I am a registered sole trader operating as Deborah Blake Editing and offer copy editing and proofreading services to authors and publishers. My client base is worldwide. This policy describes how I protect and make use of the information you give me. If you are asked to provide information, it will only be used in ways stated in this policy. This privacy policy was last updated on 22 May 2018.

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Why do I collect data from you?

I gather and use certain information about you in order to:

• respond to your requests for information (e.g. my availability or a quote for editorial services)

• allow me to contact you while an editing project is ongoing

• enable certain functions on this website

• understand how visitors use this website

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What information do I collect from you?

I collect the following minimal information:

• name

• contact postal address

• email address

• information pertinent to your enquiry (e.g. word count, nature of project, whether you’re an author or a publisher, non-disclosure agreement)

• phone number if provided by you voluntarily

 

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 and audit

• to contact you in response to your enquiry, request for a quote or booking, or to discuss an ongoing or forthcoming project

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

I will never use this data for marketing or promotion purposes without getting your permission in writing first (for example, to publish your testimonials for me on my website).

 

How do I use cookies?

A cookie is a small file placed on your computer’s hard drive. It enables my website to identify your computer as you view different pages on my website. The only way in which I use cookies is for web analytics, specifically:

• Google Analytics

• StatCounter

Cookies do not provide me with access to your computer or any information about you other than that which you elect to share with me.

 

You can use your web browser’s cookie settings to determine how my website uses cookies. If you do not wish my website to store cookies on your computer or device, you can amend your settings. Please note that this may affect how my website functions, and some pages may become unavailable to you.

• To learn more about cookies, visit All About Cookies

• To read Google’s privacy statement, and how after 25 May 2018 you can request that I remove your information from my analytics data, see Google’s data privacy policy and approach and its data processing terms

• And here is StatCounter’s privacy policy

 

How do I collect your personal data?

I collect and store minimal information via the following:

• Contact form (via Wix)

• Email (via Namesco)

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. You can ask me to remove your data from Wix at any time.

 

How do I store your personal data?

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

• Wix. This is my website host. It is password-protected and has SSL-certification (https) to provide an additional layer of security. You can access Wix’s privacy policy here.

• 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. You can access Dropbox’s privacy policy here.

• Namesco. This is the UK-based password-protected server I use to communicate via email. You can access Namesco’s privacy policy here.

Wix and Dropox’s servers are based in the US but are registered with the EU–US Privacy Shield.

 

How long do I keep your data for?

Because many of my clients work with me more than once, I do not delete data unless specifically requested 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’. (See ‘How long to keep your records’.)

• Please ask me if you want me to delete or amend your records. As long as I’m complying with HMRC’s legal requirements, I’ll action your request immediately.

 

With whom is your data shared?

No one, unless you request that I do so in writing, or HMRC elects to audit my business.

 

Contact me

If you have any questions or requests for modification or removal of your data, you are welcome to email me at deborah@blake-editing.co.uk