Privacy policy –  last updated October 2020

This privacy policy sets out how I protect and use the information you provide when you contact me by email. If I ask you to provide information, I will use it only in the ways stated in this policy.

Who I am

I am Stephen York a registered sole trader operating as Stephen York Editorial (Services).

I collect, store, and use your personal data only to

• respond to requests for information about the services I provide
• provide editing, proofreading or writing services, as requested
• comply with legal requirements, such as for the HM Revenue & Customs.

The data I collect would normally include

• your name
• your email address
• information about your enquiry (for example, the service you require, the duration of the project, the timescale, expected word count).

The way I use your data

• to contact you in response to your enquiry or booking
• to contact you about an ongoing project with queries or for clarification
• for my own internal accounting processes (for example, to send invoices), and so that I comply with the requirements of the tax authority (in my case, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs – HMRC).

I will not use this data for marketing or promotion purposes without gaining your permission in writing first. For example, if I wish  to publish a testimonial you have written or to mention your name in any business listings I have online.

How I use cookies

A cookie is a small file placed on your computer’s hard drive, which enables my website to identify your computer as you view various pages on my website.

• Google Analytics
• WordPress or any such other host for my website
• StatCounter.

Cookies do not give me access to your computer or provide any information about you other than that which you want 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. However, this may affect how my website functions and appears, and some pages may not be accessible to you.

How I collect data and how you can control it

I collect the minimum of information when you contact me by email or using the Contact form.

I will never share your information with anyone else unless you give me permission to do so in writing, or I am required to do so by law.

Where your data is stored

The minimal information I collect is stored on the following:

• WordPress. This is my website host. It is password-protected and has SSL-certification (https) to provide an extra layer of security. You can access WordPress′s privacy policy here. 
• Microsoft Office 365. This is a service to which I subscribe for using Microsoft products, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel spreadsheets. You can access Microsoft′s privacy policy here.
• Adobe Acrobat. This is used for editing PDF files. You can access Adobe’s privacy policy here.
• Dropbox. This is my alternative cloud-based back-up file management system accessed via my password-protected computer. You can access Dropbox′s privacy policy here.
• PayPal. This is a password-protected payment service. You can access PayPal′s privacy policy here.
• Google GMail. This is accessed via my password-protected computer. You can access Google’s privacy policy here.

How long I will keep your data for

Because I work with many of my clients more than once, I do not delete your data on completion of a project unless you request me to do so. Please ask if you want me to delete or amend your records. As long as I am still observing the law, I will do this promptly.

HMRC requires me to keep records for at least 6 years. See HMRC’s  How long to keep your records.

Links from my website

My website contains links to other websites over which I have no control. If you provide information to a website I have linked to, I am not responsible for its protection and privacy.