Free Freelance Copywriter Contract Template for Canada

A freelance copywriter contract establishes the essential terms for written content engagements in Canada. Copywriting projects — from website copy and email campaigns to product descriptions and brand messaging — involve creative output where clarity about deliverables, revision processes, and content ownership is critical. This free copywriter contract template addresses the specific challenges of freelance writing engagements: defining word counts and content specifications, managing revision expectations, handling byline attribution, and ensuring proper content licensing. Whether you're writing blog posts, sales pages, or an entire content strategy, this template gives both copywriters and clients a clear framework for a productive working relationship.

Copywriting engagements are uniquely vulnerable to scope creep because written content is easy to revise — and clients often assume revisions are unlimited. Without a contract, a "quick blog post" can turn into weeks of back-and-forth revisions, and a "small website copy project" can expand to include social media content, email sequences, and brand guidelines without additional compensation. A written contract protects copywriters by defining the exact content deliverables, word count ranges, revision limits, and what happens when clients request work beyond the original scope. For clients, a contract ensures they receive content that meets agreed-upon quality standards, is original and plagiarism-free, and includes the usage rights they need. In Canada's freelance market, where copywriters often work across provinces and with U.S. clients, a contract also clarifies jurisdiction, currency, and tax obligations.

Copywriting contracts require several content-specific clauses beyond standard freelance agreements. Define content specifications for each deliverable: word count range, tone of voice, target audience, SEO requirements (keywords, meta descriptions), and reference materials to be provided by the client. Include a research clause specifying whether the copywriter conducts independent research or works exclusively from client-provided materials. Add an originality guarantee — the copywriter warrants that all content is original and does not infringe on third-party copyrights or trademarks. Define the revision process: number of included rounds, turnaround time for revisions, and what constitutes a revision vs. a rewrite. Address byline and attribution — whether the content will be published under the client's name, the copywriter's name, or as ghostwritten content. Include a content approval process with specific deadlines for client feedback.

The scope of work for copywriting must be granular to prevent misunderstandings. For each content piece, specify: the content type (blog post, landing page, email sequence, etc.), target word count range, primary and secondary keywords for SEO content, tone and style guidelines, target audience or buyer persona, and the purpose of the content (awareness, conversion, retention). Define the content creation workflow: brief review, outline or content plan, first draft, client feedback, revisions, and final delivery. Specify the format for delivery — Google Docs, Word, or CMS-ready — and whether the copywriter handles formatting, image sourcing, or CMS upload. For ongoing content partnerships, define the monthly volume (e.g., "4 blog posts of 1,500-2,000 words each") and the editorial calendar process.

Copywriting payment structures vary by project type. For project-based work, 50% upfront and 50% on final delivery is standard. For ongoing content retainers, monthly invoicing at the beginning or end of each month works well. Per-word pricing (common in content writing) should specify whether the rate is per word of the final draft or per word written including revisions. Define payment for additional deliverables: kill fees for cancelled content, fees for additional revisions beyond included rounds, and rush delivery premiums (25-50% extra for turnarounds under 48 hours). Include clear invoicing terms — net-15 or net-30 is standard — with 1.5-2% monthly interest on overdue payments. Specify whether the quoted rate includes or excludes GST/HST.

Content ownership is a central issue in copywriting contracts. Most clients expect full copyright transfer for commissioned content — after all, they're paying someone to write as their brand voice. The contract should specify: full copyright transfer upon payment for ghostwritten content, whether the copywriter retains the right to include the work in their portfolio (without attribution as their own writing), and handling of any pre-existing content frameworks or templates the copywriter uses. For bylined content (where the copywriter is credited as the author), the arrangement is often a license rather than full transfer — the client has exclusive publication rights, but the copywriter retains copyright. Address whether the client can repurpose content across channels beyond the original scope.

Copywriting contracts should address partial content delivery upon termination. If the client terminates, they pay for all completed content and any content in progress (pro-rated by completion stage: outline = 25%, first draft = 60%, revised draft = 85%). Kill fees for assigned but not-yet-started pieces are typically 25% of the piece rate. If the copywriter terminates, they deliver all completed content and provide 14 days notice to allow the client to find a replacement. For retainer arrangements, either party should be able to cancel with 30 days notice, with the copywriter completing all content assigned before the notice date. Address what happens to unpublished content — the client typically retains rights to all paid-for content regardless of whether they publish it.

Copywriters frequently receive access to sensitive business information during the briefing process. The confidentiality clause should cover: marketing strategies and campaign plans, product launches and pricing before public announcement, customer research and buyer persona data, competitive analysis and market positioning, and internal brand messaging documents. For ghostwritten content, the confidentiality obligation often includes the ghostwriting arrangement itself — the copywriter agrees not to disclose that they wrote the content. Specify that the copywriter will not repurpose or recycle client-specific content for other clients, though general topic knowledge gained during research is not considered confidential.

Canadian copywriters should consider several legal nuances. Content must comply with the Competition Act's truth-in-advertising provisions — misleading marketing claims can expose both the client and the copywriter to liability. If writing for regulated industries (financial services, healthcare, cannabis, alcohol), ensure copy complies with sector-specific advertising regulations. For email marketing content, comply with CASL (Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation) requirements for opt-in consent and unsubscribe mechanisms. If working in Quebec or writing for Quebec audiences, consider the Charter of the French Language requirements. GST/HST applies to copywriting services; register once you exceed the $30,000 threshold. For cross-border engagements with U.S. clients, address currency, withholding tax obligations, and whether Canadian or U.S. advertising standards apply.