Treating your manuscript and information with respect and discretion

I am a sole trader operating as Jo Finchen-Parsons Editorial. I offer editing/proofreading services to self-publishing authors, publishing houses and businesses. My client/customer 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 11^th February 2021.

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
post reviews that you have shared with me about my service on this website, with limited personal information (e.g. first name and position)

What information do I collect from you?

I collect the following minimal information:

name
contact postal address
email address
phone number (if you’d like to discuss the project over the telephone)
information pertinent to your enquiry (e.g. word count, nature of project)

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, order, quote or booking.
To record your agreement to the terms and conditions of my editorial services.

How do I collect your personal data?

I collect and store minimal information via the following forms:

Contact form (via WordPress)
Booking-confirmation form (via WordPress)
Through direct conversation with you over email or telephone

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 at any time.

How do I store your personal data?

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

WordPress. This is my website platform. It is password-protected and only I have access to it.
Dropbox. This is my cloud-based file management system accessed via my password-protected computer.
Outlook. This is the password-protected email provider I use to communicate via email.
My personal computer that is password-protected and regularly backed up to Norton 360 cloud backup and regularly virus scanned by Norton 360.

Data servers in the United States

Bluehost (my website host) and Outlook 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 customers and 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 seven years.
Please ask 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.