Contract of Service – Editing

WordServings
Effective Date: 2025-09-01

These terms and conditions ensure clarity and mutual respect in our work together. By confirming a project in writing, you agree to these terms. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.

Overview

1.1 These terms apply to all editing services provided by Judith Arnold/WordServings (“I”, “me”) to the Client (“you”).
1.2 Work will be carried out independently, using my own equipment, at times and places of my choosing.
1.3 I personally complete all projects and will not subcontract without your written consent.
1.4 I am self-employed, responsible for my own taxes, and not your employee.
1.5 This is a work-for-hire contract; to which you retain all legal rights and privileges.

Project Terms

2.1 Before work begins, we will confirm in writing (including email):
• The format of the work (Word Track Changes).
• How annotations or comments will appear.
• The project scope and deliverables.
• The project start date.
• The estimated project return date.
• The agreed fee (per word, per hour, or flat fee) and any applicable taxes
• Any additional expenses (postage, travel if required, etc.).
2.2 My quote will be based on the whole project, not on a sample alone. This is the only way I can ensure a fair quote for both you and me.
2.3 I reserve the right to reject taking on any project.

Project Quotes

3.1 Quotes are based on a review of the project and discussion of your needs.
3.2 Once agreed, the quote is fixed for thirty (30) days, any changes to the quote will require review and/or revisions as appropriate.
3.3 Any work in addition to the work quoted will count as a new project and must be negotiated separately.
3.4 Unless otherwise agreed, the quoted fee covers one pass of the manuscript. Additional passes count as new projects.

Payments & Booking Fees

4.1 The booking fee is non-refundable. The booking fee is for my scheduled time to do the work on your project.
4.2 For projects under $150 USD (or equivalent), full payment is due up front within three (3) days of booking the project (the booking fee).
4.3 For projects of $150 USD or more, 50% is due in advance, half of which is the booking fee and is due within three (3) days of signing the contract. This secures your place in my schedule.
4.4 The remaining balance is due before delivery of finished files. Finished files will be released after final payment is received.
4.5 Invoices are payable within the timeframe stated on the invoice. Late payments may incur interest as allowed by law.
NOTE: My time is valuable, as is yours, so please be sure of your schedule before booking.

Fees & Taxes

5.1 All fees on the website are in USD. Clients are responsible for any bank or currency conversion fees.
5.2 Because I am a Canadian sole proprietor, HST/GST taxes may be applicable on your project. If so, they will be included in the fee and noted on all quotes and invoices as required by law.

Cancellation Policy

6.1 General: Either party may cancel for a serious breach of contract; notice must be in writing and acknowledged.
6.2 Booking fees are non-refundable.
6.3 Projects of $150 USD or less: If you cancel after booking the project, NO refund will be issued.
6.4 Projects over $150 USD: If you cancel before work begins, only the booking fee will be charged. If cancelled after work begins, the full deposit will be charged.
6.5 Extraordinary Circumstances: If illness, family crisis, or other serious events affect either you or me, we will discuss options fairly. If I must cancel, I will refund all payments made, including the booking fee, and return your unedited documents to you.
6.6 Project Start Reminders: I will confirm two weeks before the scheduled start date. Files are due 24 hours before the start date; failure to deliver files by then may be treated as a cancellation.
6.7 Client Delays: If you delay providing required materials, feedback, or approvals beyond the agreed schedule, I may need to reschedule your project. If the delay exceeds 30 days, your booking will be released, and a new booking fee will be required to restart the project.
NOTE: Refunds to the client, if issued, will in no way or amount exceed the funds received from the client for any one particular contract.

Confidentiality

7.1 All material and communication will be treated as confidential.
7.2 I will not share your files without written permission.
7.3 I use secure cloud storage (Onedrive, Dropbox, Google). See my Privacy Policy for details on data protection.
7.4 Portfolio Use: I may refer to anonymized details of your project (“memoir editing,” “romance novel”) in my portfolio or case studies. Your name, work, and identifying details will never be shared without your written consent. You may opt out of all portfolio references at any time.

Copyright

8.1 You retain copyright for all content you provide.
8.2 You indemnify me against copyright or trademark claims arising from your content.
8.3 Any edits, comments, or writing I create for you transfers to your copyright after full payment has been received.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

9.1 I may, at times, use professional AI-assisted tools (for example, to check consistency, flag patterns, or generate alternatives) to support the editing process. These tools are always used under my direct supervision, and all final editorial decisions are made by me.
9.2 AI is never used as a replacement for my professional judgment or for your unique voice. Its role is limited to efficiency and quality support, allowing me to devote more energy to craft, clarity, and client collaboration.
9.3 Your manuscript remains confidential. I do not share your work with unsecured systems, and I take care to protect your intellectual property when using AI tools.

Force Majeure

Neither party will be liable for delays or failure to perform obligations if caused by events beyond reasonable control, including war, strike, riot, crime, epidemic, power outages, or sudden legal and/or government change. In such cases, both parties will make reasonable efforts to agree on a revised schedule.

Acknowledgements

You are not required to mention Judith Arnold or WordServings in your published work, but if you would like to, I request the opportunity to review or decline the mention.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This agreement is governed by the laws of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island. Both parties agree to attempt in good faith to resolve disputes through mediation before pursuing court action. Disputes that cannot be resolved by mediation will be handled in the courts of Prince Edward Island and nowhere else.

For questions, contact:
hello@wordservings.com
www.wordservings.com