Free Writer Invoice Template

For a freelance writer, a clear invoice reflects how you charge — per word, per piece, or by the hour — and what rights the client is buying. Whether you’re billing articles, blog posts, or a long-form project, itemizing your deliverables and revision terms keeps payment on track. Use this free writer invoice template to list your commissions and download a professional PDF — no signup required.

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What to include on a writer invoice

The project or publication name and a reference to the commission, brief, or agreed rate.
Itemized deliverables — articles, blog posts, whitepapers, or word count — with the rate basis (per word, per piece, or hourly).
The number of revision rounds included, so additional edits can be billed as extras.
Rights being granted — first rights, exclusive, or full copyright transfer — and any kill fee if the piece was commissioned but not run.
Your details, the client's, invoice number, issue and due dates, subtotal, tax, total, and payment methods.

Typical writer line items & rates

Per-word writing (e.g. “Feature article — 1,500 words @ $0.40/word”).
Per-project or flat fees for defined pieces (e.g. “Case study — $600”).
Hourly work for research-heavy or open-ended assignments.
Extra revision rounds, and a kill fee where a commissioned piece is spiked.

Payment terms tips for writers

Agree the rate basis — per word, per piece, or hourly — in writing before you start, and invoice on that basis.
Include the number of revisions in your fee and bill further rounds separately to avoid unpaid rewrites.
For long or ongoing work, bill a deposit or split the fee across drafts and delivery.
State the rights you’re granting; retaining reprint or portfolio rights can matter for your future income.

How to make a writer invoice

Add your details. Enter your business name and contact details, then add your client's billing information.
List your writer work. Itemize each service or deliverable with quantities, rates, and the agreed fee.
Set terms and tax. Add your payment terms, due date, any applicable tax, and your accepted payment methods.
Download the PDF. Review the live preview and download a professional invoice PDF — no signup needed.

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Writer invoice FAQs

How do freelance writers invoice clients?

List each piece as a line item with the rate basis — per word, per project, or hourly — plus the agreed number of revisions. Note the rights you are granting and any kill fee, then show the subtotal, tax, and total with your payment terms. Referencing the original commission or brief speeds approval.

Should I charge per word or per project?

Per-word rates suit defined pieces like articles where the length is known; flat per-project fees work well when scope is clear and reward you for efficiency; hourly billing fits research-heavy or open-ended work. Pick the basis that matches the job and state it on the invoice so there is no ambiguity.

What is a kill fee and should it be on my invoice?

A kill fee is a partial payment you receive when a client commissions a piece but decides not to publish it. If your agreement includes one, invoice it as a line item — often 25–50% of the full fee — when a commissioned piece is spiked, so your research and writing time is still compensated.

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