Terms of Service

1. Services Provided

[Your Business Name] (“Editor”) offers professional novel editing services, including but not limited to copyediting, developmental editing, and beta reading.

2. Payment Terms

Clients agree to the following payment structure based on the selected service:

  • First Chapter Special ($25): Payment is due upfront before editing begins.

  • Beta Reading: Payment is due upfront before the reading and feedback process begins.

  • Copyediting or Developmental Editing (Under $1,000): Payment is due upfront before editing begins.

  • Copyediting or Developmental Editing (Over $1,000): Payment can be made in two installments:

    • First Installment: 50% of the total fee is due upon signing the contract.

    • Second Installment: The remaining balance is due upon delivery of the final edited document.

Failure to submit the final payment may result in withholding of the final edited document.

3. Turnaround Time

Estimated turnaround times will be communicated to the client upon agreement of services. Delays caused by client response times or failure to provide necessary materials may extend delivery time.

4. Refund & Cancellation Policy

  • Upfront Payments: Due to the time and effort involved in editing, payments for services requiring upfront payment are non-refundable once work has begun.

  • Installment Payments: If a client cancels after the first installment, no refunds will be issued for work already completed. The client is not obligated to pay the second installment if work has not yet begun.

5. Client Responsibilities

Clients must provide a properly formatted manuscript (Word document preferred) and clearly communicate their expectations for editing. The Editor is not responsible for any content inaccuracies, plagiarism, or third-party disputes regarding the manuscript.

6. Editor Responsibilities

The Editor agrees to provide professional editing services to improve clarity, readability, and overall quality but does not guarantee publishing success or acceptance by agents or publishers.

7. Confidentiality

All manuscripts and client information will be kept strictly confidential. The Editor will not share, distribute, or claim ownership of any client work.

8. Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of Washington State, and any disputes shall be handled in accordance with applicable legal procedures.