1. Who we are and how to contact us

Grand Publishers ("we", "us", "our") provides self publishing and related services, including editorial, ghostwriting, design, formatting, printing coordination, distribution setup, and marketing support. Our contact details and company information are published on our website in accordance with the UK E Commerce Regulations.

2. Scope and structure of these terms

• These terms form a legal agreement between Grand Publishers and the client (the “Client”, “you”).
• If you purchase services as a consumer (i.e., acting wholly or mainly outside your trade/business), additional consumer protections apply (see Clauses 10–12).
• If you are a business customer, the Late Payment and Liability clauses apply as written for B2B.
• These terms incorporate the Data Processing Addendum (DPA) at Schedule 1 when we process personal data on your behalf under the UK GDPR, and include the Model Cancellation Form at Schedule 2 for consumers.

3. Definitions

• Services: the services described in your order (e.g., editing, ghostwriting, interior layout, cover design, ebook/print formatting, distribution setup, marketing support).
• Deliverables: materials we create for you (e.g., text, cover art, interior files, marketing assets).
• Manuscript: your source text/materials (drafts, notes, images, data).
• Order: the order confirmation we issue (email or online account).
• Business Day: Monday–Friday, excluding UK bank holidays.

4. Ordering, onboarding and project control

• Formation: A binding contract arises when we accept your order in writing (including email).
• Information you must provide: You must supply accurate instructions, schedules, permissions, and timely approvals.
• Change control: Material changes may require a revised quote/timetable.
• Time is not of the essence: Dates are estimates unless expressly agreed in writing.

5. Editorial & originality standards

• Originality warranty: We warrant that Deliverables we create are original to us and not knowingly infringe third party IP.
• Third party materials: If Deliverables incorporate stock assets, we will identify licences and pass through relevant terms.
• Client supplied content: You are responsible for ensuring rights clearance for all content you provide.
• Image policy: We will not embed unlicensed images. You are responsible for any images you supply.

6. Intellectual property, moral rights and portfolio use

• Assignment on payment: On receipt of all fees, we assign to you all IP in Deliverables (excluding Background Materials).
• Moral rights: Our contributors waive moral rights, allowing you to publish under your name.
• Portfolio licence: Unless you opt out in writing, you grant us a licence to display non confidential Deliverables in our portfolio.

7. Distribution setup, accounts and royalties

• Account ownership: Accounts with retailers (e.g., Amazon KDP) will be opened in your name where possible.
• Retailer policies: Compliance with retailer policies is required. Acceptance is not guaranteed.
• Royalties: Royalties are payable directly to you by retailers. Where we collect them, we remit them less agreed fees/expenses.

8. Approvals, revisions and acceptance

• Proof stages: You will review drafts within 7–14 days.
• Included revisions: One round of revision per Deliverable is included; extra revisions are chargeable.
• Acceptance: Deliverables are deemed accepted when you approve, use them publicly, or fail to object within 7 days of delivery. All changes required after publication will incur charges.

9. Fees, VAT, expenses and late payment

• Fees & VAT: Fees are exclusive of VAT and expenses.
• Invoicing & due date: Deposits are payable on order; balances before release of final files.
• Late payment: Business customers may incur fixed recovery fees.
• Suspension: We may suspend work for overdue amounts.

10. Consumers: statutory rights

Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

11. Consumers: 5 day cancellation

• Cooling off: You may cancel within 5 days of order.
• Early performance: If you ask us to start work early, you pay for Services delivered up to cancellation; the right ends when Services are fully delivered.

12. Refunds and cancellations

• Before we start: Full refund available.
• After start but before acceptance: Refund minus work performed, committed costs, and up to 20% admin charge.
• After acceptance/publication: No refund.
• Quality concerns: Remedy is correction or re performance.
• No refunds: For low sales, retailer changes, or delays caused by you.

13. Acceptable use

You must not request content that is illegal, defamatory, hateful, or infringing.

14. Data protection and privacy

• Controller/Processor roles: We are a controller for our business data; we are a processor when handling your readers’ data.
• Principles: We comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Transfers: International transfers use IDTA or UK Addendum safeguards.
• Privacy & cookies: See our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

15. Confidentiality

Each party will keep the other’s information confidential and use it only for the contract.

16. Warranties and disclaimers

• We will perform Services with reasonable care and skill.
• We do not guarantee acceptance by retailers, reviews, rankings, sales, or revenues.
• We do not provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

17. Limitation of liability

• Nothing limits liability for death/personal injury caused by negligence or other non excludable liabilities.
• For business customers, liability is capped at fees paid in the past 12 months.
• Excluded categories: loss of profit, revenue, goodwill, or indirect loss.

18. Force majeure

We are not liable for events beyond our control.

19. Subcontracting and assignment

We may use subcontractors. You may not assign the contract without our consent.

20. Complaints and ADR

We aim to resolve complaints internally. If unresolved, we will provide details of an ADR provider.

21. Changes to these terms

We may update terms with 30 days’ notice for ongoing projects, unless required earlier by law.

22. Governing law and jurisdiction

• Consumers: You may bring proceedings in your home jurisdiction in the UK.
• Businesses: Laws of England and Wales apply, unless both parties agree to Scottish law.

23. Third party rights

No third party may enforce these terms.