WORDSHARP
Editing and Proofreading
22 years in business | 630.360.3043
editing policies

WordSharp Proofreading & Editing Terms of Service

Use of the WordSharp website or the contracting of WordSharp services is acknowledgement and acceptance of the company’s Terms of Service as detailed herein.


Privacy Policy

Information Collection and Use
At WordSharp, we take online privacy seriously and we respect everyone's right to personal privacy, especially our community of users. This privacy policy explains how WordSharp receives and protects payments, documents and personal information. Information is collected and used only as disclosed in this privacy policy, which complies with all EU GDPR and California CalOPPA requirements.

Intellectual Property
The client maintains ownership and copyright over all of the client's materials. Additionally, WordSharp does not require credit or acknowledgement beyond the fees for services rendered, although, it is a commonly accepted practice for some writers to credit us as their professional editor and this is always appreciated.

Submission Confidentiality and Security
WordSharp takes the issues surrounding classified and confidential texts and intellectual copyright very seriously. Only our writing editors and staff have access to a client's submission. Each member of our team has signed a Confidentiality Agreement ensuring they will not, under any circumstances, share a client's work with anyone outside of WordSharp. Therefore, WordSharp guarantees that no part of a client's text submitted for proofreading or editing will be compromised, disclosed, appropriated by or shared with anyone for any reason whatsoever. Unless requested otherwise, files may be expunged after sixty days. If a client requires a separate non-disclosure agreement, they may contact WordSharp. Due to our strict confidentiality policies, WordSharp does not release a client's information or the titles of edited materials.

Payment Security
WordSharp makes use of the most powerful and updated security measures including the industry standard in encryption (128-bit secure socket layer). This is the highest level of security commercially available and is the same standard of security used in cash machines (ATMs) and by many retail stores. To protect our clients' private information, we have partnered with Venmo, PayPal, which provides one of the most trusted financial transaction systems on the Internet. The entire payment process is conducted through Square or PayPal's secure website, which both adhere to global PCI (payment card industry) compliance standards for data security. No banking information or credit card data is ever collected or stored by us. For information about how Square or PayPal protect clients from unauthorized payments with their fraud monitoring, visit SquareUP.com or the PayPal Security Center.

Data Protection
The security of our clients' personal data is of utmost importance. WordSharp protect data from unauthorized access, misuse or disclosure. WordSharp follow industry standards to protect private information. WordSharp does not sell, trade, transfer, rent or share any personal information with any other party. The privacy policies of Square and PayPal govern the collection and use of all personally identifiable information while on their site. The information collected is used only for billing purposes and order fulfillment.

The WordSharp website is a division of WordSharp Communication International. In accordance with international privacy standards, where information is transferred across borders, we take reasonable steps to uphold principles for fair handling of personal information.

Information Management
Upon entering the WordSharp website, information is recorded by a third party on our behalf. This includes the referring website, date, time, pages accessed, operating system and browser used.

Information regarding transactions is recorded and used while offering our services. This information may include name, email address, fee for services, dates of transactions and data regarding the editing process.

WordSharp only discloses personal information to a third party when contracted to provide a service on our behalf (e.g., SquareUp or PayPal). Third parties receive only the data necessary to provide the specified service. By providing data to WordSharp, the client agrees to the collection of said data as stated in this Privacy Policy, and agree to contact with us for administrative purposes.

Cookies
A cookie is a small text file stored on a user's computer for record-keeping purposes. WordSharp does not set cookies from this site. However, our business partners (e.g., PayPal and SquareUp) use cookies on their sites. WordSharp has no access to, or control over, these cookies.

Accuracy of Client Information
Clients are responsible for providing true and accurate information with respect to their name, address, phone number, email address and all payment details. Failure to provide correct and accurate information can result in refusal of service. The client assumes all responsibility for any errors or issues, as well as legal liability resulting from such false information. WordSharp maintains the accuracy of personal information, and takes action to correct inaccuracies where identified. Please read the entire Privacy Policy and security information on this page for more details.

Disposal of Client Information
WordSharp destroys and/or deletes personal information from our systems in accordance with applicable laws. All texts may be expunged from our system within sixty days of project completion unless otherwise instructed by the client.

