Privacy Policy

I am a registered sole trader operating as Emma Mitchell. I offer copyediting and proofreading services to authors. 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 22 February 2024.

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 you to register for a special offer
  • allow me to contact you while an editing project is ongoing
  • enable certain functions on this website
  • better understand how visitors use this website

What information do I collect from you?
I collect the following minimal information:

  • name
  • contact postal address
  • contact telephone number
  • email address
  • information pertinent to your enquiry (e.g. word count, nature of project, whether you’re an author or an editor)

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, special offer, or booking.
  • 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 testimonial for me on my website), or unless you have signed up to be notified about a specific offer.

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 want 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.

How do I collect your personal data?
I collect and store minimal information via the following forms:

  • Contact forms (via WordPress)
  • Terms & Conditions (via WordPress)
  • Author’s style preferences form (via Gmail/Google Forms)
  • Blog signup (via MailChimp)
  • Email (via Gmail)

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 WordPress or MailChimp 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 host. It is password-protected and has SSL-certification (https) to provide an additional layer of security. You can access WordPress’s privacy policy here.
  • MailChimp. This is my blog-subscription management system. MailChimp requires a double opt-in. That means that after a subscriber signs up they have to confirm their opt-in via email. You can access MailChimp’s privacy policy here.
  • PayPal. This is the password-protected online payment service I use for my editorial-services clients who elect not to be invoiced via direct bank transfer.
  • Gmail. This is the Google-based password-protected server I use to communicate via email. You can access Google’s privacy policy here.

DATA SERVERS IN THE UNITED STATES

  • WordPress, Dropbox, and MailChimp’s servers are based in the US but are registered with the EU–​US Privacy Shield.
  • All PayPal transactions are subject to the PayPal Privacy Policy. Your data will be used for accounting purposes only and will never be divulged to third parties.

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 ‘at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year’. See ‘How long to keep your records‘.
  • 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.

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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 emmamitchellfpr@gmail.com or write to me at Emma Mitchell, 120 Fagley Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK.

If you need assistance with creating your own GDPR-compliant website privacy policy, the ICO provides some excellent guidance.