Reading a contract, sending an invoice

The clauses worth reading twice

• Usage: which channels, which territories, how long. “In perpetuity, all media” is the most expensive phrase in creator contracts.
• Exclusivity: which category, how long, and whether it starts at signature or at publication.
• Approvals and revisions: how many rounds are included, and what happens after.
• Payment terms: net 30 is common, net 60 is negotiable, and a deposit is reasonable on larger work.
• Kill fee: what you are paid if they cancel after you have started.

None of this is legal advice. For a large deal or an unusual clause, pay a lawyer for an hour — it is cheaper than the clause.

Invoicing so you get paid

1. 1.Invoice the day you deliver, not the end of the month.
2. 2.Include the PO or reference the brand gave you, or it stalls in accounts payable.
3. 3.State the payment terms and the due date explicitly on the invoice.
4. 4.Chase once at the due date, then once a week. Politely, in the same thread.