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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 attorney.

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FeatureCustom ContractEditable Template
Best forMost usersEditing everything yourself
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Time requiredAbout 2 to 5 minutesDepends on your edits
Price$50$50

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Is this the right contract for your audio edit?

This agreement fits an editor hired to work from supplied audio recordings. Section 1.6 is customized for audio editing: it addresses supplied recordings, technical delivery, source files, and third-party material, and excludes new recording or production 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

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What's Inside This Contract

Scope of Services

Section 1 establishes the editing engagement and the agreed supplied recordings.

Audio editing deliverables

The added Section 1.6 covers the agreed audio edits, technical delivery, source files, and the exclusion of new recording unless separately agreed.

Ownership and Intellectual Property

Section 2 follows the selected ownership model and addresses included source files.

Compensation and Termination

Sections 3 and 4 cover fee, expenses, payment, delivery, and ending the engagement.

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

  • Whether work includes mixing, mastering, cleanup, or only edits
  • Delivery formats and revision rounds
  • Whether project files and session assets are included
  • Who clears samples, music, and other supplied material

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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