Freelance Project Proposal Template

A freelance proposal has to do the work of a sales team: show you understood the job, explain how you'll do it, and make it easy to say yes. This template works for any field. It sets out a project from discovery to handoff, offers fixed-price and hourly options, and covers revisions, ownership, and payment.

  • The Project
  • How I'll Work
  • What You'll Receive
  • Ways to go ahead
  • Timeline
  • What I Need From You
  • Terms
  • Acceptance
  • Signatures from you and your client
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it after a first call with a new client, for a defined project with a clear start and finish.

The full template

Words in brackets, like [Client Name], fill in automatically from your client's details when you use the template in Clientary.

In the editor, you can change any section and package options. Once you send it, your client picks a package and signs online. Edit this template online

Thank you for considering me for your project. This proposal sets out what I understand you need, how I'll work, what you'll receive, and three ways to go ahead.

The Project

[Describe the project in the client's words, for example: a new email newsletter template and a library of 10 reusable content blocks, built to match your brand and tested in the major email apps.]

How I'll Work

1. Discovery. A kickoff call to confirm goals, audience, and what success looks like, followed by a short written plan you approve before the work starts.

2. Delivery. I work through the plan in stages, with a check-in at each one. Two rounds of revisions on the draft are included.

3. Handoff. Final files, a walkthrough call, and short notes so your team can use and update the work without me.

What You'll Receive

  • A project plan with milestones and dates
  • The finished work, in the formats agreed in the plan
  • A recorded walkthrough and handoff notes
  • Answers to questions by email for 30 days after handoff

Ways to go ahead

The fixed-price options cover the project as described in the plan you approve. Changes beyond it are quoted before any work is done.

Fixed price · The project from kickoff to handoff
Discovery and project plan$600.00
Project delivery$3,200.00
Handoff call and notes$300.00
Total$4,100.00
Fixed price with support · The project, then three months of support
Discovery and project plan$600.00
Project delivery$3,200.00
Handoff call and notes$300.00
Ongoing support after handoff (months) (3)$1,200.00
Total$5,300.00
Hourly · Billed for actual time, up to a cap you approve
Project work (estimated hours) (40)$3,800.00
Total$3,800.00

Timeline

I can start within one week of your signed approval. Most projects like this take about four weeks from kickoff to handoff, depending on how quickly feedback comes back.

What I Need From You

  • One point of contact who can approve the plan and give feedback
  • Content, access, and brand materials within five business days of kickoff
  • Feedback within three business days of each check-in

Terms

Payment. For a fixed price, 50% is due on signing and 50% on handoff. Hourly work is invoiced every two weeks. Invoices are due within 15 days.

Revisions. Two rounds are included. Further rounds are billed at $95 per hour, with your approval first.

Ownership. The finished work is yours once paid for in full. I keep my own tools, templates, and know-how, and may show the work in my portfolio once it's public.

Changes and cancellation. Changes to the scope are agreed in writing before the work is done. Either of us may end the project with seven days' written notice. You pay for work done to that date, and the deposit isn't refunded.

Acceptance

Choose an option and sign below to accept this proposal. I'll send the kickoff invitation within one business day.

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any section, add your own, and add a fee table with packages the client can choose from. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your proposal is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it to be signed. Your client reviews, chooses a package, and signs online, and you can see when it's viewed and signed.

Learn more about proposal software in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

Should freelancers charge a fixed price or hourly?

A fixed price suits a well-defined project, since the client knows the cost and you benefit from working efficiently. Hourly suits work where the scope is hard to pin down. Offering both lets the client choose.

How long should a freelance proposal be?

Short enough to read in a few minutes. Restate the project, explain your approach, list what they'll receive, give the price and timeline, and cover the key terms. Detail beyond that rarely helps win the work.

Is this freelance project proposal template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

More templates for freelancers

Contract · Freelancers

Freelance Contract Template

Use it for any project with a new client, alongside the proposal or quote that describes the work.

Contract · Freelancers

Freelance Writing Contract Template

Use it when a publication, agency, or business commissions articles, blog posts, or other written content from you.

Contract · Freelancers

Mutual NDA Template

Use it before a discovery call or pitch where either side will share non-public information, such as plans, numbers, or customer details.

Invoice · Freelancers

Freelance Invoice Template

Use it when you hand off a project, or adapt it to bill a deposit, a milestone, or hours worked each month.

Estimate · Freelancers

Freelance Project Estimate Template

Use it when a client asks what a project would cost, before you send a full proposal or contract.