Privacy Policy

I am a sole trader operating as Clarion Editing. I offer editing and proofreading services to authors. 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 February 2024.
 
How do I collect data from you?

Data may be collected through personal communication (usually email) or via your interaction with my website or social media pages.

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 the website

What information do I collect from you?
I collect the following minimal information – only as much as is necessary:

• name
• contact postal address
• email address
• information pertinent to your enquiry (e.g. word count, nature of project, whether you’re an author or an editor)
• My website may use analytic software and place a cookie on your computer to monitor the pages you visit and the links you follow (if your computer allows cookies to be placed). This is something which is set up by my web provider.

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.

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).
 
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. 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. To date, I have never looked at what cookies my website collects about any visitor, and this is unlikely to change.

How do I collect and store your personal data?
I collect and store minimal information via email contact, which is held on my personal, password-protected computer. I may also save copies to Dropbox for added security, in case of a problem with my own computer. Any information stored on my Dropbox account is protected by a two-step password-authentication process. You can access Dropbox’s privacy policy at https://www.dropbox.com/en_GB/privacy.

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 at any time.
 
How long do I keep your data for?
Because customers and clients may 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 the HMRC page at https://www.gov.uk/self-employed-records/how-long-to-keep-your-records.
• Please ask if you want me to delete or amend your records. As long as I am complying with HMRC’s legal requirements, I will 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.