KitebillFreelance writer invoice template (word count, revisions, kill fee)
Editors pay faster when the invoice matches the assignment brief: piece title, word count, rate, revision status and any kill fee. Here is a clean freelance writer invoice template.
What writers should list
- Article or project title exactly as commissioned.
- Word count or deliverable ("1,800-word feature" / "10 product descriptions").
- Rate basis: per word, per piece, per hour, or flat project fee.
- Revision status: "Includes one editorial revision" or "Final accepted draft 12 Sep 2026".
- Rights if relevant: first publication, web-only, work-for-hire — one short Note is enough; the contract holds the detail.
- Kill fee if the piece was cancelled after submission.
Sample lines
| Job type | Line item |
|---|---|
| Per-word feature | "How local-first apps store data" — 2,000 words × US$0.35 |
| Flat blog package | October content pack — 4× SEO posts (brief + draft + 1 revision) |
| Ghostwriting | LinkedIn ghostwriting retainer — September (12 posts) |
| Cancelled assignment | Kill fee — 50% of US$400 assignment "Q4 fintech explainer" |
Getting paid across borders
Many writers invoice US or EU publications from South Asia or the Gulf. Put the publication's preferred currency on the invoice, list Wise/Payoneer/PayPal clearly, and record fees when money arrives so your yearly total is real. Kitebill does not collect card payments — you send the PDF and they pay you directly.
Bilingual labels
If a local client wants Urdu or Arabic headings alongside English, switch language in the generator or app Settings. Labels are free on both plans.
Agencies vs publications
Agencies often want a monthly roll-up invoice. Publications usually want one invoice per assignment with the editor's name and the issue date. When in doubt, ask AP once and put their requirements in the invoice Notes each time (duplicating the last invoice in the Kitebill app carries the Notes over).
Late payment without burning the relationship
Send a short reminder that quotes the invoice number and due date. In the app, a sent invoice past its due date is flagged Overdue automatically, so your dashboard shows who still owes you. Escalate only after the reminder window in your contract — and keep the tone factual.
Create yours
- Open /generate — no signup.
- Add the piece title, rate and notes.
- Save PDF, or keep the editor as a client in the full app.
Free: 3 clients, 10 invoices. Pro: US$29 one-time.
Questions
Per word or flat fee on the invoice?
Match the brief. If you agreed per word, show words × rate. If flat, show the piece title and total.
What is a kill fee?
A partial payment when an assignment is cancelled after you delivered work. Only invoice it if your contract or email agreement includes one.
Can I invoice multiple articles at once?
Yes — one line per piece, or a package line with titles listed in Notes. Separate invoices per publication often clear AP faster.