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
- allow access to course content
- 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
- 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 give you access to content you have purchased that resides on my website.
- To record your agreement to the terms and conditions of my 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 my email list.
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.
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 forms on my website and through any email exchange we might have.
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 MailChimp (which is the software I use to send course emails and my newsletters) at any time. Please note that if your information is being held to send you content that you’ve purchased from me (e.g. course materials), the removal of your data will prevent me from being able to send you the content.
How do I store your personal data?
The minimal information I collect is stored on the following data servers:
- TSO Host. This is my website host. It is password-protected and has SSL-certification (https) to provide an additional layer of security.
- 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.
- Backblaze. This is the cloud-based file back-up system I use for my computer, accessed via my password-protected computer.
- MailChimp. This is my newsletter and course content 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.
- FreeAgent. This is the password-protected accounting software I use.
- PayPal. This is a password-protected online payment service I use for sales of my courses, and for editorial-services clients who elect not to be invoiced via direct bank transfer.
- Stripe. This is a password-protected online payment service I use for editorial-services clients who elect not to be invoiced via direct bank transfer.
- SendOwl. This is the password-protected service I use to connect my payment service (PayPal) to my course delivery system (MailChimp).
- Googlemail. This is the password-protected server I use to communicate via email.
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’.
- 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.
Who do I share your data with?
No one, unless you request that I do so in writing, or HMRC elects to audit my business. I take your right to privacy seriously.