Memoir Writing Services Agreement

What Is the Memoir Writing Services Agreement?

A memoir writing services agreement is a legal contract between you (the client) and a professional writer who will document your life story. It establishes exactly what the writer will deliver, when they'll deliver it, how much you'll pay, and who owns the finished manuscript. The agreement protects both parties by addressing common problems: scope creep, payment disputes, confidentiality breaches, and ownership confusion.

This template includes provisions for interview scheduling, revision rounds, milestone payments, confidentiality protections for sensitive personal information, intellectual property transfer, and indemnification clauses that clarify who's responsible if someone featured in your memoir threatens legal action. You get a complete framework for a professional memoir writing relationship without paying $2,500+ for an attorney to draft one from scratch.

 

 

Is This Memoir Writing Services Agreement Right for You?

You need this agreement if you're:

• Hiring a ghostwriter to document your life story
• Working with a professional writer on a family history project
• Commissioning a memoir as a legacy gift for your family
• Engaging a writer to document your career or military service
• Paying someone to interview you and create a written narrative
• Hiring a biographer to write your personal or professional history

You definitely need this agreement if:

• You're paying more than $10,000 for memoir writing services
• Your memoir includes sensitive family or business information
• You're unsure who owns the manuscript after you pay for it
• The writer wants to use your story in their portfolio
• You're worried about the writer sharing your private information

 

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money
Attorney-drafted contracts cost $2,500-$5,000. This template costs $35 and covers everything you need.

Save Time
Download instantly and customize in under an hour. No waiting for attorney drafts or expensive revisions.

Look Professional
Impress your writer with a comprehensive contract that shows you understand the business side of memoir writing.

Keeps You Out of Court
Clear confidentiality provisions, indemnification clauses, and intellectual property transfer language prevent the disputes that lead to litigation.

 

 

 

Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Secure Checkout
Complete your purchase through our secure payment system. Your template downloads immediately.

Step 2: Instant Download
Receive your fully customizable memoir writing services agreement in Microsoft Word format, plus a comprehensive how-to guide.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields
Replace the bracketed placeholders with your project details, choose your preferred options for payment structure and intellectual property rights, and you're ready to send.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. You can use this template for every memoir writer you hire, whether you're commissioning one memoir or several family history projects over the years.

Is this contract legally binding?

Yes. This agreement is drafted by attorneys and creates an enforceable contract when signed by both parties. It's valid in all 50 states.

What if the writer wants to use my story for their next client?

The confidentiality provisions prevent the writer from disclosing your personal information or reusing your specific stories. You can also choose the intellectual property option that prohibits portfolio use entirely.

Who owns the manuscript if we don't finish the project?

The termination provisions specify that you own whatever work you've fully paid for as of the termination date. If you've paid 60% of the fee, you own approximately 60% of the completed work.

What if someone in my memoir threatens to sue for defamation?

The indemnification clauses establish that you're responsible for the truthfulness of your stories and any legal claims arising from your approved content. The writer is protected from claims based on what you told them to write.

Can I modify the template to add specific terms for my project?

Absolutely. This template provides a comprehensive foundation, and you can customize any provision to match your specific situation, add project-specific requirements, or remove sections that don't apply.