Terms and Conditions

The core value of my business is open, honest, and respectful communication. The following is a framework that I follow, and ask clients to follow, so that we may communicate transparently and with mutual respect.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The editor agrees not to reproduce, give, or show to anyone any material sent by the client for editing purposes without the explicit consent of the author.

TERMINATION

The client or editor may terminate this agreement in the event of a material change of circumstances with 7 days written notice. If the client terminates the agreement, the editor will be paid by the client for the work done until termination.

The editor or the client  may terminate the agreement immediately if the other party commits a breach of this agreement and such party does not cure a breach within 5 days of written notice from the non-breaching party of such breach.

If this Agreement is terminated earlier by client without cause, the client agrees to pay the editor any and all sums which are due and payable for: (i) services provided as of the date of termination; and (ii) expenses already incurred, including those from documented non-cancelable commitments. 

INDEMNITY

Editing is intrinsically a process of offering advice and suggestions to the client. In addition to offering such advice and suggestions, the editor’s responsibility is limited to notifying the client of any unresolved differences with the author before the work proceeds to the next stage of production. While the editor will make every effort to bring questionable material to the attention of the client, the client agrees to indemnify the Editor from any and all claims or demands, including legal fees, arising out of any alleged libel or copyright infringement committed by the client in creating the work.

The editor cannot make any guarantees of publication based on the editing tasks performed. No guarantees are made as to the salability or marketability of the edited manuscript. Nor is there a guarantee that the manuscript will be completely error-free, though all efforts will be made to make it so. Unless a co-writing/co-authorship arrangement is made in writing, all royalties and monies gained by the sale of the book will be the sole property of the client.

PAYMENT TERMS

 To maintain a positive working relationship with editor and keep the project moving forward, the client agrees to pay invoices in a timely manner (per the schedule outlined in the proposal). 

In the case of overdue payments, the editor reserves the right to stop work until payment is received.

Any material changes to the services, including work to be performed and related fees, must be approved by the prior written consent of both parties.

LATE PAYMENT

In the event an invoice is not paid on time, to the maximum extent allowable by law, the editor  will charge a late payment fee of 1.50% per month on any overdue and unpaid balance not in dispute.

Definitions of Services

Developmental Editing. Clarifying or reorganizing a manuscript for content and structure. Does not include the following unless specified:

  • research
  • writing original material
  • negotiating changes with Author

Stylistic Editing. Clarifying meaning, eliminating jargon, and polishing language. Does not include the following unless specified:

  • checking or correcting reading level
  • creating or recasting tables or figures
  • negotiating changes with Author

Copy Editing. Editing for grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanics of style; checking for consistency of mechanics and for internal consistency of facts; and editing tables, figures, and lists. Does not include the following unless specified:

  • providing or changing system of citations
  • editing index
  • writing captions or credit lines
  • writing running heads
  • inserting head levels and approximate placement of art
  • obtaining or listing permissions needed
  • providing front matter (prelims), cover copy, or other data
  • notifying Designer of any unusual production requirements
  • negotiating changes with Author
  • seeking approvals from clients’ representatives
  • creating bibliography from client sources

Proofreading. Checking proofs of formatted, edited material for adherence to design and for minor, mechanical errors in copy (such as spelling mistakes or small deviations from style sheet). Does not include the following unless specified:

  • incorporating or exercising discretion on Author’s alteration
  • copyfitting
  • checking accuracy of running heads and folios
  • checking page breaks
  • inserting or checking page numbers to contents and page reference
  • marking color breaks
  • flagging or checking location of art