Copywriter invoice template

How do copywriters usually invoice?

Copywriters quote fixed fees per project or per page rather than per word, take 50% on commissioning and invoice the balance on delivery of the final draft after the included revision rounds. Retainers for ongoing email and web content are invoiced monthly in advance. Day rates apply to workshops and agency work, where the agency's purchase order number is needed on the invoice.

Copywriters in this example give the customer 30 days to pay, after a 50% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £40 to £90. A full day is typically £250 to £500.

What should a copywriter put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, copywriters should:

• Describe the deliverables by page or asset and the revision rounds included.
• Take 50% up front on new clients and projects over about £800.
• Invoice retainers monthly in advance with the scope for that month listed.
• Charge extra revision rounds by the hour and show them separately.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do copywriters charge VAT?

You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%, including work for clients outside the UK in some cases, so check the place of supply rules for overseas clients.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for copywriters is usually “Advertising” at 11% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.