Sigmon Editorial

Confidentiality 
Sigmon Editorial prioritizes your privacy and the confidentiality of your information. All materials shared for editing and consultation purposes are handled with the utmost discretion. I do not disclose or share your work or personal information with third parties without your explicit consent.

Intellectual Property
All work produced during services remain your property. Sigmon Editorial or I, Allison Sigmon, do not claim ownership of the content or ideas you provide. I retain the right to use credited samples of the work for promotional purposes, unless otherwise agreed upon. I do own my comments/evaluations/etc, and the copyright is not transferred to the writer upon delivery.

Payment Terms

A scope of work contract will be signed before beginning work.

Text-Based Services (copy/line editing, developmental editing): Payment is required in three installments. 10% deposit upfront, 40% before work begins, and 50% upon delivery. If the second installment is not paid within 7 days of delivery, I reserve the right to send formal collections notices, file a nonpayment complaint, and/or take legal action.

Live Meetings: An invoice will be sent to the email provided before the meeting. Full payment is required before the meeting starts. If payment is not received in time, you may be asked to reschedule. 

Scholarships and Discounts

Each client is eligible for one Free 15-Minute Consultation and a Free Sample Edit. The sample edit is limited to a maximum of 1,000 words. Submissions must be in English and provided in a .Docx format. Content must be original, owned by the client, and not AI-generated. 

Scholarships are awarded to every applicant within a month of applying. Each client is allotted one scholarship per calendar year, and is not required to purchase anything to receive the service.

Bartering is available at client’s request. Accepted services include, but are not limited to, Social media marketing, Content creation, Graphic or web design, Art (paintings, stained-glass, woodworking, prints, etc), Data Entry/Administrative 2ork, Language tutoring, and Virtual skill class. 

Cancellation/Refund Policy

For Text-Based Services (copy/line editing, developmental editing), the 10% deposit is non-refundable, and the remainer is refundable depending on the amount of work that's been completed.

For Live Meetings, 100% refunds are available if canceled before the meeting. No refunds are available after the meeting due to the nature of my service.

Artificial Intelligence

I do not use AI in my work, including generative tools like ChatGPT, automated decision-making systems, or predictive analytics. Your writing will never be shared to AI platforms. I am dedicated to protecting your right to data privacy, avoiding machine bias and discrimination, and eliminating incorrect pattern-matching “spellchecks.” I do not edit or otherwise work with AI-generated manuscripts and reserve the right to terminate a contract that I suspect violates this policy due to the copyright concerns as outlined by the Authors Guild. If you have used AI for your manuscrupt in any capacity, please let me know in advance which platforms you've used and how so I can determine whether I'm the right editor for you. I do not consent to my comments/evaluations/etc being fed to AI platforms.

Land Acknowledgment

Sigmon Editorial is owned and operated on the unceded Indigenous land of the so-called United States. I recognize that the Cheraw, Mánu: Yį Įsuwą (Catawba), Yesan (Tutelo), and Keyauwee peoples are the rightful custodians of this land. While this land acknowledgment may begin the process of reconciliation, it in no way stands as a replacement for the ongoing commitment and actions required to decolonize and reconcile with Indigenous peoples. 

Accessibility

Sigmon Editorial acknowledges the daily struggles of disabled people and will not penalize or charge extra for accommodations. For example, if you have a speech impediment, you will be billed based on the content you provide rather than the time spent communicating. Because you do not owe anyone your personal information, all efforts have been made to make services as accessible as possible by default. If you require any specific accommodations or have questions about this policy, please let me know. I am dedicated to working with you to ensure a smooth and equitable experience.

Freedom to Write and Read

As a member of Authors Against Book Bans, Sigmon Editorial “unequivocally supports the availability of diverse voices on our library shelves, in our schools, and in our culture. [I] abhor organized attempts to censor books. The great power of literature is its ability to create empathy, foster self-empowerment, impart knowledge, and enhance diversity of thought. [I] will defend this power from those who seek to subvert it.” I stand against ALL book bans, no matter where they are coming from on the political spectrum. Censorship for any is censorship for all.

Giving Back

Creativity, self-expression, and access to educational resources are your right, and Sigmon Editorial is dedicated to making that process accessible. Scholarships and discounts are given to every eligible individual who applies.

Sigmon Editorial is a member of the Freelancer’s Union.