Terms and Conditions

Clearlingo service descriptions

Business editing
​​BUSINESS EDITING includes proofreading, and also enhances readability, conciseness and clarity by: 
  • improving word choices
  • ​revising for a professional tone
  • checking sentence structure and clarity
  • improving the flow of the content
  • checking terms and jargon are appropriate
  • removal of repetitive language
  • checking layout of headings, paragraphs and images
  • checking for misquotations, factual errors, misspelt names, misused words, numbers that don't add up and incomplete references
  • flagging instances of plagiarism or breach of copyright, libel, sexism or racism. However, responsibility for these remain with the writer.

Business editing does not include extensive rewriting or restructuring, ghost writing, proofreading, text or cover design, indexing, research, copyright permissions or project management.
business proofreading
BUSINESS PROOFREADING includes checks for:
  • spelling, typos, grammar, punctuation
  • pagination
  • accuracy of numbers and URLs
  • consistency of formatting and capitalisation
  • application of preferred English (NZ/AU/US/BR). 

Proofreading does not include copy-editing (unless a sentence is grammatically incorrect, it will not be changed for style reasons). If extensive changes are needed, I will first discuss the situation with you. Proofreading also does not include indexing, page layout/design, seeking permissions
plain language editing
​PLAIN LANGUAGE EDITING makes sure that a document keeps the reader in mind, and makes written information clear, accurate and easy to understand.
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This service includes:
  • using plain language techniques to rewrite your document without losing the intended tone and content
  • making sure your content is user-friendly
  • checking the content is consistent and well-organised
  • checking spelling, grammar and punctuation
  • checking the layout is easy to follow and professional
  • basic fact checking, references and formatting
  • commenting on the content and functionality of the document, whether it is achieving what is intended, and whether it meets the needs of the audience.
book editing
​​BOOK EDITING is enhancing the writing to make sure the target audience understands the intended message in the style that is required.

Once you have the structure of your book as good as you can, it is ready for copyediting. Copyediting gets into the nitty-gritty of the writing, and we will go over your words with a fine-tooth comb.
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This includes checking for:
  1. Content and structure
    1. the content is complete
    2. the structure is appropriate for the content
    3. active headings are used
  2. Sentence and paragraph structure and phrasing
    1. errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, style and usage are checked
    2. the flow of the writing is enhanced with the reader in mind
  3. Consistency and appropriateness of language
    1. the language is appropriate for the target audience
    2. terms are used correctly and consistently
    3. the choice and consistency of alternative spellings, hyphenation, italics, capitals, units of measurement and symbols are checked, and recorded in a style sheet
  4. Formatting of headings, paragraphs and images
    1. headings and paragraphs are formatted consistently using Word styles
    2. images support the text, with clear captions
    3. the table of contents matches the headings and page numbers
    4. footnotes are correct
    5. clickable links work
  5. Accuracy
    1. misquotations, factual errors, misspelt names, misused words, numbers that don't add up and incomplete references are checked or queried.
    2. anything that does not seem to make sense is queried. However, the author is ultimately responsible for what they write
  6. Legal issues
    1. any instances of plagiarism or breach of copyright, libel, sexism or racism will be brought to your attention. However, the responsibility for these remain with the writer and publisher.

Copyediting does not include extensive rewriting or restructuring, ghost writing, proofreading, text or cover design, indexing, research, copyright permissions or project management.
book proofreading
BOOK PROOFREADING is a final check to make sure that there are no errors that could detract from the published work, and that the work looks polished and professional.

Proofreading is the final step before publication, after all other levels of editing.

Proofreading includes checking and correcting:  
  • ​Spelling, following the convention of your choice
  • Punctuation
  • Grammar
  • Typos
  • Overall consistency throughout the document of spelling as well as of fonts, page numbers, headings, line spacing, and numbers relating to references, contents and diagram lists, etc.  
  • Formatting the document using Word Styles so that all parts of the document are consistent.     

​​​Proofreading does not include copy-editing (unless a sentence is grammatically incorrect, it will not be changed for style reasons). If extensive changes are needed, we will first discuss this with you. Proofreading also does not include indexing, page layout/design, seeking permissions.    
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Project terms and conditions

Last updated: 8 September 2023

These project terms and conditions are part of the contract you enter into when you engage CLEARLINGO. By agreeing by email to the quote provided to you and hiring Clearlingo to provide one or more of our services, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. Please read them though carefully and get in touch if you have any questions.

Trading as: CLEARLINGO

Definitions
"You" is the client, its employees and agents.

"We", "Us" and "Our" is CLEARLINGO, Marja Stack, its employees and agents.


1. Scope of work
  • The project will be completed according to the quote.
  • The quote was based on the information provided by you. If this changes, we will discuss this with you before starting work on the project, and ​the quote will be adjusted accordingly.
  • Once the project is complete, if you decide that you would like the same document worked on again, that work will be under a new agreement.
  • The work will be done using Track Changes and Comments in a Word document, or the Mark-up and Comments functions in PDF documents.