Legal Disclaimer
As required by law, WordSharp reserves the right to disclose personally identifiable information when that disclosure is necessary to comply with a judicial proceeding, court order, legal process served and/or to protect the rights of WordSharp.

Security Information
WordSharp takes reasonable steps to protect digital texts. We are committed to providing security, integrity and authenticity of all data via our system, and use up-to-date technology to maintain that commitment. Unfortunately, not all data transmissions over the Internet are totally secure, and WordSharp cannot guarantee the security of data sent to us via the Internet.

A secure page can be identified by the "https" that forms the first part of the web address (e.g., https://www.paypal/quote.php).

Malware Precautions
WordSharp uses the latest in anti-virus protection to ensure that all of our systems and texts are free of viruses.

Links to External Websites
This privacy policy applies only to practices of this website and not to the practices or content of any linked websites. This website contains links to other sites that are not owned or controlled by WordSharp. Please be aware that WordSharp is not responsible for the privacy practices of other sites. Clients are encouraged to be aware when they leave the site and to read the privacy statements of each website that collects personally identifiable information.

Communication

Service Communications
Any requested information will be received via a return email from Client Services. Anyone purchasing services will receive an email confirmation. If there is an issue with a client's order, Client Services will contact the client to resolve it. The client may not opt out of receiving service communications.

Ownership and Copyright of Business Names and Website Content
The WordSharp website, any subsidiary websites and the business name WordSharp Communication Interntional are owned and operated by WordSharp. Copyright and trademark law protect all material on this site and subsidiary sites including services, images, policies, copy and costs. The names WordSharp and WordSharp Communication International and the website content cannot be used, reproduced, transmitted or modified without the expressed permission of WordSharp. Anyone wishing to link to the WordSharp website or advertise our services must first contact Client Services.

Complaints Process
Anyone having an issue with WordSharp may contact Client Services to state the details of the issue and proper contact information. WordSharp will investigate and correspond where necessary to resolve any issues.

2003 Spam Act Provisions
WordSharp adheres to the SPAM Act (2003). We do not distribute any mailing lists to any third party.

Modification of Terms and Conditions
WordSharp reserves the right to modify, amend, alter, change, reorganize, rewrite or revoke the Terms and Conditions contained herein at any time, for any reason and without notice. Any material change to the Terms and Conditions on the website serves as due notification and becomes effective immediately. Any person’s continued use of this website following notification constitutes acceptance of all changes.

Questions or Suggestions
Any questions or suggestions regarding the Terms of Service should be directed to Client Services.

Liability


Jurisdiction
WordSharp is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois in The United States. By accepting these Terms and Conditions all users submit to the jurisdiction of the courts in that state.

Indemnification
Any client or visitor to the site agrees to indemnify and hold WordSharp and anyone associated with WordSharp harmless from any and all claim or demand, including but not limited to reasonable fees and costs for the service of an attorney, or as may be made by any third-party due to or arising from use of the site or service, or violation of these Terms and Conditions by the client or visitor, or infringement of any intellectual property or other right of any person or entity by the client or visitor. WordSharp gives no assurances or warranty regarding the accuracy, currency or applicability of any of the website contents in relation to specific situations and particular circumstances, and disclaims all liability with respect to such information.

Service Quality and Standards
WordSharp strives to provide complete satisfaction through our high quality editing service. All texts are proofread, edited and/or otherwise produced to a high and exacting standard. WordSharp does not guarantee that proofreading or editing are perfect and error free. WordSharp is not obligated to refund the cost of the service in part or in full in the case of an edited, proofread or formatted text deemed less than perfect. Please see the details of our guarantee.

WordSharp is not liable for incidental, indirect, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages, including loss of business, lost revenues or profits, or loss of data related to this service. This exemption applies to any claim, loss, or injury based on errors or omissions, interruptions, or any other inaccuracies that may appear on the WordSharp website or in and text that we alter or produce.

Financial Fraud or Theft
WordSharp is not liable for the fraudulent use of any credit card or other payment method that may be used to purchase its services.

Refusal or Denial of Service
WordSharp reserves the right to deny or refuse service to anyone without explanation for any reason deemed appropriate.

Technical Disclaimer
WordSharp is not liable or responsible for service delays resulting from unforeseen circumstances such as technical problems including server or connection issues that are beyond our control. We will make every effort to meet deadlines and communicate with the client in the case of technical problems. WordSharp is not liable or responsible for any damage to computer hardware or software arising from the distribution of a computer virus as a result of using the WordSharp website or system.


