2 rounds included in base price
Additional revisions: $75-$150/round or hourly
Major scope changes require new quote

Late Payment:

Grace period: 5-7 days
Late fee: 1.5% per month or $25 minimum
Work pauses at 30+ days overdue
Rights don't transfer until paid

Common Copywriting Invoicing Mistakes to Avoid

No Deposit on Large Projects: Always require deposit on projects over $1,000. Protects you from non-payment.
Unlimited Revisions: Define revision limits clearly. Endless revisions destroy profitability.
Vague Scope: Specify exactly what's included: word counts, pages, deliverables.
Underpricing Rush Work: Rush jobs disrupt your schedule. Charge appropriately—25-100% premium.
Not Billing Research: Technical topics require research. Bill it separately or factor into rates.
Weak Payment Terms: Net 30+ is too long for most freelancers. Use Net 7-14 for faster cash flow.
No Kill Fee: If clients cancel mid-project, you should be compensated for work done.
Missing Usage Terms: Specify that rights transfer upon payment. Protects your work.
Not Following Up: Late payments are common. Follow up promptly and professionally.
Over-Delivering Without Billing: Scope creep hurts. Bill for work beyond the original agreement.