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Content Writing Invoice Template: Per-Word and Project Billing

September 20, 2026

A content writing invoice should connect each charge to a deliverable your client recognises. Article titles, project references and the agreed billing method are more useful than a broad description such as “content work”. Clear detail also makes it easier for an agency to allocate your fee to the correct client project.

The three common approaches are per-word billing, fixed project fees and hourly billing. Choose the method in your agreement before writing starts, then use that same method on the invoice. These examples use fictional amounts to demonstrate the calculation.

Choose the right billing structure

MethodInvoice descriptionWhat to confirm
Per wordArticle A: 1,200 approved billable words × $0.12Which version and types of words count
Fixed feeWebsite copy package: five agreed pagesPage scope, deliverables and included revisions
HourlyContent editing: 4 approved hours × $40Time records and any spending limit

Do not multiply a fixed-fee project by its word count unless that is how the contract prices it. A 1,000-word target may describe the scope without determining the fee. For general setup, read the freelancer invoicing guide.

A worked content writing invoice

A writer completes two articles priced by approved word count and one separately agreed research interview. No tax is included in this illustration.

DeliverableCalculationAmount
Article A — beginner’s buying guide1,200 words × $0.12$144
Article B — product comparison1,500 words × $0.12$180
Approved research interview and summaryFixed fee$60
Total$384

The client can reproduce the total: $144 + $180 + $60 = $384. Add your invoice number, issue date, due date, currency and payment instructions. If the client supplies a purchase order, show its reference next to the project name.

Agree how word counts and revisions work

A per-word arrangement needs a shared definition of billable words. For example, agree whether headings, captions and metadata are included, and whether the submitted or accepted version sets the count. Avoid billing a longer draft simply because it contains more words than the agreed scope.

For revisions, identify what the package includes. “One consolidated revision round within the agreed brief” is more specific than “unlimited changes”. If a client changes the audience or adds new sections, confirm the extra scope and price before doing the work. Reference that approval on the additional invoice line.

Sample invoice note for a fixed-fee project

“Website copy package for Project Cedar: Home, About, Services, FAQ and Contact pages, including one agreed revision round. Fee: $650. Additional landing-page copy is excluded and will be quoted separately if requested.”

This wording is useful because it identifies both the deliverables and the pricing basis. It should reflect the agreement you already have, not introduce restrictions after delivery. A larger content project may also benefit from milestone invoices tied to outline approval and final delivery.

Send supporting detail without overwhelming the invoice

Keep the invoice concise and attach a delivery list if you have many articles. Use the same titles or project IDs in both places. A link to the final delivery folder can be useful, but avoid exposing confidential client materials through a public link. Record which version the client approved.

Use a clear invoice email with the amount due and due date. If the billing contact is different from your editor, copy the appropriate person only as agreed with the client.

Frequently asked questions

Can I invoice for SEO titles and meta descriptions?

Yes, if those deliverables are included in the agreed scope or separately approved. Describe them explicitly rather than adding an unexplained SEO surcharge.

Should I charge for rejected drafts?

Follow the agreed scope, approval and cancellation terms. Resolve any disagreement before presenting an unsupported extra charge.

What if the client asks for a different word count?

Confirm the revised scope and price in writing before proceeding, especially when the change affects a fixed-fee package.

Use the invoice generator to turn your approved delivery list into a readable PDF.

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