General
These terms and conditions apply to any work done for the Client by Elizabeth Hurst, trading as EMH Editorial Services. The Client is under no obligation to offer Elizabeth Hurst work; neither is Elizabeth Hurst under any obligation to accept work offered by the Client. Elizabeth Hurst will provide the service(s) as mutually agreed, confirmed in writing by the Client. The work will be carried out unsupervised at such times and places as determined by Elizabeth Hurst, using her own equipment.
Quotes
A sample of work will be requested in order to provide an appropriate quote. It must accurately reflect the standard of the Client’s project. The Client should confirm the total word count of the project. The Client should confirm the date that services would be required to commence and the preferred deadline for completion (if applicable).The quote will be an agreed flat fee for the job. The quote will be dependent on the required turnaround for the job and the length of the project. Quotes will be provided in writing (by email).If any changes are made to the length or nature of the project after the initial quote is given, the quote may be altered by agreement. Elizabeth Hurst reserves the right to decline the project if substantial alterations have been made. Quotes are valid for 30 days from date of issue and are given on the basis that, unless otherwise agreed, the work to be subject to the editorial service is provided in its entirety. Unless otherwise stated, quotes are for one proofread or copy-edit or read-through only.
Timescale
The Client will receive the estimated timescale for the project along with the quote, unless otherwise agreed. If the Client requested the work to be completed by a specific deadline, this will be confirmed or an alternative deadline proposed along with the quote. The timescale provided to the Client is dependent on the work being sent to Elizabeth Hurst on the agreed date and at the agreed time. If the document is sent later than agreed, a revised timetable may be given. The document return date and time will be confirmed to the Client once the work has been received by Elizabeth Hurst, unless otherwise agreed. Return times will be given in local UK time (GMT or BST).Receipt of documents from the Client to Elizabeth Hurst is deemed to have occurred upon email, phone or text message confirmation by Elizabeth Hurst. In the unlikely event of external circumstances causing possible delays or putting the deadline at risk, the Client will be notified at the earliest opportunity. Delivery of documents (via email) by Elizabeth Hurst is deemed to have occurred at the time the email is sent. It is the Client’s responsibility to confirm receipt of the document.
Quote or timescale revisions
The completed work will be delivered on or before the date agreed, for the agreed fee, which will be based on the description of the work required and the brief, both supplied by the Client. If, on receipt of the item to be worked on or at an early stage, it becomes apparent that significantly more work is required than had been anticipated in the preliminary discussion/brief, Elizabeth Hurst may renegotiate the fee and/or the deadline. Similarly, if, during the term of Elizabeth Hurst’s work, additional tasks are requested by the Client, Elizabeth Hurst may renegotiate the fee and/or the deadline. Elizabeth Hurst reserves the right to return any project after receiving it if there are concerns about the work (such as if the project requires more work or time than originally estimated).
Liability
Elizabeth Hurst will do her utmost to ensure all documents, texts and files are correct and free of errors; however, no guarantee of this can be given. Elizabeth Hurst will not be liable for any losses, of any kind, resulting from missed errors or the editorial advice provided. Elizabeth Hurst will not be liable for any consequential, indirect or special loss/damage. Elizabeth Hurst will not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of any event(s) beyond her reasonable control. Digital proofreading means that errors highlighted during the proofreading process are often corrected; however, it is not the responsibility of Elizabeth Hurst to action the changes. Elizabeth Hurst is not responsible for the factual accuracy or content of the Client’s project.
Confidentiality
Any content created by Elizabeth Hurst as part of the editorial process will become the copyright of the Client, unless otherwise agreed. The specific nature and content of the work will be kept confidential and not made known to anyone other than the Client and its contractors (if applicable) without prior written permission.
Payment
The Client will reimburse Elizabeth Hurst for agreed reasonable expenses over and above usual expenses incurred in the process of the work. International (non-UK) clients are responsible for any conversion or transfer fees incurred. Payment of a deposit, a proportion of the total fee or the entirety of the total fee may be required from the Client in advance of work commencing. If the project is lengthy, Elizabeth Hurst may invoice the Client periodically for completed stages. An invoice will be sent to the Client following the completion of the job. If an advance payment (deposit, proportion of fee or total fee) is required, an invoice for that payment will be sent to the Client before the job is confirmed and/or can commence. The Client has no right to reduce the quoted and agreed fee. Unless agreed otherwise at the outset, payment will be made within 30 days of receipt of Elizabeth Hurst’s invoice, according to the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 (amended 2002 and 2013).
Promotional material
Elizabeth Hurst may use the Client’s name, and a brief, non-specific description of the project, in her promotional material unless the Client requests otherwise. Elizabeth Hurst may use written feedback or comments made by the Client in her promotional material unless the Client requests otherwise.
Data protection
Under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Client and Elizabeth Hurst may keep on record such information (e.g. contact details) as is necessary. Either may view the other’s records to ensure that they are relevant, correct and up to date. Elizabeth Hurst will keep any files provided by the Client on her system for at least 6 years. The Client may request their removal at an earlier date. Elizabeth Hurst will back up the Client’s files, including personal details, to an external, password-protected and encrypted server.