Journalist invoice template
Journalist invoice template is for freelance journalists and writers billing publications for articles, edits, or assignments. Rates are often per word ($0.03–$2+ depending on outlet and type) or per project. Invoices should list publication, piece title, word count or deliverable, rate, kill fee if applicable, and payment terms so editors and accounting can process payment quickly.

Journalist invoice template Sample
Journalist invoice template
123 Business Street, City, Country
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: contact@company.com
Journalist invoice template
Bill To:
Client Name
Client Address
Client City, Country
Phone: (987) 654-3210
Email: client@example.com
Invoice #: 12345
Date: 2024-10-10
Due Date: 2024-11-10
| Item | Description | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service A | Itemized service or product | 1 | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Service B | Additional line item | 2 | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| Subtotal | $200.00 | |||
| Tax (10%) | $20.00 | |||
| Total Due | $220.00 | |||
An invoice should include your business or name, the customer’s details, the date and invoice number, and a line-by-line breakdown of what was provided. Including payment terms—such as due on receipt, Net 15, or Net 30—helps you get paid on time and keeps records clear for taxes.
Supporting resources
| Resource | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Freelancers Association rates | Benchmark | EFA 2024 rate chart with 1,200+ data points across 40 genres; per-word and per-hour ranges by work type; rate estimator tool for project pricing. |
| Freelance journalism rate ranges | Benchmark | Per-word rates from ~$0.03 to $2+; premium outlets pay $1–2/word for reported features; rates vary by publication, length, and experience. |
| Setting freelance journalism rates | Industry guide | Factors: publication budget, reporting depth, length, print vs. digital, and writer experience; project or per-word billing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do freelance journalists typically charge?
- Common methods are per word (e.g., $0.10–$2 depending on outlet), per article or project, or occasionally hourly; always agree rate and kill fee in writing before starting.
- What should a journalist invoice include?
- Publication name, article or assignment title, word count or deliverable description, agreed rate, total due, your contact and tax ID, and payment terms (e.g., net 30).
- Where can I find benchmark rates for editorial work?
- The Editorial Freelancers Association publishes a rate chart and estimator based on member survey data; rates are guidelines, not set by EFA.