Free Freelance Writer Invoice Template
An invoice layout for writing work: articles, web copy, newsletters, and editing. Per-piece and hourly line items you can copy, then fill out free.
Example freelance writer invoice
A filled-out example with realistic line items and rates for writers. Swap in your own details and you're done.
INV-042
Issued Mar 1, 2026
From
Your Name
Your business name
you@example.com
Bill to
Acme Co.
Accounts Payable
billing@acmeco.com
Issue date
Mar 1, 2026
Due date
Mar 31, 2026
| Description | Hours | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blog post: "10 SEO Tips for SaaS" (1,500 words) | 1 | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Website copy, homepage + about page | 1 | $650.00 | $650.00 |
| Email newsletter (4 editions, March) | 4 | $150.00 | $600.00 |
| Editing & proofreading (case study drafts) | 2 | $65.00 | $130.00 |
| Content strategy call | 1 | $90.00 | $90.00 |
Notes
Payment due within 30 days. Thank you for your business!
Invoicing tips for writers
Bill per piece, not per word, on the invoice
Even if you quote per word, invoice a flat price per article with the word count in the description. One clean number per line is easier to approve than rate math.
Charge for extra revision rounds
Include one or two revision rounds in your price and say so in the line description. Round three onward gets its own line. This single habit ends most scope creep.
Invoice on submission, not publication
Your work is done when you deliver the draft, not when the client's editorial calendar clears. Invoice on submission and set Net 15 terms so publication delays don't become payment delays.
Frequently asked questions
List each piece as its own line (title, word count, and flat price), plus any hourly editing or strategy work. Add invoice number, dates, payment terms, and payment instructions. Invoice when you submit the work, not when it's published.
Quote however you like, but invoice a flat amount per deliverable with the word count in the description. It reads cleaner and anchors the conversation on the deliverable's value rather than the per-word rate.
If a client cancels a commissioned piece, invoice the agreed kill fee (commonly 25–50% of the full price) as its own clearly labeled line item, referencing the assignment. This only works if the kill fee was in your agreement, so put it there.
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