Last updated September 28, 2023.

Table of contents

1. Introduction

Welcome to https://ebooklaunch.com (the “Website”), provided by Ebook Launch Inc. (“we”, “us”, “our”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the Website and our book cover design, book formatting, and book editing services (“Services”). By accessing or using the Website or Services, you agree to these Terms. If you disagree, please refrain from using the Website or Services.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By using the Website or Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

3. Eligibility, User Conduct, and Responsibilities

You affirm that you are at least 18 years old, legally competent, and in compliance with all relevant laws. You agree not to infringe upon others’ rights and to provide accurate information when using our Services. You hold responsibility for ensuring the content you submit for book-related services doesn’t violate intellectual property rights. You agree to hold Ebook Launch Inc. harmless against any claims or expenses arising from the materials you provide or any breach of these Terms.

4. Service Specific Terms

We provide a wide range of book-related services for authors and publishers. The services we offer include, but are not limited to, the following:

4.1 Book Cover Design

Book Cover Service Description:

Our range of services within Book Cover Design include:

Each book cover service item includes specific deliverables, turnaround times, and prices, which are detailed on the respective service page on our Website (linked above). By selecting and purchasing a service, you agree to the terms, conditions, and processes outlined on the corresponding service page.

4.1.2 Book Cover Creation Methodology

Utilizing the latest versions of software in the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g. Photoshop), Ebook Launch Inc. employs various techniques and methodologies to create book covers, including, but not limited to, the manipulation of stock images, generative AI images, vector images, hand illustrations, or any combination thereof. When explicit direction regarding the methodology to be used is not provided by the client, Ebook Launch Inc. reserves the right to employ the method or combination of methods that, in our sole judgment, will produce the most effective book cover design. Ebook Launch Inc. ensures that any image sourced for use in the book cover design possesses the appropriate commercial licensing for use in a book cover. The client acknowledges that the selection and use of images and creation methodologies are at the discretion of Ebook Launch Inc. unless otherwise specified by the client

Use of Generative AI in Design

In our design toolkit, generative AI serves as a valuable asset for several reasons:

  • Highly Customizable: Generative AI supercharges our designers with a broader palette of creative options, enabling them to bring your vision to life in a way that wasn’t possible before.
  • Unique Imagery: With generative AI, each image used is one-of-a-kind, providing a fresh alternative to stock images that may be overused, particularly in genres with limited visual options (e.g., a sword on a historical fiction cover).

We leverage these AI technologies to further enhance our capability to deliver the most captivating and effective book covers to our clients.

Conditions for AI Use

When generative AI is utilized—which is not always the case—its application is subject to the following stringent conditions:

  • Human-Centered Design: Only distinct elements are AI-generated; the complete cover is never solely machine-created. These are blended with traditionally licensed, royalty-free stock images and/or text.
  • Ethical Practices: Real people or artists are not used in the generative prompts for AI.
  • Private: All AI images are generated in a secure, private environment, ensuring third-party inaccessibility.
  • Commercial Use: Each AI image is produced under a commercial license, qualifying it for use on book covers.

Opt-Out Policy

We understand that the utilization of AI-generated elements in book cover design is a relatively new technology and may not be preferred by all clients. Therefore, clients have the option to opt out of the use of AI-generated elements in their book cover design; to exercise this option, clients can either specify their preference in the comments section of the order form or send an email stating their opt-out choice. In such cases, we will solely employ royalty-free stock images, textures, vectors, and/or hand illustrations for the book cover design.

4.1.3 Client Responsibilities for Book Cover Design

You are responsible for reviewing and proofing the final book cover design before using it for publication or promotional purposes. You agree to notify us of any errors or issues in the design within a reasonable time frame, and you acknowledge that any additional costs related to changes or corrections after the project has been completed and approved may be subject to additional fees.

All materials related to the book cover design service, including designs, images, illustrations, and fonts, are the intellectual property of Ebook Launch Inc. or its licensors and are safeguarded by Canadian and international copyright laws.

4.1.4.1 Book Cover Elements and Licensing

Ebook Launch Inc. ensures that all components used in your book cover design, such as images, illustrations, and fonts, are either created by Ebook Launch Inc., royalty-free, or utilized under the proper licenses for commercial use. If you provide any materials to be incorporated into the book cover design, it is your responsibility to furnish Ebook Launch Inc. with the necessary licenses and permissions. Ebook Launch Inc. will not be accountable for any legal claims, expenses, or damages resulting from the unauthorized use of copyrighted materials provided by you.

Upon the completion of the project and receipt of full payment, Ebook Launch Inc. transfers the copyright of the finalized book cover design to you. This transfer grants you an exclusive, royalty-free license to use the book cover design for your book, subject to any restrictions outlined in the service package. However, Ebook Launch Inc. retains a non-exclusive right to use the book cover design in its portfolio, marketing materials, or for other promotional purposes.

