Terms of Service

Effective Date: 03 March 2023

Last Updated: 06 June 2025

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern the relationship between Literary Inspired and its representatives, including Megan Kelly (collectively referred to as “Literary Inspired”) and the client (“Client”) engaging in services related to website development, social media marketing, ARC team management, and related author marketing services.

By submitting payment, accessing deliverables, or otherwise engaging services from Literary Inspired, the Client agrees to be bound by these Terms.

1. Website Development

1.1 Scope of Work

Literary Inspired provides website design and development services tailored to authors, including but not limited to single-page, standard multi-page, and e-commerce websites.

1.2 Timelines

• Standard author websites: 6–8 weeks from the date of project initiation.

• E-commerce author websites: 8–12 weeks from the date of project initiation. Timelines are estimates and contingent on timely submission of required materials by the Client.

1.3 Client Responsibilities

Clients must provide the following before project initiation:

• Branding elements (if applicable)

• Author bio, book information, images, and written content

• Platform access credentials via a secure password manager if required (e.g., LastPass)

• Domain and hosting access

1.4 Hosting, Email, and Domain Services

Domain registration, hosting setup, domain transfers, and email configuration are the Client’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed in writing. Literary Inspired does not manage DNS records or email troubleshooting once transfer/setup is complete. For issues related to third-party platforms (e.g., Shopify, Google Domains), the Client is expected to contact their service provider directly.

1.5 Redirects and SEO

Basic SEO and redirects are included for main pages. Full monitoring and redirect management for legacy pages is considered part of an ongoing SEO package and will incur additional charges.

1.6 Development Scope Changes

It is the Client’s responsibility to clearly define website functionality, platform preferences, and structural needs prior to development commencement. Once development has started, changes to the original scope (e.g., adding e-commerce, changing platforms, or significant redesigns) may incur additional fees and timeline extensions.

2. Social Media Marketing

2.1 Scope of Services

Literary Inspired offers the following social media-related services:

• Meta Suite Setup

• Graphic Packs

• Reel Packs

• Monthly Social Media Marketing (3x posts per week)

• Community Management (if contracted)

• Facebook Group Management

• Reader Group Promotion (Group Promo Ops)

2.2 Clarification of Inclusions

Unless explicitly contracted, Community Management (comment replies, message monitoring), Facebook Group Management, and Group Promo Ops are not included in standard Social Media Marketing services.

2.3 Author Responsibilities

• The Client is responsible for providing information on new releases, sales, and promotions in advance.

• All relevant assets (covers, blurbs, tropes, etc.) must be uploaded to the shared Google Drive.

• Any delays in supplying content may impact the campaign timeline.

3. ARC Team Management

3.1 ARC Recruitment

Literary Inspired will actively promote ARC signup forms but cannot guarantee a specific number of signups or reviews.

3.2 Data Integrity

All campaign marketing materials are created based on information supplied by the Client. Literary Inspired is not responsible for discrepancies in reader expectations due to incorrect, misleading, or vague submissions by the Client.

3.3 Reader Privacy and Data Sharing

Signup forms may be shared publicly on social media, forums, and other public reader spaces. Literary Inspired does not control where or by whom the form is accessed or shared.

3.4 Reviews Disclaimer

ARC management facilitates distribution only. Reviews cannot be guaranteed and may include critical feedback. Literary Inspired does not influence or moderate reader reviews.

3.5 Distribution Permissions

Clients must:

• Provide Literary Inspired with VA access to their BookFunnel account (or equivalent).

• Authorize the distribution of ARC files via BookFunnel.

3.6 Data Storage & Security

ARC forms and related data will be deleted from Literary Inspired’s systems after 3 months. Clients are responsible for downloading any data prior to deletion. This policy ensures compliance with POPI Act and GDPR regulations.

4. General Terms

4.1 Payment Terms

• All services must be paid for upfront.

• Invoices are issued between the 23rd and 25th of each month.

• Payment is due before the start of the next month.

• No services will be rendered without full prepayment.

