Project Initiation and Scope
All editing projects are subject to review and acceptance. We reserve the right to decline any project that does not align with our services or values.
Before work begins, we’ll agree in writing on the project’s scope, including services, timeline, and deliverables.
If changes arise after the agreement (e.g., additional word count, new goals), we’ll update the scope and may adjust pricing and deadlines accordingly.
Payment Terms
Rates vary depending on the type of edit, word count, and project complexity. A custom quote will be provided before work begins.
Invoices and Payment Schedule
- A 50% deposit is due upon acceptance of the project.
- The remaining balance is due upon project completion, before delivery of final files.
- Payment is accepted via PayPal and Wise.
Payments not made within 30 days of the due date may incur a 1.5% monthly late fee. Work may be paused until outstanding balances are paid.
Timelines and Turnaround
Turnaround times will be outlined in the agreement. These are based on the assumption that the client provides materials and feedback on time. The client must deliver manuscript on the agreed date. Late submissions may result in project rescheduling.
If the client fails to provide approvals or responses within 5-7 business days, project delivery may be delayed. Additional fees may apply for significant delays.
Expedited timelines may incur an additional fee and are subject to availability.
Communication
Communication will primarily take place via email and Zoom.
Please allow 1–2 business days for responses. We’ll notify you if we’re unavailable for any extended period.
Projects may include a set number of calls. Additional calls or meetings beyond the scope will be billed at $50 per hour.
Client Deliverables and File Requirements
Please submit files in Microsoft Word .docx or .doc format. Use a 12pt, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman or Ariel. Files should be proofread and formatted to your best ability.
Clients are responsible for backing up all original and delivered files. We are not liable for loss or corruption during file transfer.
Confidentiality and Privacy
We treat all client materials as confidential. Your documents will not be shared, quoted, or used for promotional purposes without written consent.
With your permission, we may mention your project or use brief, anonymized excerpts for promotional purposes.
Ownership and Rights
You retain full ownership of your manuscript and all intellectual property. We do not claim rights to your work.
Until final payment is processed, all edits and related materials remain the property of the editor. Upon full payment, all rights to the edited materials transfer to the author.
Quality and Disclaimers
We strive for excellence in every project. However, we cannot guarantee that all errors will be caught or that the work will result in publication or sales.
Final responsibility for the manuscript—including accuracy, originality, and legal compliance—remains with the author.
Content Guidelines
Clients are required to disclose potentially sensitive content (e.g., graphic violence, abuse, self-harm) in advance using a content disclosure system.
We reserve the right to decline projects that contain material outside our scope or values, including content that is gratuitously explicit, hateful, or exploitative.
Termination and Cancellation
If you cancel the project after work has begun, you’ll be responsible for paying for all work completed up to the date of termination.
We reserve the right to terminate the project if the client breaches these terms or communication becomes unprofessional.
The Client is liable to reimburse Grace Sweeney for any work completed through the termination date, charged at the normal project rates/fees according to the contract.
Revisions and Amendments
After your editing project is complete, you’ll receive the following support to ensure you’re satisfied with the results:
- Follow-up calls (specified in agreement): These can be used to discuss feedback, clarify any points, or get advice on your next steps.
- Six months of email support: For minor questions or clarification, I’m available via email for up to six months after the delivery of the final project.
The follow-up calls and email support are designed to address the following:
- Clarifying my editorial suggestions or addressing questions about the edit.
- Providing guidance on revisions that you’d like to make based on our feedback.
- Offering advice on next steps, whether that’s more editing or how to prepare for submission.
Please note that the follow-up calls and email support cover clarifications and minor adjustments to the work completed. They are not intended to:
- Provide extensive re-edits or rewriting services
- Address significant changes to the manuscript that fall outside the original scope of the project
If your request exceeds the scope of what is included in the support, we’ll discuss the next steps and potential additional fees for further services.
I will respond to emails within 2–3 business days. Please be as clear and specific as possible in your emails to ensure efficient support.
Follow-up calls will be scheduled based on mutual availability within 60 days after the delivery of the project.
Disputes and Governing Law
In the rare event of a dispute, both parties agree to attempt a good-faith resolution before pursuing legal action.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, USA.
These Terms may be updated periodically. Any changes will apply to future projects and will not retroactively affect ongoing ones.
If you have any questions about these terms, please contact grace@swefam.com.