Please note that any concepts, preliminary designs, sketches, or ideas not selected as the final design by you remain the exclusive property of Ebook Launch Inc.

4.1.4.3 Attribution

To credit Ebook Launch Inc. as the designer of your book cover, please use the following format on your book’s copyright page: “Book Cover Design by EbookLaunch.com.”

4.1.5 Revision Policy for Book Cover Design

During the active design of the project phase, we will provide revisions to the design as needed to ensure client satisfaction. Once the project is considered approved and completed, any additional changes requested after that point will be subject to a nominal fee. The fee will be determined based on the number and complexity of the requested changes.

Please note that revisions are limited to adjustments or modifications to the existing design concept. Requests for an entirely new design concept may be considered a new project and could be subject to additional fees.

4.2 Book Formatting Services

4.2.1 Service Description:

Our Book Formatting Services cater to various needs, including but not limited to:

  • Ebook Formatting: Involves preparing a digital file to ensure it complies with the publisher’s specifications and offers an enjoyable reading experience.
  • Print Formatting: Entails preparing a PDF file to guarantee that it adheres to the publisher’s criteria and provides a satisfying reading experience.

Ebook Launch Inc. warrants the formatting of the original files for a period of 30 days following their email delivery to the client. Should the publisher modify their requirements within this time frame, reformatting might be necessary.

4.2.2 File Types and Compatibility for Formatting

Ebook Formatting: The file formats we can supply for ebook formatting encompass, but are not restricted to:

  • EPUB
  • Amazon EPUB (optimized for Amazon KDP)
  • Word Doc (for Smashwords)
  • PDF ebook

For an exhaustive examination of each file type, please consult our ebook formatting service list.

Print Formatting: For print formatting, we predominantly supply PDF files for Amazon KDP and/or IngramSpark. If you necessitate print formatting for a different platform, kindly contact us prior to placing an order.

For an in-depth summary of what our print formatting service includes, please visit here.

4.2.3 Client Responsibilities for Book Formatting

Clients are urged to acquaint themselves with Ebook Launch Inc.’s formatting procedures prior to settling invoices, to ensure comprehensive awareness of the process.

It is imperative for clients to recognize the distinction between print book formatting and ebook formatting and to confirm that the services ordered align with their requirements. For further details, please click here.

4.2.4 Turnaround Time for Formatting Services

We offer two options for turnaround times:

  • Standard Option: Files will be sent within our standard time. Exact timing can be found here.
  • Rush Job Option: For an additional charge, files will be emailed earlier, usually in about half of the time of the standard time. Please be advised that the rush option may not be available for all books. Again, exact timing for the rush option can be found here.

The aforementioned times pertain to the initial set of formatted files. If further changes are necessitated, the delivery times may be extended accordingly.

For a thorough breakdown and most up to date information of current formatting turnaround times, please consult our detailed guide.

4.2.5 Revisions for Formatting Services

We facilitate a thorough revision process to ensure your contentment with our services. Minor adjustments such as typo corrections are considered revisions, while substantial modifications, like paragraph alterations, are classified as reformatting.

To request revisions, please utilize our “Revisions to Formatted Files Form” and adhere to the instructions provided. Note that if over 30 revisions are required, this will be considered a reformat.

As revisions are manually applied to each file format, it is crucial to meticulously inspect all files post-revision. For comprehensive information regarding our revision procedure, fees, and FAQs, please visit our help page.

4.2.6 Deliverables for Formatting Services

Clients will receive their files in the requested formats via email within the specified turnaround time, ready for upload.

4.2.7 Exclusions from Formatting Services

Please be informed that formatting does not include:

  • Editing/Proofreading
  • Cover design
  • Marketing
  • Uploading the file to a publisher
  • Use of color text (will be converted to black)
  • Adjustments to third-party formatting. Our guarantee applies exclusively to our formatting; we do not modify formatting executed by others.

4.3 Book Editing Services

4.3.1 Editing Service Description

Our Book Editing Services encompass a variety of specialized offerings:

  • Line Editing: Focuses on style, clarity, and language effectiveness, paying attention to elements such as pacing, logical flow, characterization, dialogue, and tone.
  • Copy Editing: Addresses language mechanics, including grammar, spelling, and style, while ensuring consistency in style or usage.
  • Proofreading: Represents the final stage in the editing process, aimed at detecting any lingering errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It is not a substitute for copy editing.
  • Book Blurb (Add-on): Available exclusively to editing service clients, this feature entails the creation of a book blurb by our editors.

4.3.2 Editing Style

Our editors primarily rely on The Chicago Manual of Style. Although this is the industry standard for most fiction and non-fiction, in certain cases, other style guides such as The Associated Press Stylebook or MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing may be more appropriate for non-fiction. The editors will also establish a default dictionary (e.g., Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary) to ensure consistent spelling throughout your book and will consult various reference guides.

