Effective 11 September 2026

Service terms

These terms apply to editing services supplied by Word & Method Editing. A request submitted through the website is an enquiry, not an order. The specific scope, price, delivery time, and payment arrangements are confirmed in a written quotation.

Business and contact

Word & Method Editing is operated by Optomatic Digital Services in the Netherlands, registered with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce under KVK number 90648013 (establishment number 000056364342), VAT ID NL004828773B26. Contact us at info@wordandmethod.com.

Quotations and contracts

Indicative website estimates are not binding. We issue a final quotation after reviewing the manuscript and requirements. A contract begins only when you accept that quotation in the manner stated in it. The quotation and these terms together form the agreement; the quotation prevails if it expressly changes a project-specific detail.

Editing service

We provide the level of editing described in the quotation using Microsoft Word tracked changes, comments, or another agreed format. Editing improves language, presentation, and—where agreed—structure and argument. It does not include authorship, fabrication or verification of research data, legal review, plagiarism screening, reference verification, or a guarantee of publication unless expressly stated.

Your responsibilities

You must have authority to share the submitted material and must identify confidentiality, institutional, ethical, security, or deadline requirements before accepting the quotation. You remain responsible for the scientific claims, data, citations, permissions, authorship, submission, and final approval of the manuscript.

Prices, tax, and payment

Prices are quoted and invoiced in pounds sterling unless we agree otherwise. The quotation states whether VAT or another tax applies. Work normally begins after cleared payment unless the quotation provides different terms. Bank, card, conversion, withholding, or intermediary charges imposed on the client side remain the client’s responsibility.

Delivery times and pauses

The turnaround clock begins at the time stated in the quotation, normally after both payment and receipt of all required files and instructions. A delay in client materials, responses, or decisions may pause the assignment and extend the delivery time. We will notify you if an exceptional event materially affects the agreed schedule.

Revisions and additional work

We will correct an error or omission in work that falls within the agreed scope if you notify us promptly. New text, a new manuscript version, author revisions made after editing, extra references, a second editorial round, or a changed brief may require a revised quotation or additional fee. Any discount or additional fee will be explained before it is charged.

Cancellations and refunds

You may request cancellation at any time by using the “Cancel a service” link on the website or emailing info@wordandmethod.com with the assignment code. We will acknowledge the request by email.

Before work starts, payments will normally be refunded, less any non-refundable third-party charge that was clearly disclosed. After work starts, we may charge for the work reasonably completed up to cancellation and refund the balance. Completed and delivered work is not refundable merely because a journal, publisher, or other third party rejects it. This does not affect remedies for services that were not supplied with reasonable care and skill or any other mandatory legal right.

Consumer withdrawal rights

If you contract as a consumer and a statutory 14-day withdrawal right applies, you may withdraw during that period without giving a reason. If you explicitly ask us to begin during that period, you may have to pay a proportionate amount for work performed before withdrawal. If the service is fully performed during the period after your explicit request and acknowledgement, the statutory withdrawal right may end. Project-specific confirmation will be included when relevant.

Confidentiality and files

We treat unpublished manuscripts and assignment communications as confidential and use them only to assess, perform, administer, and deliver the service. Our handling and retention practices are described in the privacy notice. You should retain your own copies of every file.

Publication decisions and liability

Editorial judgement is necessarily contextual, and the client makes all final decisions about accepting changes and submitting the work. We do not guarantee acceptance, publication, citation, sales, funding, or any decision by a third party. Nothing in these terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limits mandatory consumer rights.

Complaints and governing law

Please send complaints to info@wordandmethod.com, including the assignment code and the outcome sought. We will review the assignment record and respond as soon as reasonably possible. The agreement is governed by Dutch law, without depriving a consumer of mandatory protections that apply in their country of residence. Disputes are submitted to the competent court unless mandatory law provides otherwise.