I am looking to hire a few writers for a blog I run. I have already received some responses from interested writers. I want to know if there is some sort of standard "contract" or other document that I can have them sign as a way to protect myself from future possible problems. I don't want anyone in the future to try to claim ownership of the articles after I've paid them for them. This could be a problem. I haven't hired writers before. Any input will be helpful. thanks.
I'm not sure I would worry about it. If they try to publish it down the road its your word against theirs anyway.
Well essentially, you need to make it clear that you're purchasing FULL RIGHTS from the writers, so they know they cannot claim they wrote them or use them elsewhere in the future. I think this is the biggest issue when it comes to write especially when hiring someone on a forum, new writers do not know to say this is the rights I'm selling and clients don't realize there is a long-list of writers that you acquire... I would draft a simple document stating payrate, delivery terms, payment terms, and also a section on OWNERSHIP.
I use this in my posting when looking for writers to do articles. The content can be found / borrowed / and compiled from other web sources. (but NO cut and paste). I will receive complete and exclusive copyrights to all work purchased. ALL finished articles must be ORIGINAL and publishable. I find I get high quality work by being professional in asking forr what ecxactly I need out of a writer. Bruno
If submitted via CMS quite a neat way of handling the issue to put a check box next to the submit button that must be clicked before the submission can be made which states something like "I declare that all of the following work is entirely my own and to my knowledge does not breach any laws of copyright or trademark. In submitting this work I transfer ALL rights to you (Your name)" If done via email you should send something along the lines of what is stated above as a pdf, get the writer to print, sign and scan it in and send it back. And date it! Always DATE IT!
We only ask for first electronic rights when we hire someone. Most of the publications I write for only ask for first North American rights digital and/or print.
Unfortunately a lot of clients in places like DP don't understand rights involved, so they demand full copyrights even without thinking they should have to pay more for that. I'm not speaking in regards to the OP specifically, but rather to the point that people should try to understand what they really need up front, and then only contract for that. Either way, it's good to hear a buyer's looking at actual contracts instead of doing business on nothing but a forum thread exchange. I'm actually in the process of drafting contracts for new clients of my writing services for the re-organization of my business over the next few weeks. If you're still looking for simple examples at that point, I'd be happy to let you see what I'll be using. In the meantime try searching for sample contracts for independent contractors, and you'll probably find some decent templates you can use.
I'd love a sample Jen. I have contracts for large web projects but have previously worked through other businesses who've written them up and have them on hand. I find myself in the position to have monthly contracts on hand and am drafting as well.
I can't speak for others, but I simply took a generic freelance contract and made it my own. It should, at a minimum, have the exact work to be performed, the time frame or frequency, agreed upon pay, and the rights that are being transferred. Also, you may want to include when and how payment is made, and who is responsible for what should one party decide not to continue. I'd be more than happy to share it with you, but you should definitely take Jen up on her offer! Jen - I'd love to see what you use, too
As Jen said, decide what you want (and need). If you and the writer agree that you are getting ALL rights, then in the U.S. the contract should clearly provide that the work is a "work-made-for-hire." Other countries have other considerations. For example, the concept of "moral rights" under the Berne Convention are not recognized to the same extent in the U.S. as in other countries.