Terms
Tying off a side job before it starts
Ten minutes of agreement at the start saves hours of awkward messages later. These are the four terms worth writing down before you begin.
Scope
What exactly will you deliver, and what's not included? "Edit the guide" is loose. "Grammar and clarity edit of a 12-page guide, one round of changes" is tied.
Deadline
Give a date and a time, and check it against your work calendar first. If the client is late sending files, the deadline should move by the same amount.
Price
State the amount, the currency and when it's paid. For new clients, a part payment before you start is common and reasonable.
Hours
Say when you'll reply to messages. It protects your job and your evenings, and most clients appreciate knowing.
Put it in one message
A short email with the four terms, and a reply saying "agreed", is often enough for small jobs. For bigger ones, a simple written agreement is better.
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