Terms and Conditions
By engaging my services, you agree to the following terms and conditions. These terms set out the basis on which I provide editorial services and are intended to ensure clarity and mutual understanding before work begins.
If you have any questions, please contact me before instructing work.
1. Overview
I am a registered sole trader trading as Jo Murray, Medical Editor. I provide freelance medical and technical editing services to expert witnesses, healthcare professionals, medical education and communications agencies, public bodies and creative agencies. My client base is worldwide.
These terms apply to all work undertaken by me (Jo Murray) for the client (you).
I provide editorial services as described on my website and as agreed in writing between us. No obligation exists on either party to offer or accept work unless agreed in writing.
All services will be confirmed in writing before work begins.
All work is carried out independently, at times and locations determined by me, using my own equipment. I am self-employed and responsible for my own tax and National Insurance obligations. I am not VAT registered.
2. Project terms
Before work begins, we will agree in writing:
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The scope of the services to be provided
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The format in which the work will be carried out (e.g. Microsoft Word, PDF)
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The method of annotation (e.g. Track Changes, comments)
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The agreed deadline for delivery and return
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Any agreed expenses payable in addition to fees
For copyediting or proofreading, the client must supply the complete text before work starts. Once work has commenced, changes to the text may result in additional fees or revised deadlines.
3. Fees and payment
Fees may be charged on an hourly basis, per 1,000 words, per day or as a project fee, depending on the nature of the work. Fees are agreed in advance.
For new clients, I may request a deposit or part-payment before work begins.
If, after reviewing the material or during the course of the work, it becomes clear that the scope differs materially from the original brief, I reserve the right to renegotiate the fee and/or deadline.
Additional tasks requested after work has started may result in revised fees or deadlines, or may be declined if they cannot be accommodated.
Urgent or weekend work may be charged at a higher rate, which will be agreed in advance.
Invoices are issued monthly or on completion of the project, unless otherwise agreed. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date.
Late payment may incur statutory interest and recovery costs in accordance with UK late payment legislation.
4. Cancellation
The client may cancel a project by providing written notice (including email). Payment will be due for work completed up to the point of cancellation, less any deposit already paid.
If either party is affected by circumstances beyond their reasonable control that cause delay or cancellation, they will notify the other as soon as possible and seek to agree a revised timeframe or solution where feasible.
5. Author responsibility and limitation of liability
The client remains responsible for the factual accuracy, legal validity and clinical appropriateness of all content.
Unless explicitly agreed in writing, my services do not include verification of factual accuracy, source validation, legal review or clinical review.
While I take all reasonable care in providing editorial services, I cannot guarantee that all errors, omissions or ambiguities will be identified.
My liability is limited to the value of the fee paid for the work in question, or to the extent of my Professional Indemnity Insurance, whichever is lower.
6. Copyright and confidentiality
All copyright in the edited content remains with the client, unless otherwise agreed.
I will treat all client materials as confidential and will not disclose them to third parties without prior written consent, except where required by law.
7. Data protection
Both parties agree to comply with applicable data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
Only data necessary for the provision of services will be held, and it will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy policies.
8. Quality standards
I hold Professional Indemnity Insurance.
I have trained with the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and work in accordance with its Code of Practice, which sets out standards for professional editorial work and business conduct.
The full Code of Practice is available at: https://www.ciep.uk/about-the-ciep/membership-codes/professional-practice-code.html
9. Termination
Either party may terminate an agreement with immediate effect if the other commits a serious breach of these terms.
10. Legal jurisdiction
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Both parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English and Welsh courts.