1. Terms and Conditions of this Agreement

1.1. This self-publishing agreement (“Terms of Service”) is effective from the date of the first payment from the author/s (“Author”) to the Self-Publisher (“Reach Publishers”). On receipt of the initial payment, the Terms of Service for Reach Publishers are considered agreed and the publishing process will begin.

2. Copyright Works

2.1. The term ‘manuscript’ refers to the work as submitted by the Author for publication in its original version. The term ‘book’ refers to the edited manuscript following completion of the text editing phase of the publishing process. The term ‘Copyright Works’ as it appears in this Terms of Service document refers to the manuscript and the book in all versions and across all stages of the publishing process.

3. Scope of Work

3.1. The Author agrees to provide Reach Publishers with a manuscript not exceeding the number of words (“Word Count”) stipulated in the invoice provided for publication of the work.

3.2. Reach Publishers agrees to provide the following services to the Author:

• • • Front Cover Design – The design department will create a selection of front cover designs in an electronic format (not illustrated) for the Author to choose from, based on the Author’s idea or Copyright Works The Author will be allowed three (3) rounds of changes.
    • Full Cover Design Excluded – As this terms of service is for an eBook only a full cover is not required. The author is to provide a blurb about the book no more than 350 words which will be used in the online store’s description section.
    • In-Depth Editing – An editor with the appropriate experience and skill will be assigned the Author’s manuscript and will provide one round of thorough, in-depth editing. The edited manuscript will be sent back to the Author for approval, and the Author will be allowed three (3) rounds of changes. The Author acknowledges that the editing process may require multiple revisions and feedback exchanges between the Author and the assigned editor and/or the editing department.
    • Layout/Typesetting – The design department will create an attractive interior design based on the manuscript that the Author has provided. The layout will be provided in an electronic format for the Author to review, and the Author will be allowed three (3) rounds of changes.
    • Online Distribution – On instruction by the Author, Reach Publishers will supply the Copyright Works as an e-book to the world’s top distributor of e-books for independent authors. The Copyright Works will be uploaded to online stores as an e-book to be sold from the online stores, under the Author’s name. Distribution services are listed in section 4.1.
    • Confidentiality – Reach Publishers will maintain confidentiality of the Copyright Works throughout the publishing process.

4. Online Distribution

4.1. The Copyright Works will be distributed to the following online stores, with permission from the Author:

• • • Amazon Kindle
    • Draft2Digital: distributed as an eBook to Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd, Tolino, Smashwords, Overdrive, bibliotheca, Baker & Taylor, BorrowBox, Hoopla and Vivliou.

4.2. Additional services: Refer to the Author’s invoice to see which additional services have been included.

5. Quality Control

5.1. Reach Publishers shall ensure that the standard of the Copyright Works is kept at a professional industry standard throughout the process of preparation.

6. Payment

6.1. The Author shall pay Reach Publishers the total cost as per the invoice provided for the services rendered under this Terms of Service. Payment shall be made according to the schedule agreed upon in the provided invoice, but the balance can be paid off sooner to avoid any delays in the publishing process.

6.2. Failure to pay agreed-upon figures and/or the balance outstanding can be deemed by Reach Publishers as a breach of this agreement, and will immediately freeze the publishing process. It will be left to Reach Publishers’ discretion whether to resume publication or to pursue legal action for non-payment.

6.3. Reach Publishers will work according to the following payment breakdown:

• • • The first instalment – Introduction from the designer
    • 50% of the balance – Front cover options
    • 100% of the balance – Layout/Typesetting and remaining services as per the Terms of Service
    • The in-depth editing process will start once the balance for editing has been paid.

6.4. The Author shall receive all royalties and 100% of the profits from the sales of the Copyright Work in any format, including print and online.

7. Author’s Warranties and Representations

7.1. The Author assures Reach Publishers that:

• • • The Copyright Works is an original work. For any information copied from another source, permission has been obtained from the copyright holder. All sources have been properly acknowledged to avoid plagiarism, and do not violate the dignity of another (defamation of character). The onus is on the Author to ensure these requirements are followed, and Reach Publishers will not be held responsible for any plagiarised content or defamation of character, as this is controlled by the Author as a self-publisher.
    • The entering into of this Terms of Service by the Author does not violate any agreement, rights, or obligations existing between the Author and any other person, firm, or corporation.

8. Copyright and Ownership

8.1. The Author retains full copyright ownership of the manuscript and the published book.

8.2. Reach Publishers will assist the Author with the publication of the book in the agreed formats for the duration of this Terms of Service.

9. Duration and Termination

9.1. The Terms of Service shall remain in effect until the completion of the publishing services.

9.2. The estimated publishing duration ranges from three (3) to six (6) months, depending on various factors. This timeframe applies based on payment of the full balance provided on the invoice, if the total has been paid within four (4) months or less, and will vary if the arranged payment terms exceed four (4) months.

9.3. Should the Author be non-responsive to Reach Publishers’ requests for feedback, after months of continuous attempts at contact, resulting in no progress in the publication process (due to no fault of Reach Publishers), Reach Publishers may close the publication process after one year (12 calendar months) from the effective date of this Terms of Service.

9.4. Should the Author wish to reopen the publishing process after it has been closed, a quote will be provided by Reach Publishers. The Terms of Service will apply on payment of the invoice.

9.5. Either party may terminate this Terms of Service by providing written notice to the other party. In the event of termination, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to resolve any outstanding issues.

9.6. The Author forfeits his/her full payment on termination if the termination is not as a result of Reach Publishers’ breach.

10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

10.1. This Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of South Africa. Any disputes arising under or in connection with this Terms of Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

11. Assignability and Entire Agreement

11.1. This Terms of Service does not provide for a joint venture between the parties.

11.2. This Terms of Service contains all the covenants, agreements, terms, provisions, and conditions relating to the rights and obligations of the Author and Reach Publishers. Neither has made or is making, and neither in executing and delivering this Terms of Service is relying upon, any warranties, representations, covenants, promises, or statements by any official, agent, or employee of Reach Publishers or the Author, except to the extent that the same may expressly be outlined in this Terms of Service or in such documents and matters that are a part of this Terms of Service. No alteration, amendment or modification thereof shall be valid unless executed by an instrument in writing by the parties hereto with the same formality as this Terms of Service.