Free Copywriter Timesheet Template
Copywriting projects involve research, drafting, and revision cycles that are easy to underestimate without careful time tracking. A timesheet allows a copywriter to show clients exactly what each piece of work entailed, which is particularly important when revision requests extend well beyond the original brief. Accurate records also help when pricing future projects of a similar type.
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What does a freelance copywriter record on a timesheet?
A copywriter timesheet records hours by deliverable and revision round, with the date, the task, and the time spent. Note the client, the page or asset, and which revision the work belongs to. Tracking revisions separately keeps the invoice honest when feedback runs beyond the rounds you agreed.
Typical line items
- Date of work
- Client and project name
- Deliverable (homepage, product page, email)
- Stage or revision round
- Hours worked
- Billable or non-billable flag
- Hourly or per-project rate
- Running total for the project
How the work is charged
Copywriters often quote per project or per asset but log hours to manage scope and bill extra revision rounds beyond the agreed number. A discovery call or brief review is usually recorded as its own entry.
Payment terms and deposits
A timesheet supports an invoice rather than collecting payment itself. Many copywriters bill on delivery or in milestones, so keep deliverable and revision entries dated and clear so the client can match them to the work.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, that falls on the invoice the timesheet backs, not the timesheet itself. Confirm the rules that apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I bill for research time before writing starts?
Research is a legitimate and billable part of the job. Record it separately with a description such as 'competitor analysis and audience research for product launch campaign'. Clients who understand the craft accept this without difficulty; if a client pushes back, it is worth reviewing whether the relationship is a good fit.
Should I charge the same rate for revisions as for original writing?
Most copywriters charge the same hourly rate for revisions as for original work, because revisions require careful reading, judgment, and rewriting. Some freelancers include a set number of revision hours in a fixed project fee and charge their standard rate beyond that.
What should I write in the description field for a copywriting timesheet entry?
Be specific about the deliverable and the stage. 'First draft of five email sequence for product launch' is much clearer than 'writing'. Include the round number for revision entries so the client can see how many iterations the project has gone through.
Related timesheet templates
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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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