Free Content Writer Timesheet Template
Content writers often produce a high volume of articles, blog posts, and website pages for multiple clients, making it important to track time by content piece to invoice correctly and understand the real cost of each deliverable. A timesheet that records research, writing, and editing hours separately shows clients where effort goes in producing high-quality content. It also helps writers set realistic rates for future projects.
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How does a freelance content writer fill out a timesheet?
A content writer timesheet logs hours by piece and content type, with the date, the article, and the time spent. Note the client, whether the work was research, drafting, or editing, and the word count where it helps. Logging time per article makes the invoice clear even when you charge per word or per piece.
Typical line items
- Date of work
- Client and content brief
- Article or piece title
- Stage (research, drafting, editing)
- Hours worked
- Word count or output
- Hourly or per-piece rate
- Running total for the project
How the work is charged
Content writers often charge per word, per piece, or by the hour. Logging hours alongside the output shows the real effort and helps justify a rate or bill extra rounds of editing on their own line.
Payment terms and deposits
A timesheet supports an invoice rather than collecting payment itself. Many writers bill on delivery of a batch or monthly on a retainer, so keep entries dated and tied to each piece for the client.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, that applies on the invoice the timesheet supports, not the timesheet itself. Check the rules where you work.
Frequently asked questions
Should I track research time separately from writing time?
Yes, particularly for specialist topics that require substantive research before writing can begin. 'Research for article on EU digital markets regulation, 90 minutes' is more honest than burying it in the writing time. Clients who receive well-researched articles understand that the research was part of the work.
How do I handle word count as a billing metric versus hourly billing?
Many content writers charge per word or per piece rather than hourly. If you are tracking time on a per-word contract, the timesheet is for your own records and pricing analysis rather than invoicing. If you are on an hourly contract, track time by article so the client can see effort per piece.
Can I bill for the time I spend editing my own drafts before submission?
Yes. Editing and proofreading your own work is part of producing a professional deliverable. Log it separately from the initial drafting so the client can see the total time per article, including self-editing.
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Read the complete timesheet guide to see how to log hours and turn a tracked timesheet into an invoice.
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