Set up an agreement for editorial services: Editor Contract
What we’ll cover
What is an Editor Contract?
An Editor Contract is a document that outlines the terms of a working relationship between an editor and a client. Editor Contracts can be used to engage an editor to work on a client’s book, manuscript, essay, article, or other written document.
Also known as an Editing Contract, it aids in establishing the rights and responsibilities of both parties by laying out vital information about the editing services to be provided, including the scope of the editor’s work, the project timeline, compensation details, and more.
It’s easy to create a customized Editor Contract using our template. If you need additional support, you can connect with a Legal Pro or get quick answers or a fast document review from Rocket Copilot.
When to use an Editor Contract:
- You're an editor providing services for a client.
- You're hiring an editor for a book, manuscript, essay, magazine, or other project.
Sample Editor Contract
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Editor Contract
This Editor Contract (this "Contract") is made effective as of , by and between , of , , (the "Client"), and , of , , (the "Editor").
Editor desires to provide editing services to Client and Client desires to obtain such services from Editor.
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises set forth below, the parties agree as follows:
. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES. Beginning on , Editor will provide editing services (collectively, the "Services") to the work ("Manuscript") of the Client described here:
. SCOPE OF WORK.
a. The Editor shall do the following Editing of the Client's work: comprehensive conceptual edit, line edit, and copy edit of the full Manuscript; a written critique and analysis. Further, Client shall ask one round of follow-up questions about the Manuscript and critique. Follow up questions shall be limited to a half-hour or less of the Editor's time.
b. All editing will be done via handwritten notes and marks on a paper version of the Manuscript unless otherwise agreed in writing.
c. The Editor, shall use his/her background and experience in editing the Manuscript. The Editor's sole function is to aid and assist the Client in editing the Manuscript. In this light the Editor will make his best efforts to advise and suggest changes to improve the Manuscript. The decision to accept or reject the Editor's suggestions is solely the Client's. Strunk & White's "Elements of Style" will serve as the default style book unless the Client requests and supplies a different style book.
. DELIVERY OF MANUSCRIPT. The Manuscript shall be delivered to the Editor by the Client on or before in the following format: .
. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES. Client will pay compensation to Editor for the Services upon completion of the Services. no later than .
Further, the Client shall reimburse the Editor for any direct expenses incurred in fulfilling this Contract, including: photocopying, printouts, electronic data transfer, long-distance calls, parking, travel, couriers and postage.
. TERM/TERMINATION. This Contract
. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES. It is understood by the parties that Editor is an independent contractor with respect to Client, and not an employee of Client. Client will not provide fringe benefits, including health insurance benefits, paid vacation, or any other employee benefit, for the benefit of Editor.
. WORK PRODUCT OWNERSHIP. Any copyrightable works, ideas, or other information (collectively, the "Work Product") developed in whole or in part by Editor in connection with the Services shall be the exclusive property of Client. Upon request, Editor shall sign all documents necessary to confirm or perfect the exclusive ownership of Client to the Work Product.
. INDEMNIFICATION.
a. Editing is intrinsically a subjective process of offering advice and suggestions to the Client. In addition to offering such advice and suggestions, the Editors responsibility is limited to notifying the Client of any unresolved differences with the Client before the work proceeds to the next stage of production. While the Editor will make every effort to bring questionable material to the attention of the Client, the Client agrees to indemnify and save harmless the Editor from any and all claims or demands, including legal fees, arising out of any alleged libel or copyright infringement committed by the Client in creating the work.
b. The Editor, while working to aid the Client in preparing the best manuscript possible given the submitted material, has no way of judging the market or the whims and caprices of the publishing industry.
. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Contract contains the entire agreement of the parties, and there are no other promises or conditions in any other agreement whether oral or written.
. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Contract shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable. If a court finds that any provision of this Contract is invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting such provision it would become valid and enforceable, then such provision shall be deemed to be written, construed, and enforced as so limited.
. APPLICABLE LAW. This Contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of .
. SIGNATORIES. This Agreement shall be signed by on behalf of and by on behalf of . This Agreement is effective as of the date first above written.
CLIENT:
| By: | Date: |
EDITOR:
| By: | Date: |
Editor Contract FAQs
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Is it mandatory for me to make an Editor Contract?
Regardless of whether the engagement is short- or long-term, it is critical to capture the details of your agreements with those hiring you in writing. Making this document will likely be a smart move thanks to this list of benefits:
- The length of the engagement is established.
- Neither party is confused about the payment schedule.
- Roles and responsibilities are understood by all.
A few consequences of not having one might include unclear due dates, late payments, impractical expectations, and other concerns.
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What should my Editor Contract contain?
Specific details that you might want your contract to contain include:
- The name and address of your client.
- How much you will charge.
- Whether the project will be ongoing or if it will last for a set period of time.
- The specific tasks you will be doing once hired.
As you might expect from an agreement like this one, any Editor Contract made with Rocket Lawyer will also include the standard legal language regarding the independent work relationship between the parties, reimbursement for losses, the protection of confidential information, and the method(s) of dispute resolution. As you make your agreement, you'll also have the ability to determine which state's laws will govern it. With the document tool, you have the power to add more custom alterations, if necessary.
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What additional actions might I take after making an Editor Contract?
After drafting your Editor Contract, review it carefully. You may also want to review it with the other party to ensure all parties fully understand and agree to the terms of the agreement. Once all parties agree to the terms, the next step is to have all parties sign it, and each party should keep a copy for their records. It’s also a good idea to store it in a safe, accessible place in case you need to reference it later.
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How can I get my Editor Contract evaluated by an attorney?
It’s smart to have an important agreement reviewed before you sign, so you fully understand the terms and avoid potential risks.
While some attorneys may review documents they didn’t draft, others may decline or require a retainer, hourly billing, or a flat fee. This can make getting a legal document review of your Editor Contract less predictable and more time-consuming.
Rocket Lawyer makes the process simpler. With a Rocket Lawyer membership, you can request a review from a Legal Pro or ask questions about your Editor Contract. You can also use Rocket Copilot to quickly review your agreement, spot potentially risky terms, and make sure everything looks accurate before signing.
Once you’re ready, you can sign your document online with RocketSign—all in one place.
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