Why do I collect your data?

I gather and use certain information about you so that I can:

• respond to your enquiries (e.g. for a quote for editorial services)

• contact you while I’m working with you

• enable certain functions on this website

• better understand how visitors use this website

What information do I collect?

I collect the following minimal information:

• name

• contact postal address

• email address

• information about your enquiry (e.g. word count, nature of project, etc.)

How do I use this data?

The data I collect is used as follows:

• For my internal accounting processes (e.g. so I can invoice you) and so that I am compliant with my tax authority (HMRC) should it request an audit.

• To contact you in response to your enquiry, quote, special offer or booking.

• To record your agreement to the terms and conditions of my services.

I will never use your data for marketing or promotion purposes without getting your permission in writing first (for example, to confirm that you are happy for me to publish your testimonial on my website or social media accounts).

How do I use cookies?

My website uses cookies and similar technologies, which are small files or pieces of text that download to a device when a visitor accesses a website or app. 

• These functional and required cookies are always used, which allow Squarespace, my hosting platform, make this website secure.

• These analytics and performance cookies are used on my site to view site traffic, activity, and other data.

You can change your cookie settings on your browser to limit the cookies my website will store on your browser, however this may change how my website performs and some pages may stop working. 

How do I collect your personal data?

I collect and store minimal information via the forms on my website and through any email exchange we might have.

I will never lease, distribute or sell your information to third parties unless you give me written permission to do so, or I am required to do so by law.

How do I store your personal data?

The minimal information I collect is stored on the following data servers:

• Squarespace. This is my website host. It is password-protected and has SSL-certification (https) for extra security.

• Dropbox. This is my cloud-based file management system accessed via my password-protected computer. My Dropbox account is protected by a two-step password-authentication process.

• Googlemail. This is the password-protected server I use to communicate via email.

• PayPal. This is a password-protected online payment service I use for clients who elect not to be invoiced via direct bank transfer.

How long do I keep your data for?

As many customers/clients work with me more than once, I do not delete data such as names and email addresses unless specifically asked to do so.

• HMRC requires me to keep records for ‘at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year’.

• Please ask if you want me to delete or amend your records. As long as I’m complying with HMRC’s legal requirements, I will act on this straight away.

Who do I share your data with?

I do not share your data with anyone, unless HMRC elects to audit my business.