Public relations contract template

This agreement is made on [Date] between [Your Name / Business Name] (the "Contractor") and [Client Name / Company] (the "Client").

The Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee of the Client.

The Contractor will provide media relations services: maintaining a researched media list, sending [number] pitches per month, writing press releases for the Client's announcements, and coordinating interviews and comment requests.

Paid placements, sponsored content, advertising, and crisis communications are not included unless listed here: [list].

Press releases and any quotes attributed to the Client are approved by the Client before distribution. Pitches within the agreed narratives may be sent without per-pitch approval, and every pitch appears in the monthly activity report.

Journalist deadlines are measured in hours. The Client will designate a spokesperson who can respond to interview and comment requests within [4] business hours; opportunities missed for lack of response are logged, not compensated.

The total fee for the work is [Amount]. A non-refundable deposit of [Amount or %] is due before work begins, and the balance is due [on delivery / per the schedule below].

Invoices are payable within [14] days. Late payments may incur a fee of [1.5%] per month on the outstanding balance.

Any expenses (stock assets, plugins, printing, travel) are billed to the Client at cost and agreed in advance.

Work outside the scope described above is not included. If the Client requests additional work, the Contractor will provide a written estimate, and that work begins once the Client approves it in writing.

The Client will provide all content, access, feedback, and approvals needed to complete the work, in a timely manner.

If the project is delayed by more than [30] days due to a lack of Client response or materials, the Contractor may pause the project and invoice for work completed to date.

Editorial coverage is decided solely by journalists and outlets. No placement, outlet, or volume of coverage is guaranteed, and fees are not contingent on coverage.

The media list, press kit, and materials created under this agreement become the Client's property once the month they were delivered in is paid for.

The Contractor will never misrepresent the Client, pay for editorial coverage while presenting it as earned, or pitch information the Client has not approved as public.

Each party will keep the other's confidential information private and use it only to carry out this agreement.

The Contractor may show the finished work in a portfolio or case study unless the Client asks in writing to keep it private.

Either party may end this agreement with [14] days written notice. If the Client cancels, the deposit is non-refundable and the Client pays for all work completed up to the cancellation date.

If the Contractor cancels, any pre-paid amount for work not yet delivered is refunded.

The Contractor's total liability under this agreement is limited to the total fees paid by the Client. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential losses.

The work is provided without warranties beyond those stated here.

The Contractor controls how and when the work is done, uses their own tools, and is responsible for their own taxes and insurance. Nothing here creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship.

This agreement is governed by the laws of [Your State / Country]. Any dispute will be handled in the courts of that location.

Contractor: ______________________________ Date: ____________

Client: __________________________________ Date: ____________