Termination of Service and Contractual Obligations
In the event a client violates any of the Terms and Conditions contained herein, WordSharp reserves the right to terminate all service and contractual obligations with the client. Furthermore, WordSharp may, at its discretion, discontinue or terminate operation of its website, services, or trading name without notice at any time and for any reason.

A contract between WordSharp and the client commences as soon as the client has submitted payment for the service and WordSharp has received the payment. Receipt of payment constitutes confirmation that the project is to commence. Clients submitting a project to WordSharp are responsible for paying the invoice in full.

A cancellation requested or made by a client before the work begins will result in a full refund, less any costs incurred by WordSharp, including but not limited to bank/transfer fees and administrative fees. Should a client wish to cancel the service once a project has commenced, any refund made will be as a credit applied to the client's account and may exclude any associated costs incurred by WordSharp, including bank/transfer fees, administrative fees, and editor fees. Editor fees are charged at a rate of $32 per hour for the total number of hours spent working on the project up to and including the full cost of said project. Please note that we do not consider deliveries made later than the approximate turnaround time as grounds for a refund. The website and email communications clearly state that turnaround times are estimates. The actual delivery time is at the discretion of WordSharp and depends on the length and quality of the original text and WordSharp's in-house workflow. Refunds and guarantees are only offered in part or in full on our services where stated. Any other refund is solely at the discretion of WordSharp. Please see the details of our proofreading guarantee for further information.

Each client is responsible for providing accurate and descriptive requirements to WordSharp at the time of submitting a project or prior to a quote being issued. These requirements form the statement of work. Failure to provide correct and accurate information in the statement of work may result in the cancellation of a transaction. Where a transaction is canceled due to a breach of these Terms and Conditions, a refund will be offered of all money paid less any associated cost incurred by WordSharp, including bank/transfer fees and editor costs. The client assumes all responsibility for any problems, errors and issues, as well as legal liability resulting from an incorrect statement of work.

WordSharp reserves the right to cancel service to anyone when a virus is suspected in submitted files. In the case of a cancellation, a refund will be issued less any associated cost incurred by WordSharp, including bank/transfer fees, editor fees, and virus removal costs.

WordSharp reserves the right to cancel service for any reason and without explanation.

Content of Submitted Materials
Clients are advised that plagiarism and breach of copyright are serious offenses. WordSharp reserves the right to decline service to anyone whose project involves plagiarized content. In situations where copyright infringement or plagiarism is discovered or suspected after texts have been accepted for editing, clients are advised of the serious nature of said offenses and editing will not proceed.

While recognizing the right to free speech, WordSharp reserves the right to refuse to proofread, edit or format any text that advocates or incites violence, hatred or discrimination in contravention of national and international laws.

The information contained in texts edited by this service may include opinions or views that are not those of WordSharp or any person associated with this company. WordSharp is not responsible or liable in relation to the use of any information contained in texts including misleading or defamatory statements, or the infringement of third-party copyright.

Users of the WordSharp website are prohibited from posting or transmitting to the site any material that is virus-infected, unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene or pornographic, as well as any other material that would violate national or international law.

Transactions

Timing of Payment
Unless you are utilizing PayPal Credit, the following apply. Full payment is required before beginning a project. For larger projects, payment may be made in installments if agreed upon in advance. However, payment must be complete before a project will be returned.

Turnaround
Turnaround times are estimates unless a specific date and/or time is agreed upon as binding by both parties before the work begins.

Special Projects and Expedited Service
Expedited turnaround times and special projects will incur an additional cost. If payment has been made before the request for expedited service (rush), the additional cost will be handled as a separate invoice; the payment for expedited service must be made before service will be completed.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property
This site and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by WordSharp Communications International and are protected by international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws. All copyright, trademarks, design rights, patents, and other intellectual property right, registered and unregistered, in and on WordSharp Communications International's website belong to WordSharp and/or third parties.

WordSharp reserves all of its right in and on this WordSharp website. Nothing in the TOS grants anyone a right or license to use and trademark, design right, or copyright owned or controlled WordSharp or any other third party except as expressly provided in the TOS.