Terms & Conditions

Version 1.1 - 8/14/2025

1. Offered Services

The Service Provider agrees to provide the Client with author marketing and reader engagement services, as selected by the Client, from the following packages:

1.1 Packages

1.1.1 Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) or Review Campaign package is priced at $150.00 and includes:

• Two marketing graphics developed with up to two rounds of revisions.

• Custom application.

• Application link added to ARC Connections Newsletter.

• Optional custom review form.

• Communication with readers on behalf of the Client.

• Author exclusive production for and/or distribution to participating readers.

• Campaign performance analysis provided after the conclusion of the campaign.

The ARC or review campaign concludes when all raw data submitted from participating readers approved for the campaign has been sent to the author. Relevant data will be defined as any completed ARC Connections review forms submitted up to one week (seven days) after the close date of the campaign as well as publicly available reviews on tracked social platforms.

 

1.1.2 Beta Reading package is $150.00 and includes: 

• Two marketing graphics developed with up to two rounds of revisions.

• Custom application.

• Application link added to ARC Connections Newsletter.

• Custom in-depth review form.

• Communication with beta readers on behalf of the Client.

• In-depth analysis of beta reader feedback provided after the conclusion of the campaign.

The beta reading campaign concludes when all raw data from participating beta readers approved for the campaign has been sent to the author as well as the in-depth analysis sent and reviewed with the author. Relevant data will be defined as any completed ARC Connections review forms submitted up to one week (seven days) after the close date of the campaign.

 

1.2 Add-Ons (optional)

Each package may include the following additional marketing services, billed separately or as individual service agreements:

• Creation of up to three clips of 90 seconds or less from a pre-launch interview for $50 total.

• Creation of up to three clips of 90 seconds or less from the author exclusive Q&A video for $50 total.

• Additional marketing graphics developed on Canva with up to two rounds of revisions for $25/graphic.

• Sponsorship of a Writing with Grace Substack post for $25, ensuring the post will be for free subscribers, constituting a written promotional advertisement of 250 characters without spaces or less at the bottom of the newsletter with one image provided by the Client.

• Sponsorship of a Between the Edits podcast episode for $25, constituting a 30 second advertisement within the podcast episode and a written promotional advertisement of 250 characters without spaces or less in the show notes.

All selected add-ons must be confirmed in writing prior to campaign start when adding to a campaign package.

 

2. Author Exclusives

2.1 As part of what makes an ARC Connections package unique, the Client must provide an author exclusive for all participating readers in an ARC or review campaign. 

2.2 The author exclusive can be bonus content, a written or video interview, unreleased art, or other types of engaging content.

2.3 The author exclusive is required for all ARC Connections ARC or review campaigns as a way to increase the value of participating in the ARC or review campaign  as well as converting casual readers to long-term fans from reader participants.

 

3. Fees and Payment

3.1 The Client agrees to pay the total campaign fee based on the selected package and add-ons prior to services being rendered.

3.2 A detailed invoice will be provided before services commence.

3.3 Payments are accepted via PayPal invoice.

 

4. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

4.1 Provide necessary materials (e.g., book manuscript, cover, synopsis, ARC files) in a timely manner.

4.2 Respond to Service Provider communication within a timely manner.

4.3 Respect timelines and deadlines for reader or promotional engagement.

Failure to meet these responsibilities may impact campaign effectiveness, and the Service Provider is not liable for any such impacts.

 

5. Cancellation Policy

5.1 This Agreement becomes effective on the date above and will continue until the selected campaign(s) are completed as defined previously in section 1.1.

5.2 You may cancel your services at any time by contacting graceerinedits@proton.me. All promotion and marketing efforts will cease at that time.

5.3 Any active readers who have applied for the campaign, been approved, been sent an ARC, beta, or review copy of the work or have submitted an ARC Reader Review Form will be notified via email of the termination of the campaign. 

5.4 In the event of a cancellation of services (including ARC reads, review reads, or beta reads) after having launched the campaign, approved readers, and distributed author material, the Client is required to provide an active email address to be shared with any affected readers who may have questions or concerns regarding the cancellation to ensure transparency and facilitate direct communication.

5.4.1 By agreeing to these terms, the Client acknowledges and agrees that:

• The provided email will be shared solely for the purpose of resolving cancellation-related inquiries.

• Readers will be instructed to use the contact email professionally and solely for clarification purposes.

• The Client shall not engage in any defamatory, misleading, or disparaging communication—whether public or private—regarding the program, its administrators, or participating readers.

