Your data, your privacy, and the GDPR

I am a registered sole trader operating as Night Owl Edits and offer copy editing and proofreading services to authors and publishers. My client base is worldwide. This policy describes how I protect and make use of the information you give me.

I value your privacy as much as my own. I’m committed to keeping your personal information safe and will neither sell it nor give it away to third parties, unless required by law. 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 20 June 2023.

Why do I collect data from you?

I collect your personal data (as defined under the UK GDPR) in order to:

• respond to your requests for information (e.g. my availability or a quote for editorial services)

• allow you to register for a special offer

• allow me to contact you while an editing project is ongoing

• allow access to 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:

• your name

• your contact postal address

• your email address

• your phone number if provided by you voluntarily

• 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 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.

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.

How do I collect your personal data?

I collect and store minimal information via the following forms:

• contact form (via Squarespace)

• email (via Googlemail)

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.

How do I store your personal data?

The minimal information I collect is stored on the following data servers:

• 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. You can access Dropbox's privacy policy here

• Squarespace. This is my website host. It is password-protected and has SSL-certification (https) to provide an additional layer of security. You can access Squarespace's privacy policy here

• PayPal. This is the password-protected online payment service I use for editorial-services clients who elect not to be invoiced via direct bank transfer. All PayPal transactions are subject to the PayPal Privacy Policy. Your data will used for accounting purposes only and will never be divulged to third parties

• Googlemail. This is the password-protected server I use to communicate via email. You can access Googlemail's privacy policy here

How long do I keep your data for?

I don’t delete data unless specifically requested to do so. My tax authority, HMRC, requires me to keep records for at least five years.

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.

My contact information

If you have any questions or requests for modification or removal of your data, you are welcome to email me at gabriella@nightowledits.com.