What should a good freelance contract include?

So you’ve landed a freelance project – or you’re about to pitch for one. Before you get started, it’s worth knowing how contracts work. The legal bits can feel confusing, but getting it right protects your time, your work and your income. Here, we’re breaking down what a fair contract looks like – and what to do if you’re not given one.

Why we need to talk about contracts

Freelancing is a huge part of creative work – but clear contracts often aren’t. Around 32% of people in creative roles are self-employed, yet many still work without written agreements. That’s a problem, because a good contract doesn’t just protect your client – it protects you too.

At the very least, a contract should lay out what you’re being asked to do, how long it will take and what you’ll be paid. A solid one goes further – covering things like intellectual property rights, revision limits, late payments and what happens if the project is cancelled.

So what does a fair contract actually look like? And what can you do when there isn’t one? We asked three experts – Matt Dowling (founder of Freelancer Club), Dominique Falcone (executive producer at Sugar Studios) and solicitor Qarrar Somji – to share their advice on what to include in a good freelance contract.

Please note: If any contract terminology is unfamiliar, jump to the end of this article for our glossary of contract terms.

The essential sections of a good contract

Having a contract in place is one of the most important things you can do as a freelancer. It gives you clarity and protection around what’s expected and what’s fair. Contracts are usually broken into sections called ‘clauses’ – these cover specific areas like payment, timelines and rights.

“We’d want to see terms that are realistic and respectful of the freelancer’s working conditions,” says Matt. Here’s what your contract should do:

1. Define the scope of work

First things first, check if you’re happy with the project scope (the full list of what you’re expected to do) outlined in the contract. Is it clear what you’re being asked to do – often referred to as your deliverables (the specific things you’ll hand over, like designs, copy or a finished product)? Is the timeline realistic? Is there a limit to what the client is asking of you?

“Scope creep is a real thing,” says Dominique. You’ve been asked to deliver one thing, then suddenly the client is stretching the deliverables further, with no extra compensation. “Protecting your time and your pay is really important,” she explains, so clearly lay out your deliverables in advance, including the number of rounds of revisions.

2. Agree your payment terms

A good contract should include fair pay and a clear payment schedule (how and when you’ll be paid) – ideally within 30 days. “You’re legally entitled to charge interest on late invoices,” says Matt, “so it’s worth including that as a clause.”

Example clause:

For longer projects, Dominique recommends breaking payments into instalments, so you’re not left waiting if the project is delayed or extended. She also suggests including a kill fee – an agreed payment that covers the time and effort you’ve already put in if the project is cancelled after you’ve started.

3. Clarify ownership and usage rights

In the UK, you automatically own the copyright to anything you create – from designs to words to visuals.“You don’t need to register your work to own it,” explains Qarrar. “But contracts can change that ownership.”

This is where intellectual property (IP) comes in. IP gives you the right to use, share, adapt and profit from your work – but a contract might ask you to hand those rights over. With some types of work, this is expected – for example, logos or brand identities are often fully handed over to clients. But for work with potential future value – illustrations, photography, copy, design – it might be better to license your work instead – meaning you still own it, but the client pays to use it.

“Sometimes I’m commissioned just for an album cover,” says Dominique. “But then it shows up on tickets, posters, merch – each of those uses has its own budget. You should be paid more if your work is being used more.”

If a contract includes wording that gives the client rights to all your work – not just what they’ve commissioned – that’s a red flag. Qarrar calls that a rights grab – and says it should be challenged immediately.

In short:

What if there’s no contract?

Unfortunately, a lot of creative work still goes ahead without written agreements – especially at entry level. And while that isn’t ideal, it doesn’t always mean you have to walk away.

If a contract isn’t offered, Dominique suggests using your judgement before taking further action:

If they check out, get everything in writing – even if it’s not a formal document. A detailed email or one-pager outlining scope, deliverables, timeline, budget and terms (including what happens if timelines change) can still serve as a written agreement. “I usually include an hourly fee for any overrun,” says Dominique. “It avoids problems later – and it shows the client you’re professional.”

Example email:

How to ask for a contract

If a contract isn’t automatically provided, you’re always within your rights to ask – or to offer your own. There are open-source templates available online (try Bonsai or Wise).

“Sometimes it can feel awkward,” says Dominique. “You don’t want to scare the client off. But if they’re the right person, they won’t be put off.”

Matt agrees: “It’s a great practice to ask for a contract – and honestly, if a client refuses to sign one, that’s a red flag.”

If something’s unclear, ask

Freelance contracts should be clear and fair for the type and amount of work involved. If a contract is vague, overly complex or full of complicated legal language, don’t be afraid to ask questions. “Never sign anything unless you fully understand what’s expected of you,” says Matt.

Ask the client directly, or reach out to a peer, mentor or freelance network. Organisations like Freelancer Club also offer contract resources and support. And remember – protecting your rights isn’t unprofessional. It’s responsible.

Key takeaways

Before starting any freelance project, make sure your rights, time and pay are protected. Here’s what to do:

Glossary of contract terms