• Any defamatory statements made by the Client may result in termination of access to future services and may lead to appropriate legal action, if necessary.

5.4.2 We reserve the right to protect the integrity and reputation of the program and its participants. Constructive feedback is always welcome and should be directed through appropriate channels.

5.4.3 ARC Connections will not release any collected data or reports to the Client.

5.6 Client will not be refunded any payments already made unless the cancellation occurs prior to the launch of the campaign.

 

6. Modifications to the Service and Terms

6.1 The Service Provider reserves the right to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part of it including the Terms) with or without notice.

6.2 The Service Provider may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

 

7. Termination

The Service Provider may suspend or terminate the Client's access to the Service at the Service Provider’s discretion, especially in cases of violation of these Terms or illegal conduct.

 

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 All materials, content, and communications provided through the service—including but not limited to edited videos, editorial feedback, reader notes, assessments, templates, documents, and proprietary processes—are the intellectual property of the Service Provider and/or its affiliates, including contracted editors and other contributors (collectively, “Contributors”) and are protected by copyright and other laws.

8.2 Similarly, any original content submitted by the Client—including manuscripts, outlines, characters, and related creative materials—remains the sole intellectual property of the Client.

8.3 By using this service, all parties agree to the following:

• Each party agrees to respect the intellectual property rights of the other.

• No party shall reproduce, distribute, repurpose, or publicly share the other’s materials without express written consent.

• Any content, feedback, or editorial suggestions provided by the Service Provider and its Contributors are intended solely for the Client's private use in connection with their project and may not be sold, published, or redistributed without permission.

• Contributors engaged in the service are bound by non-disclosure and confidentiality terms that protect the Client’s creative work.

• Contributors engaged in the service may utilize any uniquely developed content that is distributed by the Service or Client online as part of an individual portfolio.

• Likewise, the Client agrees not to share or misuse any proprietary service methodologies, documents, or correspondence received as part of the service.

• Unless otherwise agreed in writing, use of Contributor names for promotional purposes or attribution must be approved in advance.

8.3.1 Violation of these terms may result in immediate termination of services and may give rise to legal remedies as permitted under intellectual property law.

8.4 All readers are prohibited from sharing or distributing any provided ARCs, review copies, beta copies, or author exclusives.

8.5 The Service Provider agrees to keep all unpublished manuscripts, ideas, and campaign details confidential and not to share, copy, or distribute them prior to appropriate and agreed-upon time frames within the campaign without written consent.

 

9. Production Agreement & Media Release

9.1 Grant of Rights

The Client hereby grants the Service Provider, its affiliates, employees, representatives, successors, licensees, and assigns the irrevocable, non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free right to:

• Record, produce, edit, distribute, display, transmit, and publish any media content created during the course of services rendered (the “Production”), including but not limited to interviews, promotional recordings, social media content, audio/video content, testimonials, and campaign-related content.

• Use the Client’s name, likeness, voice, image, brand materials, and submitted creative work (e.g., book excerpts, covers, synopses) in connection with the Production.

• Use the Production in whole or in part, with or without attribution, in any format or medium, whether now known or later developed, including podcasts, videos, blogs, advertisements, promotional graphics, reels, and digital campaigns.

9.2 Usage and Distribution

9.2.1 The Service Provider may use the Production for purposes including but not limited to:

• Promotion of the Client’s book(s), brand, or campaign

• Promotion of the Service Provider’s services and brand

• Distribution across websites, social media, YouTube, streaming platforms, newsletters, and third-party promotional platforms

9.2.2 The Client understands and agrees that the Production may be edited, reformatted, or repurposed at the Service Provider’s discretion.

9.2.3 Contributors may include any uniquely-derived content he/she has produced as part of an individual or professional portfolio provided the content in question has already been posted online by either the Client or Service Provider.

9.2.3.1 If any uniquely-derived content produced by a Contributor has not been posted online by either the Client or Service Provider, the Contributor must obtain written permission from the Client and Service Provider to include said content in an individual or professional portfolio.

9.3 No Compensation

9.3.1 The Client agrees that no further compensation will be provided for the use of media created under this Production Agreement, beyond what is stated in the main services contract. 

9.3.2 The Client waives the right to inspect or approve the final use of the content.

9.4 Ownership and Intellectual Property

9.4.1 The Client retains ownership of all original materials they provide (e.g., book, logo, excerpts).

9.4.2 The Service Provider retains ownership of the Production it creates and all related promotional materials, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

9.4.3 Derivative works (e.g., edited videos, promotional reels, soundbites) remain the intellectual property of the Service Provider.

