Terms and conditions

Summary of the important bits

  • I (Louise Shanahan, trading as The Copy Prescription) run this website (thecopyprescription.com) to provide information about my copywriting services and how you can work with me. On this website, you can also read my blog, sign up for marketing emails, and purchase certain services directly via a cart and checkout. 

  • I would love for you to spend time here, as long as you follow the laws in your country and bear in mind the ground rules described below. Please be nice!

  • Where the content on this website is not my intellectual property, it has been shared with the original creator’s permission, or credited as appropriate.

  • If you want to share content, ideas or products found on this site, please seek permission first or give credit as appropriate.

  • Information about how your data will be handled is described in the Privacy Policy.

  • These terms and conditions apply to any Contract entered into between the Copywriter and any client. The standard terms for project-based copywriting services are provided in section 2 below.

  • These terms and conditions apply to any purchase made directly from the website. The detailed Terms are provided in section 3 below.


1. Terms of service

1.1 Definitions

The following terms and conditions (“Terms”) govern all use of this website (thecopyprescription.com) and all content, services, and products available at or through the website, including, but not limited to, copywriting services and cart purchases.

Services are offered subject to your acceptance, without modification, of all of the Terms contained here, and all other operating rules, policies and procedures (including, without limitation, the Privacy Policy) that may be published from time to time by The Copy Prescription (collectively, “the Agreement”). Terms will apply to any upgrades to the website, services or products.

In the Agreement, “the Copywriter”, “The Copy Prescription” and “I” refer to Louise Shanahan. Any reference to “you” refers to anyone using this website, or anyone engaging the Copywriter’s services as a client (“the Client”).

Should we work together on a project not purchased directly through this website, a separate statement of work (“Contract”) shall be signed. The terms of that Contract shall be considered part of this Agreement.

2. Standard terms included in Contract for copywriting services

2.1 Before we work together

As the Client, you acknowledge that you have agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, and any additional Terms and Conditions agreed to in a signed Contract.

Work on any copywriting project shall not begin until a Contract has been signed by both parties and the deposit amount specified in that Contract has been paid.

Specific deliverables, milestones, payment terms and working arrangements shall be detailed in the signed Contract.

2.2 Compensation

I will issue an invoice for a deposit of 50% of the project fee (or a specified number of days for day-rate projects) before work begins. The remainder is payable after the final copy is sent to the Client. Fees are not subject to VAT.

Payment is due within 30 days of invoice unless otherwise agreed, by BACS transfer as detailed on the invoice. Late payment may be subject to a late fee equal to 10% of the total project fee.

2.3 Cancellation and delays

I expect to work in partnership with the Client. I will not be responsible for any missed deadlines if information, feedback or payments have not been provided by agreed dates. It’s helpful if the Client allocates responsibility for all communications to one person within their team or organisation if possible.

I reserve the right to apply a ‘pause fee’ equal to 10% of the total project fee, if information or feedback required from the Client is not provided within agreed deadlines, in order to restart the project at a later date.

I am not responsible for deadlines missed due to circumstances completely beyond my control, like family emergencies, floods, war, and so on. 

Our Contract may be cancelled in writing by either party at any time with 5 business days’ notice. If the Contract is cancelled, the deposit may be retained and additional payments may be required to cover the work done up to that point.

Any proposed changes to the scope of work, which may result in changes to the timeline and additional fees.

2.4 Confidentiality and copyright

When all outstanding balances for copywriting services are paid in full, copyright and ownership of the work produced are transferred to the Client. The Client cannot use the copy or related materials provided under the terms of the contract until full payment is received.

I reserve the right to discuss, display and link to the completed project in marketing materials and case studies. At no time will business-sensitive or personal data be shared, unless expressly agreed.

Every effort will be made to ensure all facts and statements in the work are true and don’t infringe upon any copyright or other right of a third party.

2.5 Indemnity

By using my services, you agree to indemnify me against any claim, including that of a third party, for compensation or damages resulting from the use of my written material or from unsought permissions to use my material.

I will not be liable to the Client or any other party for damages, including lost profits or revenue, lost savings, complaints, claims, litigation or other incidental, consequential or special damages which arise regarding this project, after acceptance of the work by the Client. 

2.6 Applicable laws

The Contract and relevant parts of the Agreement constitute a legal document under exclusive jurisdiction of Scottish courts.

3. Terms of service for cart purchases

3.1 Your account

If you create an account to purchase products directly on this website (provided through Stripe, Inc. and/or PayPal Services), you agree to provide complete and accurate information when you register. You will be solely responsible and liable for any activity that occurs under your username. You are responsible for keeping your password secure.

3.2 Fees and Payment

By completing the cart and checkout process for any product or number of products, you agree to pay The Copy Prescription the fees indicated on this website at the time of purchase, in exchange for the product or service. This will be a one-time fee unless otherwise specified. Payments will be processed on the day you purchase a product or service, subject to the terms and conditions of individual eCommerce and payment processing services (Stripe, Inc. and/or PayPal Services).

3.3 Refunds 

Refunds are available at the discretion of The Copy Prescription. 

If you take issue with a transaction, it is your responsibility to open a dispute with the payment issuer. Refer to your receipt for details. The Copy Prescription will not be responsible for disputes with payment providers.

More information

I am grateful to Automattic Inc. for making their legal terms of service available under a Creative Commons Sharealike license. I used some parts of their terms of service as the basis for mine. 

If you have any questions about any of this, please contact me at louise@thecopyprescription.com. 

First published: 5 February 2019.

Last updated: 23 May 2020