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Audio Editing Agreement

Set the scope for podcast, music, or audiobook editing, including audio specifications, revisions, and source files.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Best for	Most users	Editing everything yourself
How it works	Answer guided questions	Fill highlighted fields yourself
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Time required	About 2 to 5 minutes	Depends on your edits
Price	$50	$50

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Is this the right contract for your audio edit?

Use this agreement when hiring an editor to work on existing audio, such as a podcast or recorded interview. Agree on the editing work, delivery dates, revisions, and files to be supplied. New recording is not included unless separately agreed.

Good fit for

Podcast and audio editors working from supplied recordings
Clients commissioning a defined audio edit or mix
Parties deciding whether session or project files are delivered

You may also need

Session Musician Agreement - when a musician must record a new performance
Music Producer Agreement - for broader music production services
Non-Disclosure Agreement - when unreleased audio is confidential

What's Inside This Contract

Editing work

Identifies the recordings supplied by the client and the work the editor will do.

Delivery and files

Sets the finished audio, file formats, and included project files. New recording requires a separate agreement.

Ownership

Explains ownership of the finished work and the files included under the chosen terms.

Payment and ending the job

Covers fees, expenses, delivery, and what happens if the job ends early.

Not sure what a section means? Every contract you create includes a built-in "Explain Sections" view with a plain-English note for each part of the document.

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

Recordings and instructions the client may provide
Edit scope, deliverables, and file specifications
Revision rounds and schedule
Whether editable source or project files are included
Any music, samples, or third-party material and permissions

Points Worth Negotiating

Work included: specify whether the fee covers editing only or also sound cleanup, mixing, and mastering.
Delivery: agree on file formats, deadlines, and revision rounds so the finished audio is ready for its intended use.
Project files: decide whether the client receives editable sessions and any included assets, not just the finished audio.
Permissions: agree who will clear music and samples before release; editing does not provide those permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this agreement hire a recording musician?

No. It covers editing supplied recordings, not hiring someone to perform or record new music. Use a session musician agreement for a recording contribution.

Does the editor receive songwriting or master rights?

The agreement covers service deliverables and its selected ownership terms. It does not itself create songwriting shares; document a separate rights arrangement if intended.

Who clears music or samples in the source recording?

The parties should identify third-party material and agree who obtains permissions for the intended use. Editing does not itself clear those rights.

What are common warning signs in an audio editing agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any audio editing agreement:

The audio scope is only described as 'finish the episode'
New recording is expected but not included
Project-file delivery and third-party assets are unaddressed
Payment depends on undefined approval

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