9.5 Release and Waiver

9.5.1 The Client releases the Service Provider and its representatives or affiliates from any claims, liabilities, or damages arising from the use of the Production, including any claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, or infringement of publicity rights. 

9.5.2 This release is binding and irrevocable.

9.6 Consent to Be Recorded

9.6.1 The Client acknowledges and agrees that they may be recorded (audio, video, written transcript, or image) as part of the services and consents to such recording. 

9.6.2 This includes pre-recorded or live interviews, testimonials, and campaign content.

9.7 Expiration and Duration of Rights

9.7.1 This grant of rights is perpetual and does not expire, unless terminated in writing by mutual agreement. 

9.7.2 Requests for removal of public-facing media can be submitted but are not guaranteed once content has been distributed.

9.8 Acknowledgment

By signing this Agreement, the Client affirms that they:

• Understand and agree to the terms of this Production Agreement and Release.

• Are over the age of 18 and legally authorized to consent to the use of their image, voice, and creative works.

• Have not granted any third parties conflicting rights that would prevent the execution of this agreement.

 

10. Privacy Policy

10.1 Information Collected

In the course of providing services, the Service Provider may collect and store the following types of information from the Client:

• Full name, email address, mailing address, and payment information.

• Book-related content (e.g., manuscripts, cover images, synopses, marketing copy).

• Professional or personal background details (if relevant to promotions).

• Communication records between the Client and the Service Provider.

10.2 How Information Is Used

Collected information is used solely for purposes directly related to the provision of services outlined in this Agreement, including but not limited to:

• Managing ARC, beta, and review campaigns.

• Creating and distributing marketing materials.

• Coordinating communications with readers, reviewers, and third-party platforms.

• Generating invoices and processing payments.

10.3 Data Sharing and Confidentiality

10.3.1 The Service Provider does not sell, rent, or share Client information with third parties for commercial purposes.

10.3.2 Client materials and information may only be shared with selected campaign participants (e.g., beta readers, review readers, or ARC recipients) under limited, necessary circumstances and only when essential to fulfill the agreed-upon services.

10.3.3 All reasonable steps are taken to ensure the confidentiality and security of Client information.

10.4 Data Storage and Retention

10.4.1 Client data is stored securely on password-protected systems and may be retained for up to 12 months after project completion, unless longer retention is required for accounting, legal, or archival purposes.

10.4.2 Upon written request, the Service Provider will delete or anonymize the Client’s personal data, subject to any legal obligations.

10.5 Client Rights

The Client has the right to:

• Access a copy of their stored data

• Request corrections to inaccurate or outdated information

• Request deletion of personal data after the campaign has ended, unless legally prohibited

Requests can be made by emailing graceerinedits@proton.me.

10.6 Legal Compliance

The Service Provider agrees to comply with all applicable privacy laws, including but not limited to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Georgia Computer Data Protection Act (GCDPA), and any relevant local regulations, where applicable.

 

11. Other Conditionals

11.1 Participation in services may be limited due to participant number, available resources, or other considerations as determined by the author and the ARC Connections team.

11.2 ARC Connections Reader Memberships provide no financial compensation for reading ARCs, review copies, or beta copies, submitting review forms, or posting reviews on personal social media accounts.

11.3 Service Provider will be responsible for coordination of and communication with all readers that utilize the Service but is not responsible for overall participation quotas.

11.4 Service Provider is not responsible for any bad reviews or lack of participation from individual readers.

11.5 Service Provider will keep digital copies of all data, reports, and analyses sourced or provided by the Service Provider for up to 12 months. These records can be requested at any time up until the 12 month mark by emailing graceerinedits@proton.me.

 

12. Limitation of Liability

12.1 To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Service Provider shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the Client’s use of the Service.

12.2 The Service Provider cannot be held liable for any unlawful distribution of content by any readers utilizing the service.

12.3 The Client acknowledges that marketing results vary and depend on many factors beyond the Service Provider’s control.

 

13. Governing Law

13.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. 

13.2 The parties agree that any disputes arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Effingham County, Georgia, and each party hereby consents to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

 

14. Entire Agreement

14.1 This document represents the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior discussions, emails, or verbal agreements. 

14.2 No modification shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both Parties.

 

15. Severability

15.1 If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect under applicable law, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Agreement. 

15.2 The remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been included.