You wrote the words. The brief was hit, the client approved the copy, and it's now live somewhere making them money. Getting paid for it should be the easy part — but unclear invoices, missing due dates, and vague descriptions of deliverables are why copywriters often wait longer than they should. Here's what a proper copywriting invoice looks like, and a free template you can use today.
What to Include on a Copywriting Invoice
1. Your business information
Your name or business name, address, email, and phone. If you're VAT registered, include your VAT number — required on any VAT invoice. Sole traders can invoice under their personal name with no issues.
2. Client information
Full name and address of whoever you're billing. For agency clients or larger brands, get the billing contact name and any purchase order or job reference number they use. Agencies in particular often require a PO number before they can process an invoice.
3. A unique invoice number
Sequential, one per invoice. When you're working across multiple clients and projects, this is what keeps your records straight and your chasing organised.
4. Invoice date and payment due date
Net 14 is standard for most copywriting work. Net 30 for agencies and larger corporate clients. Be explicit about the date — "due on receipt" is not a payment term, it's a suggestion.
5. Itemised breakdown of work
Copywriting projects vary widely. List each deliverable separately:
Website copy: Home, About, Services, Contact pages — 4 pages, ~250 words each (flat fee $1,200)
Email sequence: 5-email welcome sequence (flat fee $600)
Blog posts: 2 x 1,000-word SEO articles (2 @ $300 each)
Revisions: Additional revision round beyond agreed scope (2 hrs @ $80/hr)
Being specific protects you — it shows exactly what was delivered against what was agreed.
6. Usage and licensing (if applicable)
Most copywriting is a work-for-hire arrangement — the client owns the copy once paid. But if you're retaining any rights, or if the copy is being licensed for a specific use or territory, note it on the invoice. It creates a clear record and avoids disputes later.
7. Revision rounds included
If your quote included a set number of revision rounds and the client exceeded them, invoice the extras as a separate line item with a brief note. Example: "Additional revisions — 2 rounds beyond agreed 2 included in quote."
8. Subtotal, taxes, and total
Tax as a separate line. Deposit deducted if applicable. Total at the bottom, clear and final.
9. Payment terms and methods
Bank transfer details or a payment link. Keep it simple — the faster the client can act on the invoice, the sooner you get paid.
Free Copywriting Invoice Template
Copy and adapt for your next project:
[Your Name / Business Name]
[Address] | [Email] | [Phone] | [VAT Number if applicable]
Invoice #: INV-001 Date: [Date] Due Date: [Date + 14 days]
Bill To:
[Client Name]
[Client Address]
[Client Email] | PO #: [if applicable]
Description | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
[Deliverable – e.g. Website copy, X pages] | 1 | $[amount] | $[amount] |
[Deliverable – e.g. Blog posts] | [X] | $[amount each] | $[amount] |
Additional revisions – [X hrs] | [X hrs] | $[rate]/hr | $[amount] |
Less deposit paid | -$[amount] |
Subtotal: $[amount]
Tax ([X]%): $[amount]
Total Due: $[amount]
Payment methods: [Bank transfer / Card]
Bank details: [Account name, sort code, account number]
Late payments are subject to a [X]% monthly fee after [14] days.
Common Mistakes Copywriters Make on Invoices
Listing deliverables too vaguely. "Copywriting — $1,800" tells the client nothing. Name each deliverable, the word count or scope, and the price. It's harder to question and easier to approve.
Not charging for extra revisions. If the scope was 2 rounds and the client sent 5 sets of feedback, the extras are billable. Put them on the invoice — politely, with a brief note.
No due date. Without a specific date, clients pay when it's convenient for them. Set Net 14 or Net 30 and stick to it.
Invoicing too late. Send the invoice the moment you deliver the final files or approved copy. Waiting a week costs you a week of payment time.
The Faster Way to Invoice
When you're writing for multiple clients simultaneously, stopping to build invoices manually is a drag. Clervo lets you create and send a professional invoice in under a minute, track what's been paid across all your clients, and send automatic payment reminders. More time writing, less time chasing.
You wrote the words. A good invoice makes sure you're paid for them.