Terms of Service

Clearly Edited

Last updated: 29 October 2026

1. About Clearly Edited

Clearly Edited is a freelance editing and proofreading service operated by Adele Fletcher, a sole trader based in Queensland, Australia.

These Terms of Service explain how I work with clients and the general conditions that apply to my services.

My aim is to provide careful, professional editing while maintaining clear communication, fair arrangements and respect for each client's work.

2. Editing services

Clearly Edited offers editing, proofreading and document formatting services for academic writing, manuscripts and other written material.

The nature and extent of the work will depend on your requirements and will be agreed upon before the project begins.

Editing may involve improving grammar, punctuation, spelling, clarity, consistency, readability and presentation. It does not ordinarily include rewriting substantial portions of a document, undertaking original research or creating new content unless expressly agreed and appropriate.

For academic work, editing must comply with applicable institutional requirements and academic integrity standards, including relevant guidance from the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd).

3. Quotations and agreements

Each project is assessed individually, taking into account the document's length, complexity, condition, required editing services and requested timeframe.

Before work begins, I will provide a written quotation or estimate and confirm the proposed scope of work.

Where appropriate, a separate Client Editing Agreement will set out the agreed services, fees, deadlines, payment arrangements and any special requirements.

No obligation to proceed arises simply from requesting information or obtaining a quotation.

Once a project is accepted, the agreed written arrangements will govern the editing work. Where those arrangements differ from these general terms, the project-specific agreement will take precedence, subject to applicable law.

4. Fees and payment

Fees will be agreed upon before editing begins. Depending on the project, charges may be based on a fixed project fee, an hourly rate or another agreed method.

Any deposit requirements, payment schedules and payment methods will be confirmed in writing.

If additional work becomes necessary, I will discuss the proposed changes and any associated costs with you before proceeding.

I will not charge additional fees beyond the agreed arrangements without your approval.

5. Client responsibilities

To help ensure that editing proceeds smoothly, clients are asked to:

• Provide complete and accurate documents, instructions and relevant style or formatting guidelines.
• Identify any specific submission requirements or deadlines.
• Confirm that they have the necessary rights or permissions to provide material for editing.
• Review the edited document and decide which suggested changes to accept.

The author remains responsible for the accuracy, originality and substantive content of their work, including research findings, factual claims, references and compliance with academic or publishing requirements.

6. Confidentiality and privacy

I understand that manuscripts, academic documents and other materials may be unpublished, personal or confidential.

Client documents and project information will be treated confidentially and used only for purposes reasonably connected with providing the agreed services, unless disclosure is authorised by the client or required by law.

Clearly Edited does not use generative AI tools to create or rewrite client material. Please see the Privacy Policy for details of the editing software and document-handling services used.

Personal information will be handled in accordance with the Clearly Edited Privacy Policy and applicable Australian privacy requirements.

7. Copyright and ownership

Clients retain copyright and ownership of their original work and the edited material, subject to any rights belonging to third parties.

Providing a document for editing does not transfer copyright to Clearly Edited.

I will not publish, reproduce or use client material for promotional purposes without permission.

8. Changes, cancellations and delays

I understand that project circumstances and deadlines can change.

If you need to amend or cancel a project, please contact me as soon as possible so we can discuss the available options.

Where a project is cancelled after work has commenced, charges may apply for work already completed and any reasonable, agreed and non-recoverable costs, subject to applicable law and the specific project agreement. Any refund due will be calculated fairly.

If unforeseen circumstances affect my ability to meet an agreed deadline, I will advise you promptly and discuss suitable arrangements.

9. Quality of service and limitations

I take reasonable care to provide accurate, thorough and professional editing.

However, editing is a collaborative process. The final responsibility for reviewing and approving changes remains with the client.

Professional editing can improve the quality and presentation of written work, but it cannot guarantee publication, academic acceptance, a particular assessment result or the identification of every possible error.

Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation.

10. Concerns and dispute resolution

Clear communication is important to me.

If you have a concern about the services provided, please contact me promptly so that we can discuss the issue and work towards a fair and reasonable resolution.

Any remedies available under Australian Consumer Law remain unaffected.

11. Website information

Information provided on the Clearly Edited website is intended to describe the services available and help prospective clients decide whether those services meet their needs.

Website content is general information and does not constitute an individual quotation or an agreement to undertake editing work.

The content and design of this website belong to Clearly Edited or their respective rights holders and must not be reproduced without permission, except as permitted by law.

These website terms may be updated from time to time. Changes will be published on this page and will not retrospectively alter an existing project agreement without agreement or another lawful basis.

12. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms of Service or would like to discuss an editing project, please contact:

Clearly Edited

Email: adele@clearlyedited.com

Website: www.clearlyedited.com.au

Operated by: Adele Fletcher, sole trader

ABN: 86 146 034 512

These terms are governed by the laws applicable in Queensland, Australia, subject to any relevant and applicable mandatory rights or laws that apply elsewhere.