​​​​2. Timing
  • The date of the start of the project depends on the availability in our schedule and will be confirmed at the time the quote is accepted.
  • You will send all material required to complete the project (as advised by us) prior to 9.00 am on the day of the agreed start of the project. The project may be cancelled if we have not received the documents prior to the start time, with cancellation penalties as outlined below.
  • The date of the completion of the project will be agreed at the time the quote is accepted. We shall make every reasonable effort to ensure, but shall not guarantee, that completion dates are met.
  • The delivery date of the completed document may be changed by the agreement of both parties.
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3. Fees
  • We will provide a quote of the expected charges prior to undertaking work, which may require samples to be provided by you.
  • Quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of the quote.
  • Any changes or alterations to the scope, content or specification of the project requested by you after we have commenced the job that result in extra hours of work will be an extra charge.

4. Payment schedule
  • Payment may be made by direct bank deposit or PayPal. Some fees may apply.
  • In the case of a delayed payment of the deposit or booking fee, the start date of the project may be delayed. We will not be held responsible for deadlines not being met due to late payment.

4.1. Business editing and plain language projects
  • Payment is due 20th of the month following the invoice.

4.2. Book projects accepted more than 30 days prior to the agreed start date:
  • Booking fee: A NON-REFUNDABLE booking fee of 10% of the total for all services scheduled more than one month in advance of the project start date will be due at the time you agree to the quote and the terms and conditions. The booking fee will be deducted from the final invoice. A space in our schedule is not reserved until this fee has cleared.
  • Deposit: A deposit of 50% of the total value of the project will be invoiced 14 days prior to the agreed start date and due prior to the agreed start date.
  • Balance: Payment of the balance is due 14 days after the return of the completed manuscript.

4.3. Book projects accepted within 30 days of the agreed start date:
  • Deposit:​ A deposit of 50% of the total value of the project will be due at the time you agree to the quote and the terms and conditions.
  • Balance: Payment of the balance is due 14 days after the return of the completed manuscript.
 
  • In the case of a late payment of more than 30 days, a one-off fee of $25 incl. GST will be added to the invoice. In addition, interest calculated monthly will be charged at the rate of 2% per month.
  • All third-party costs in relation to collecting overdue accounts will be added to the invoice.
  • We are entitled to retain possession of the work undertaken for you until we have been paid in full for my work.
  • All original content remains your copyright. However, we retain copyright on the edits until the invoice is paid in full, at which time we relinquish the copyright to you.

5. Cancellation
  • If you cancel the contract – excluding for unforeseen reasons such as personal tragedy, natural disasters, etc. – it may result in financial penalty:
    • If a scheduled service is cancelled 30 days or more in advance of start date, the booking fee is forfeit.
    • If a scheduled service is cancelled fewer than 30 days prior to start date, 50% of the deposit, in addition to the booking fee, is forfeit, if the deposit has already been paid. If the deposit has not yet been paid, this will still be owing.
    • If you cancel the scheduled service during the booked space of the project, you will be charged 100% of the full service fee.
  • In the unlikely case that we terminate the agreement, you will pay me for work completed up to the date of termination.
  • You and us both have the right to terminate a contract for services at any time if there is a serious breach of its terms.
  • If, once the booking has been cancelled, you decide to reschedule, you will be scheduled for my next availability. There would also be a new non-refundable booking fee to secure the space.

​​6. Limitations and Liability
  • We do not guarantee a publishing contract, books sales or any other achievement as a result of services provided.
  • We will take all due care to ensure accuracy, effectiveness and the factual accuracy of the work. However, you accept full responsibility for accuracy and originality as well as any residual errors that appear in the final version.
  • To the extent permitted by the laws of New Zealand, we accept no liability on any grounds for consequential damages or losses arising from any cause, including omission or negligence.
  • We are in no way responsible for advising on legal issues such as (but not limited to) privacy, copyright, defamation, intellectual property, business in confidence or representations made by the you in the material. We may, where possible, provide an opinion on questionable material as soon as it is discovered.
  • We shall not be held responsible for any loss to you due to delays not caused by us, loss of the subject matter in transit, or legal action against you as a result of publishing the document.

7. Indemnity
  • We are not to be held responsible, or any incur costs from you or a third party, for any copyright infringement or other issues such as (but not limited to) privacy, defamation, intellectual property, business in confidence or representations made by the you in the material.

8. Applicable Law
  • All work is governed by the laws of New Zealand, and the Courts of New Zealand shall have the sole and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all disputes in connection with claims arising from work produced by us.

9. Confidentiality
  • All work received is treated with utmost respect and confidentiality. We will not share any information on your project with a third party without your written consent.

10. Public disclosure and promotion
  • Testimonials are the best way to thank us for a job well done, so if you feel inclined to offer one after we've finished the job, we'd be very appreciative. We may add this to our website testimonial page, and it can be anonymous if you prefer.
  • Note that we reserve the right to decline public credit for editing your project, including in the Acknowledgments and on our website, and to request that you do not publicise our working arrangement. We will notify you of this request should we feel it necessary.
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