Each invoice gets a number, so you can easily track who has and hasn’t paid. Then your next invoice would be #1002, even if it’s for a different client. It doesn’t matter what kind of numbering system you use, just make sure it’s in sequential order so you don’t get confused.įor example, if this is your first invoice, you might start with #1001. What’s an invoice number? It’s simply an identifier that helps you keep track of your invoices. Then, on the left of your invoice under all the contact information, add your invoice number. Some freelancers put their contact information on the opposite side from the client’s contact information, and some freelancers left-align it all. You might look back at this section later if you need to track down payment, so it helps you to include all the client’s contact information there. Include the recipient’s name, address, phone number, email address, website and any other information. Next in creating your invoice, you’ll want to specify the recipient, or who the invoice is for. You can include your contact information on the top left or right of the invoice. To make it easier to read, consider typing the info on several lines like this: Next you’ll want to include your contact information.Īt the very least, this includes your mailing address, phone number, email address and website, right underneath your business name. Whether you use a logo or text, the font size of your name or business should be a little bigger than the rest of the text on the invoice, and bolded for emphasis. But don’t worry, you don’t need a logo you can also just write your name in text. If you have a logo for your business, include that as part of the header. The first item on your freelance invoice should be your business name or your full name, in professional and easy-to-read font. When you’re learning how to write an invoice, here’s what to include. It just has to be professional-looking and do the job. Plus, as we saw above with the invoice sample, your invoice doesn’t have to be fancy. Look, we know it can be daunting to send your first invoice, especially when you want to look professional.īut you’ve already done the work for your client, and that’s the hardest part! If you’re at the point where you’re creating an invoice, you’ve already figured out how to become a freelance writer. You don’t need a fancy invoice, you just need to include all the right information! How to make an invoice: Here’s what it should include We made this sample invoice simple on purpose. Here’s a sample invoice that includes all of the elements we’ll detail throughout this post.įor a downloadable PDF to use as an example, just click on the image. Let’s get started with our invoice example.

If you plan to invoice clients regularly, it’s smart to invest in an invoice generator, so we’ll review your options for those, too. Finally, we’ll discuss how and when to send your invoice. Then we’ll dig into those components, explaining what to include in your invoice.

We’ll start off by showing you an invoice example, so you can visualize how all the elements come together. In this post, we’ll explain all the basics behind how to write an invoice. That means you need to know how to write an invoice.īut where do you start? How do you create a professional-looking bill? How and when do you send it to your client? Many companies don’t even think about paying a freelancer until they have an invoice in hand. Whether you do one freelance gig a month or run a full-time writing business, you need to figure out how much your clients owe you and send them a bill.

For any type of business to succeed, you have to get paid.

Invoicing system for writers per word