Help Me Fill in My Blanks

May 23, 2007 5:36 PM

Seeking Sample Freelance Contract Suitable for Filling-in-the-Blanking. A few weeks ago I posted this and got all kinds of good advice and cheerleading (thanks to all!). It worked- I had a great time chatting up Mr. Big and they agreed to pay me what I- with bated breath- asked for. Now I need to find a contract to make it legal and am hoping one of you has a sample or suggestions on where to find one.

I promise I searched AskMe and did a little Googling, but I'd much prefer your recommendations and possible freebies. Basically, I just need a standard sample contract for a freelance project that covers my ass, defines the terms of the agreement, the scope of the project, the conditions under which we will re-evaluate the compensation (like if they start needing more than I signed up for), and- finally- insures that I have the right piece of paper to wave in people's faces, if necessary.

For those just tuning in: I'm putting together a set of timelines for a book and will be working closely with the editor and designer to make it work.

So. Might any of you freelancers out there have a template I can work with? I know it will probably need a little tinkering, but I'm a freelance contract virgin and don't even know what this would or should look like.

posted by foxy_hedgehog to work & money (3 comments total)

Mr. Big has a lawyer draw up his agreements. You should get one too.
posted by infinitewindow at 5:43 PM on May 23, 2007

There's no such thing as a "standard" contract for freelancers, particularly when it comes to things such as "the scope of the project, the conditions under which we will re-evaluate the compensation (like if they start needing more than I signed up for), and- finally- insures that I have the right piece of paper to wave in people's faces"...

If this is the first time you are working with these people, it's really important to have an agreement that you can live with, and that you can die by, if it comes to re-negotiation or lawsuits. They'll pass any agreement you proffer by their own contracts people, but your ability to make an offer on your terms is vital, as an opening position. You may choose to compromise on terms you propose during a subsequent negotiation, but on the points you mentioned that I've quoted above, I doubt you'll want to compromise at all, from what a reasonable person (you) should initially propose.

Talk to an attorney.
posted by paulsc at 6:53 PM on May 23, 2007

Pick up a copy of Nolo's Consultant And Independent Contractor Agreements. It's a really handy reference, and you just go through their little wizard and it spits out a contract that meets your needs. I believe it covers things like liability, intellectual property, and all that good stuff. It's served me well for several gigs.
posted by AaRdVarK at 7:01 PM on May 23, 2007