Prices and payment

Hourly/daily rates or fixed fees are agreed in advance, after a thorough briefing. Sample material may be requested to ensure estimated times and costs are viable prior to starting a project.

Rates and fees take are based on the recommended rates suggested by the National Union of Journalists and the Society for Editors and Proofreaders.

Discounted rates may be offered to full-time students or charitable organisations.

Payments can be made by cheque, BACS or electronic funds transfer.

Invoices must be settled within 30 days. Once an invoice becomes overdue, I reserve the right to claim statutory interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate from the date the debt becomes overdue, in accordance with The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. Interest calculations are made using the Better Payment Practice Campaign interest calculator.

Working hours

My working hours are flexible, based on clients’ requirements and personal commitments. I aim to reply to all emails within 48 hours.

Location of work

I carry out the majority of my work from my office in Glasgow. However, I am willing to work on a client’s premises if required. I will attend essential meetings within the UK and Ireland.

Security

All materials received are not made available to any third party without agreement from the client.

Daily back-ups are made of all documents. All paper documents or electronic files are archived - they can be securely destroyed if requested by the client.

My computer network has a firewall and Avast! anti-virus software installed.

Code of conduct

As an Ordinary member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders, I adhere to the Society’s Code of Conduct.

I also have an environmental policy.

Professional development

I aim to undertake personal and professional development activities every year. Through clients, friends, peers, training courses and conferences, I keep up to date with changes in editorial processes and technology.

In 2009, I completed the Society for Editors and Proofreaders’ ‘On-screen Editing 1‘ course. I also attended the Society’s annual national conference in September. In the same month, I also attended the Society of Indexers Introduction to Indexing workshop; this is a skill I hope to develop further in the future.

I am on the organising committee for the Society for Editors and Proofreaders 2010 conference, which will be held in Glasgow.