But even in that method, clients usually want an anticipated parameter so they can work within a budget. The other way to charge clients for your services is by “time and materials” or “hourly” which leaves room to charge for every hour you spend working. Example: “Rate is $50/hour, not to exceed 20 hours.” or “Project is estimated to fall between $1500-$2000, but not over.” This can provide a sense of relief to the client, but sometimes a fixed price can cause you to lose money should the project require more hours than you’ve estimated. The first way to bill clients is known as “fixed price”-where you simply set a project fee, based on whatever variables work for your service (number of pages x a per page rate number of photographs provided in x time a specific product for a set dollar amount) which is essentially an estimate of hours you think a project will take. The short answer: you need to decide for yourself, based on your own unique needs as a freelancer. There are two main ways to charge clients, and there will always be endless debate about which one is best for your business. Many clients will also request a nondisclosure agreement to protect client interests so that you won’t disclose any of their sensitive or confidential information. This is another reason why you should be very clear and upfront with your clients in the contract terms, so you agree on performing only the activities you want to complete (for the agreed upon price). Rather than burn that client relationship, I did further editing, took a loss, and learned my lesson.

This addendum to my original contract came about the hard way-after a client insisted, after completion of services, that they had wanted a copy-edit, despite the fact that we had not agreed to that service. For example, when I write a contract for freelance developmental editing, a structural edit that addresses content, not copy, I make clear that this agreement does not constitute a copy-edit, and therefore I can’t be held responsible for copy-edit errors.

Just as important as the service you’ll provide, it’s crucial to define elements of service you will not provide, especially if there’s room for gray area. Here are 8 ways to write an unbeatable freelance contract that avoids surprises and keeps you flexible. Beware if you decide to work with any client that’s hesitant to sign a contract with you, this behavior is typically indicative of a hidden agenda. They reduce the room for interpretation between potential client and freelancer, and put clients at ease. Contracts protect freelancers and freelance work and also provide flexibility for the unforeseen.

Illustrator client contract template