• All prices are listed in USD unless otherwise agreed. Clients outside the United States may request invoices in their local currency.

• Payments are accepted via PayPal and Payoneer.

4.2 Deliverables

• Services are delivered within the calendar month they are paid for.

• Work is scheduled according to Literary Inspired’s availability and workload.

• Payment does not equate to immediate turnaround.

4.3 Access to Platforms

Clients must grant the necessary admin/user access to platforms required for service delivery. This may include but is not limited to:

• Meta Suite (Facebook & Instagram)

• MailerLite, Substack, or email marketing platforms

• BookFunnel

• WordPress, Wix, Shopify, or SquareSpace

• Hosting services (if required)

If access cannot be shared through user roles, login credentials must be submitted securely.

4.4 Service Boundaries

Literary Inspired does not guarantee:

• A specific number of sales

• Top ranking on search engines

• Positive reviews or a certain review volume

• Viral social media content

All services are designed to support long-term strategy and sustainable growth.

4.5 Office Hours and Availability

Literary Inspired is based in South Africa. While messages may be answered outside of business hours, standard availability excludes weekends and public holidays.

South African Public Holidays

(Refer to attached list and/or https://www.gov.za/about-sa/public-holidays)

Please note: Literary Inspired will be unavailable from December 15th to January 5th annually for family holidays.

5. Communication & Conduct

5.1 Professional Boundaries

Clients are expected to respect business boundaries, including response times, workload, and project pacing. Harassment, excessive demands, or boundary-pushing may result in termination of services.

5.2 Collaboration & Flexibility

Clients are encouraged to maintain open, honest communication. Literary Inspired is collaborative, but cannot accommodate frequent last-minute changes, vague direction, or inconsistent instructions.

5.3 Client Code of Conduct

By working with Literary Inspired, Clients agree to a professional, respectful relationship and acknowledge:

• No hate speech, bigotry, or discrimination will be tolerated.

• Literary Inspired reserves the right to terminate service immediately if any behavior is deemed abusive or violates professional ethics.

5.4 Strategic Use and Attribution

Strategic advice, guidance, content structures, or campaign plans shared by Literary Inspired remain confidential. While Clients may choose to outsource execution, the use of Literary Inspired’s proprietary strategies by another service provider without consent or attribution is prohibited.

6. Confidentiality & Data Handling

6.1 Confidential Information

All proprietary information shared between Literary Inspired and the Client, including but not limited to strategy documents, login details, unpublished book information, and marketing materials, shall remain confidential.

6.2 Data Storage

Literary Inspired uses cloud-based platforms such as Google Drive, BookFunnel, and ToDoist for project management and delivery. While reasonable security protocols are followed, Clients understand that no digital platform is 100% secure.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Ownership

• All final deliverables (graphics, copy, documents, etc.) belong to the Client upon final payment.

• Literary Inspired retains the right to showcase completed work in portfolios or marketing materials unless otherwise agreed.

7.2 Use of Third-Party Tools

Some deliverables may use templates, stock imagery, or platform tools under license. Literary Inspired ensures all usage complies with licensing requirements.

7.3 Reading Time and Hook Extraction

If a Client expects Literary Inspired to read their book for the purposes of pulling quotes, hooks, or marketing angles, this time must be compensated. Clients are responsible for supplying a free copy of their book for these purposes. Time spent reading will be billed separately.

8. Termination

8.1 Month-to-Month Basis

All services are offered on a month-to-month basis unless explicitly stated otherwise. Either party may terminate the working relationship at the end of a billing period with written notice.

8.2 No Refund Policy

Due to the nature of custom creative and marketing services, all payments are final and non-refundable.

8.3 Breach of Agreement

Failure to adhere to the Terms outlined may result in termination of services, with no refund issued for payments already made.

9. Amendments

These Terms may be updated periodically. Any changes will be communicated in writing. Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

By continuing to work with Literary Inspired, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service. For any questions, please contact megan@literaryinspired.com.

Thank you for trusting Literary Inspired with your author journey.