Frequently Asked Questions
How does billing work?
Before work begins, clients must pay a 40% deposit.
Hourly and weekly projects require full payment (Net 7) upon completion.
I bill monthly blocks and editing projects on the 10th and 20th of the month, with payment due Net 7 upon receipt.
Are there hidden costs to hiring a virtual assistant or editor?
Never. Virtual assistants only charge a client for hours worked. I track each project by minute. If a client is nearing the end of their block, I will send a proposal showing the expected hours to complete for approval. These proposals must be electronically approved and returned as soon as possible before work progresses.
I use four time-tracking applications depending on need (or the client’s preference):
- Freshbooks
- Time Toggle
- TimeCamp
- Clockify
However, if a client has another time-tracking application they prefer, I am happy to accommodate.
What kind of payments do you accept?
Click to pay email invoicing
Credit/debit cards
eCheck through bank transfer
PayPal
Stripe
Do you offer editing with your virtual assistant package?
Yes. Each package includes the cost of editing.
Do you offer business editing?
Yes. Please see the Business Editing Services page for more details on pricing packages.
Do my hours roll over if I do not use them all?
Yes. Unused hours for every block package automatically roll over to the next month. See packages for hour rollover minimums.
Can I combine the remaining hours from one project with a new project?
No. Block hours must be used in full by the end of the project.
Clients whose projects (may) take longer than anticipated (by both parties) can add hourly or blocks of time to their original invoice.
Hours approved and added appear on a separate invoice, with payment in full (Net 7) upon completion.
What is your policy for emergency rush jobs?
Depending on the type of task, complexity, and turnaround time asked, I add a 50% surcharge for rush jobs, with final payment due Net 7.
How is the rate per word calculated?
The Rate per Word calculation involves dividing the hourly rate by the number of total words. Due to the complexity and level of editing for diverse projects, editors typically charge different hourly rates for distinct types of editing.
Will each type of manuscript editing service appear as a line item on my proposal and invoice?
Yes. Each service carries a different rate, requiring separate line items.
Will I have a business or editing contract to sign?
Yes. Atwood LLC requires every client to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement before a project begins. Clients receive a copy for electronic approval during the onboarding process.
What is your policy on client confidentiality?
Client confidentiality is crucial for how Atwood LLC does business. I understand the importance of never sharing personal or business information with third parties under any circumstances (unless applicable by law).
Atwood LLC secures client login information with a dedicated business online password keeper (Zoho Vault), business documents within password-protected digital folders, and a locking safe for physical files.
Please read the Privacy Policy and Independent Contractor Agreement for more detailed information.
