Once the contract has been signed, it’s easy to feel a sense of relief that the negotiations and courtship with a new client are over. However, the work is just beginning. Contracts are only the beginning of a project, and it’s important to remember that the fine print of that contract is what will guide your work over the coming weeks and months.

As a professional, I’ve seen contracts for all kinds of projects, from quick blog posts to long-term content development strategies. Regardless of the size of the project, there are a few things that all contracts should include to ensure a smooth working relationship.

First, make sure that your deadlines and payment terms are clearly spelled out in the contract. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings down the road. If there are any late fees or penalties for missed deadlines, make sure that those are also clearly outlined in the contract. This will give both you and your client a clear understanding of what’s expected and help you avoid any surprises or disagreements.

Second, be sure to include a clause about revisions. Even the best writers and editors occasionally miss the mark, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of how many rounds of revisions are included in the contract. Make sure that you and your client are on the same page about what constitutes a revision – is it a complete rewrite, or just minor tweaks to the wording?

Third, be sure to include a confidentiality clause if necessary. If you’re working on a sensitive topic or with proprietary information, it’s important that both you and your client understand the boundaries of what can and cannot be shared. This will help protect your client’s intellectual property and maintain trust in your working relationship.

Finally, be sure that your contract includes a termination clause. This may seem like a negative thing to include, but it’s important to have an agreed-upon process in case things don’t work out. Make sure that both you and your client understand what will happen if the project is terminated early, and what fees or penalties may be involved.

In conclusion, while signing a contract may feel like the end of a project’s beginning, it’s important to remember that the contract is what will guide your work over the coming weeks and months. By including clear deadlines, payment terms, revision policies, confidentiality clauses, and termination clauses, you’ll be better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise during the course of the project.