General terms and conditions

Most of my terms are simply good business practice and common sense. I always ask new clients to read this page. After it has been read I consider the acceptance of a quote to be an acceptance of my terms. If there are any aspects of the following that do not seem clear to you, please contact me and I'll be happy to explain.

1. Fees. Once a copywriting project fee has been agreed it is non-negotiable and not subject to change, except in two cases: (a) you decide to extend the scope of the project, in which case I will provide you a revised quote; (b) you decide to cancel the project. In the event of cancellation, I may offer a refund/amend my invoice if the project is less than half complete, submitting an invoice for the hours worked. If the project is more than half complete, I reserve the right to invoice for the full amount.

2. Deposits. I may ask for a 25% deposit on the final payment in advance of copywriting work starting. This is only likely to happen if (a) the project is relatively large or (b) it seems likely to be spread out over a considerable time.

3. Settlement of invoices should take place within 14 days (10 working days) of the date of invoice.

4. Payment for training courses is only accepted in advance, owing to the non-returnable nature of the product on offer.

5. Transfer of copyright. The ownership of copywritten materials remains mine until it is paid for in full. I have no problem with you using it on your site or in your marketing materials before payment is complete - the retention of copyright pending payment is simply a means of protecting myself against non-payers. Once payment is made, unless we agree otherwise in advance, the copyright becomes entirely yours, with all the legal rights that entails.

6. General terms. I reserve the right to:

  • Refuse to take on any project;
  • Use material I create on your behalf in my portfolio, unless you request that I should not;

    • I will not:

  • Share your confidential commercial information with any third parties, unless required to do so by law;
  • Sell or otherwise transfer for commercial gain your contact details without specific authorisation.

    • 6. General copyright.The copyright on the contents of this site and of my blog, with the exception of quoted passages and excerpts of work which are now wholly owned by clients and former clients, remains the exclusive property of Bill Hilton, with all rights reserved.