Technical writing contract

About this document

This document is suitable for a writer working alone or with others direct for client with no company intermediary.

Although drawn for scientific and technical writers, the form can be easily adapted for a host of other technical professions. This document has been drawn specifically for technical work and as such, includes more extensive provisions to deal with intellectual property, thereby protecting your interests.

The boundary between employment and self employment has always been blurred. This contract provides the glue for a contract for work.

Because the law requires nothing in a contract of this nature, every item is for negotiation. This document as drawn to safeguard the interests of both parties.

In considering what to add or delete, we suggest you look carefully at:

• How an assignment will be defined. What information will go into the “brief”?
• The extent of the writer's liability. Who is taking the risk and is that reasonable?

Application and features

• Suitable for single or multiple assignments;
• Very flexible to suit the requirements of the parties;
• Protects both sides, (but client protection may be deleted or reduced).

Contents

• Explanation of assignment;
• Payment arrangements;
• Who owns the intellectual property created;
• Confidentiality;
• Limitation of liability;
• Other appropriate legal provisions.