Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of The Publishing Desk website and our services. By accessing our website, requesting a quote, purchasing services, or communicating with us, you agree to these Terms.
1. Overview
The Publishing Desk provides book production and publishing support services, which may include editing, proofreading, manuscript preparation, formatting, cover and interior design coordination, publishing support, marketing support, and audiobook production support, as described in your written scope or invoice.
2. Services, Proposals, and Scope of Work
2.1 Written Scope Required
All services are provided based on a written scope, proposal, order confirmation, or invoice describing deliverables, timelines, pricing, and revision terms.
2.2 Client Responsibilities
You agree to provide accurate information, timely feedback, approvals, and necessary materials including manuscript text, images, brand assets, author bio, and publication preferences. Delays in client inputs may impact timelines.
2.3 Third-Party Platforms
Some deliverables may depend on third-party tools or platforms, including Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Audible/ACX, retailers, printing vendors, and distribution partners. The Publishing Desk is not responsible for downtime, policy decisions, account actions, approvals, or changes made by third parties.
3. Payments and Billing
3.1 Payment Method
Payments are processed through our company PayPal Business account or another method specified on your invoice.
3.2 Start of Work
Work begins after written approval and payment, unless otherwise stated in writing.
3.3 Milestones
Some projects may be delivered in milestones. Milestone terms, if applicable, are specified in your written scope or invoice.
4. Revisions and Acceptance
4.1 Revisions
Revision terms, number of rounds, what constitutes a revision, and timing are defined in the written scope or invoice. Requests outside scope may require a change order and additional fees.
4.2 Acceptance
Deliverables are considered accepted when you confirm acceptance in writing, use the delivered work publicly, or a reasonable review period has passed after delivery without written issues being raised.
5. Intellectual Property
5.1 Client Materials
You represent that you own or have the right to use any content you provide to us, including manuscripts, images, cover assets, trademarks, names, likeness rights, and permissions.
5.2 Ownership Transfer
Unless otherwise stated in writing, upon full payment, you receive rights to the final deliverables provided under the agreed scope.
5.3 Pre-Existing Materials
Any pre-existing templates, tools, workflows, code, design systems, or methods used to create deliverables remain the property of their respective owners.
6. No Guarantees
We do not guarantee specific outcomes, including but not limited to publishing approvals, retailer approvals, bestseller status, reviews, rankings, sales volume, platform visibility, distribution coverage, advertising results, or business performance. Outcomes depend on multiple factors outside our control, including third-party platform rules and audience or market conditions.
7. Communications (Email and SMS Where Applicable)
We may communicate with clients and prospective clients by email, phone, and SMS where applicable.
7.1 SMS Terms Where Applicable
If you opt in to receive SMS messages from us:
- Message frequency may vary.
- Message and data rates may apply.
- You can opt out at any time by replying STOP.
- For assistance, reply HELP or contact us at info@thepublishingdesk.com.
We are not affiliated with mobile carriers. Delivery is subject to carrier/network availability.
8. Privacy Policy
Your use of our website and services is also subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect personal information.
9. Prohibited Use
You agree not to use our website or services for unlawful purposes, including requesting services intended to facilitate academic dishonesty, impersonation, falsification of credentials, copyright infringement, or misleading third parties.
10. Refund and Dispute Policy
We consider refund and dispute requests only under the following conditions:
Eligibility for Refunds
Refunds are available solely if the deliverables included in your purchased package have not been provided within the agreed-upon timeframe. Refund eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to issue a full refund, partial refund, or alternative resolution depending on the circumstances.
Non-Refundable Services
Certain digital services are non-refundable once delivery has been completed and the work has been accepted by the customer. However, we will review each request to ensure fair consideration.
Request Timeframe
To be eligible for a refund or dispute resolution, you must submit your request within 120 calendar days after delivery of the services.
How to Request a Refund or Submit a Dispute
To initiate a refund request or dispute, please contact us in writing at info@thepublishingdesk.com or by phone at 310 209 8247. Please include your full name, order details, and a description of your concern.
Processing Time
Once we receive your request, we will review it and respond within 5–7 business days. Approved refunds are typically processed within 15–30 business days, depending on your payment method and financial institution.
11. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, The Publishing Desk will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities arising from or related to the use of our website or services.
12. Termination
We may suspend or terminate services if you breach these Terms, fail to make required payments, request prohibited services, or engage in unlawful activity. Upon termination, you remain responsible for fees for work completed and expenses incurred up to the termination date.
13. Modifications
We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes become effective upon posting to our website. Continued use of the website or services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
14. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles.
15. Contact
The Publishing Desk
Email: info@thepublishingdesk.com
Phone: 310 209 8247
The Publishing Desk is a paid author services brand. We provide editorial, design, publishing support, audiobook production, printing coordination, and marketing support based on written scopes of work. We are not a traditional publisher or publisher of record, and we do not guarantee platform approval, rankings, reviews, or sales.