4.3.3 Client Responsibilities for Book Editing

Clients must submit a finished manuscript for the editing team. Moreover, clients are responsible for examining the proposed edits and either accepting or rejecting them.

4.3.4 Turnaround Time for Book Editing

An estimated completion date will be provided upon receiving a quote request. The duration will depend on factors such as manuscript length, genre, editor availability, and our team’s current workload.

4.3.5 Revisions for Book Editing

Editors will utilize Word’s track changes feature for all suggested edits. While editors are available for clarifications regarding their suggestions, editing does not include rounds of revisions. If further refinement is needed, we recommend additional editing services.

4.3.6 Deliverables for Book Editing

New clients are able to obtain a free 750-word sample edit to ascertain the quality of our editing service. Please note that this offer is exclusive to full manuscripts of a specific length. The sample edit length may be modified at our discretion depending on the length of the manuscript provided (e.g. shorter sample if under 10,000 words).

Upon completion of the full edit, clients will receive a Word document with the editor’s suggested edits in track changes for review. Editors remain accessible via email for any queries or clarifications.

4.3.7 Pricing for Book Editing

Pricing for our editing services is on a per-word basis and can be reviewed here.

For a personalized quote, authors must submit their complete manuscript through this form. A full manuscript is required to comprehend the scope of work needed.

5. General Terms

5.1 Confidentiality and Privacy Policy

Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality regarding any shared or received proprietary information, trade secrets, or sensitive data. This obligation continues indefinitely after this agreement’s termination unless the information becomes publicly known without fault of the receiving party. Our Privacy Policy, incorporated into these Terms, outlines our commitment to protecting your personal data.

5.2 Warranty and Indemnification

Ebook Launch Inc. warrants and represents that, to the best of its knowledge, the work provided is original and has not been previously published. The Client expressly agrees to hold Ebook Launch Inc. harmless for all liability caused by the Client’s use of the final book cover design to the extent such use infringes on the rights of others.

5.3 Communication

All communication between you and Ebook Launch Inc. should be conducted through the email address [email protected] or any other communication method specified on our Website or agreed upon between both parties in writing. You are responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date contact information and for timely responses to our inquiries throughout the project.

5.4 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Ebook Launch Inc., its officers, directors, employees, or agents be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of or inability to use the Website or Services, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

5.5 Governing Law

These Terms and any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Website, or the Services, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

5.6 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms, the Website, or the Services shall first be attempted to be resolved through good faith negotiations. If negotiations fail to resolve the dispute, either party may seek resolution through the courts of British Columbia, Canada.

5.7 Changes to the Terms

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time, at our sole discretion. Your continued use of the Website or Services following any changes to the Terms constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms. It is your responsibility to periodically review the Terms for updates or changes.

5.8 Termination

We reserve the right to terminate your access to the Website and Services, without cause or notice, if we believe that you have violated these Terms, or for any other reason, at our sole discretion.

5.9 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such unenforceability or invalidity shall not render these Terms unenforceable or invalid as a whole, and such provisions shall be deleted without affecting the remaining provisions herein.

5.10 Payment Procedure

Ebook Launch Inc. invoices in USD currency and requires full payment in advance for all services rendered, including cover design, formatting, and editing services. By settling the invoice, you, the author/client, are providing your consent for us to initiate work on your project. Please take into account that services will commence strictly after the full payment is received, except if there is a prior written agreement stating otherwise.

5.11 Ebook Launch Satisfaction Guarantee

At Ebook Launch, our commitment is centered around superior quality and unparalleled client satisfaction. With immense pride in the services we offer, we uphold our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Our foremost objective is to fulfill your aspirations and ensure your gratification with our services. However, if you find any aspect lacking or unsatisfactory, we are devoted to closely engaging with you to resolve the matter. Should you still be discontented despite our earnest efforts, we will reimburse the full payment, as per our guarantee. Our policy is indicative of the confidence we hold in the quality and merit of our services.

5.12 Refunds

In the event that a refund is processed under the Ebook Launch Satisfaction Guarantee, rest assured that you will not incur any cancellation fees. However, it is imperative to recognize that in such exceptional instances, Ebook Launch Inc. will retain all rights and ownership of any copyrights and original artwork generated up until the point of cancellation.

All refund requests must be communicated in writing through email and are subject to our evaluation. Please note that refund requests will only be taken into consideration if submitted within 30 days from the date the files are sent for review. 

5.13 Entire Agreement

These Terms, along with any additional terms and conditions incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and Ebook Launch Inc. with respect to the Website and Services and supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings, agreements, negotiations, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to the Website and Services.

5.14 Contact Information

For any questions or comments regarding these Terms or the Services, please contact us here: https://ebooklaunch.com/contact

Your continued use of the Website and Services following any changes to the Terms constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms. We encourage periodic review of the Terms for any updates or changes.