Writing Contracts, Setting Expectations & Managing Clients in Copywriting

Part of 💰 SECTION 5: Pricing, Systems & Scaling in AI Copywriting Business Crash Course (25-Part Series)

Because winging it might work for karaoke — but not for business.

Okay, real talk.

You know what no one warned me about when I started freelance copywriting?

It wasn’t the writer’s block. Or the awkward revision requests. Or even the nightmare-inducing Google Docs with 73 comments.

It was the clients.

And not because clients are evil (they’re usually not). But because I didn’t know how to manage them. I didn’t set expectations. I didn’t have a contract. I once literally said, “Sure, just pay me whenever.”

Spoiler: They didn’t.

So today, we’re gonna talk about how to protect your energy, time, and bank account — while still being a decent, likable human. You in? Cool.

Let’s dig in.

✍️ First Thing’s First: Do You Need a Contract?

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: Oh god, yes. Please. Always. Even if it’s just your friend’s dog-walking cousin who needs email copy for her handmade macrame business.

Look, having a contract doesn’t mean you don’t trust the client. It just means you’re not trying to relive the Wild West of internet freelancing. You wouldn’t start building a house without blueprints, right? (Or… I hope not?)

A contract is your blueprint. It keeps things clear. Clean. Semi-sane.

🧾 What Goes in a Copywriting Contract (That You Can Actually Understand)

Don’t worry — you don’t need a lawyer-level doc filled with “heretofores” and “whereinunders.”

Here’s what you do need (and yes, you can write this in plain English):

1. Scope of Work (aka What You’re Actually Doing)

Are you writing three emails? A blog series? Website copy?
Spell. It. Out.

Hot tip: Be specific. “Write one 1,000-word blog post, SEO optimized, with two rounds of edits.”

If they ask for “just a quick revision” later that turns into a rewrite? You’ll be glad this is in writing.

2. Timeline

Start and end dates. Turnaround times. Deadlines.
I know we freelancers live in a fluid, coffee-fueled time zone, but clients love knowing when to expect things.

“First draft delivered within 5 business days after receiving the brief.”

See? Clear. Reasonable. Adulting.

3. Payment Terms

• How much you’re charging
• When you expect to be paid
• Late fees (yes, add one. You’re not a charity.)

Example:

“50% deposit to begin work. Remaining 50% due within 7 days of final delivery. Late payments subject to a 10% fee after 14 days.”

It sounds scary the first time you write it. Then you get stiffed once, and suddenly you’re like “Should I add compound interest and a blood oath?”

4. Revision Policy

How many rounds are included? What counts as a “revision” vs. a full rewrite?

Keep it simple:

“Two rounds of edits included. Additional revisions billed at $XX/hour.”

That way, you’re not stuck rewriting an entire homepage because someone’s cousin didn’t like the word “delightful.”

5. Kill Fee (For When Things Go South)

Sometimes projects fall apart halfway through — and you should still get paid for the time and brain space you’ve used.

“If the project is canceled after work begins, a 50% kill fee applies.”

Sounds brutal. It’s not. It’s fair.

6. Ownership & Credit

• Does the client fully own the work?
• Can you showcase it in your portfolio?

I usually say something like:

“Client receives full rights upon final payment. I reserve the right to display the work in my portfolio unless otherwise agreed.”

Bam. Done.

7. Communication Preferences

Wanna avoid “Hey can we hop on a quick Zoom in 5?”
Then set boundaries.

“Available via email Mon–Thurs, 9AM–4PM EST. Response time within 24 hours.”

You’re not on-call. You’re a copywriter. And possibly an introvert in sweatpants.

💬 But Wait — What If They Say “No Contract Necessary”?

Oof. 🚩 Red flag, my friend.

You can be chill and still protect yourself. Just say:

“I totally get wanting to keep things simple — I do too! I use a quick agreement just to keep us both clear and aligned. Nothing fancy.”

99% of people will respect that. The 1% who don’t? Probably weren’t going to pay you on time anyway.

👯‍♀️ Setting Client Expectations (So Nobody Cries Later)

Now, let’s talk about vibes. Because the contract is one thing — but how you manage expectations? That’s what keeps your sanity intact.

Here’s where things get fun (and a little therapist-y).

👀 Expectation #1: “You’ll Read My Mind, Right?”

No. Nope. Not unless I’m billing you for telepathy.

That’s why you need a kickoff questionnaire or onboarding call.

Ask stuff like:

• “What does success look like for this project?”
• “Who’s your target reader?”
• “What tone are you going for? Snarky? Sincere? British grandma?”

Make it fun, but make it clear: You need details.

🖋️ Expectation #2: “You’ll Write It Perfectly the First Time”

Wouldn’t that be cute?

But no — good writing is a process. So I like to say:

“I treat the first draft as a strong starting point — then we refine based on your feedback.”

That way, they’re not panicking when the first draft isn’t Pulitzer-ready.

💸 Expectation #3: “We Can Just Pay You Later, Right?”

😬 Nope. You’re running a business, not a lemonade stand.

I like to keep it light but firm:

“To kick things off, I require a 50% deposit. This secures your spot in my calendar and lets me jump right in.”

If you’re nervous about asking? That’s normal. Do it anyway.

😬 What About Difficult Clients?

Ohhh yes. Let’s go there.

Look — most clients aren’t out to be difficult. They’re stressed, busy, or confused about what they actually need.

Your job isn’t to be a pushover.
Your job is to lead the project with kindness and clarity.

🎯 Examples of “Leading”:

• Saying “Here’s what I recommend based on your goals.”
• Offering structured choices (“We can do A or B — here’s the impact of each.”)
• Being honest when something isn’t in scope or aligned

And yes — sometimes, the best move is to walk away.
You’re not obligated to keep a client who’s draining your soul. I once fired a client (nicely!) who wanted 8+ rounds of edits for a $200 project.

Boundaries = peace.

📱 Real Talk: Managing Clients in 2025 (And Beyond)

We’re in a weird time right now, right?
People want things fast. AI is everywhere. Attention spans are shorter than ever. But people still want connection.

So be the copywriter who:

• Overcommunicates (in a good way)
• Delivers on time (or early when you can)
• Brings ideas, not just deliverables
• Uses AI smartly — and explains it clearly

“Hey! I used AI to build a few variations of the hook — wanted to give you options so we can land the right one faster.”

That kind of transparency? It builds trust. Fast.

💬 Some Final Words From the Heart

Look, I know this stuff isn’t sexy. Contracts? Scope creep? Revision clauses?

Yawn.

But trust me — nothing kills your creative energy faster than working with no guardrails.

When you set expectations early, clearly, and with empathy, you stop over-apologizing and start owning your role.

Because you’re not “just a copywriter.”
You’re a strategist. A translator. A guide. A word witch. A bridge between chaos and clarity.

Act like it. Structure like it. Price like it.

You got this.

🎒Your Homework (Yes, There’s Homework)

1. Write a 1-page copywriting agreement (use Google Docs — keep it simple).
2. Draft your “expectations” email template for new clients.
3. Make a “Client Welcome Kit” — even if it’s just a PDF with your process, policies, and contact hours.
4. Bonus: Role-play with a friend and practice saying “I require a 50% deposit up front.”

You’ll feel like a boss. Because you are one.

Need contract templates? Client emails? Scripts for tough conversations?
Let me know — I can bundle that up for the course as swipe files.

Now go protect your peace — and your PayPal.

You earned it. 💼✨