Effective Date: 15 November 2025
Last Updated: 15 November 2025

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern the working relationship between Author Loot and its representatives (collectively referred to as “Author Loot,” “we,” or “our”) and the client (“Client”). By purchasing a service, submitting payment, or accessing deliverables from Author Loot, the Client agrees to be bound by these Terms.

Author Loot provides digital marketing, branding, website design, ARC management, and related services for indie authors and small businesses.

1. Website Development

1.1 Scope of Work

Author Loot offers custom website design services, including single-page websites, multi-page sites, and e-commerce sites built on platforms such as WordPress, Wix, Duda, or Shopify.

1.2 Timelines

• Standard author websites: typically completed within 6–8 weeks after project start.
• E-commerce sites: typically completed within 8–12 weeks after project start.
  These timelines depend on the Client providing materials in a timely manner.

1.3 Client Responsibilities

Clients must supply the following before work begins:

• Branding elements (logo, colors, fonts) if applicable
• Author bio, book details, images, and written content
• Access credentials to platforms (provided securely)
• Domain and hosting access

1.4 Hosting, Email, and Domains

Domain registration, hosting, email setup, and DNS management remain the Client’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed in writing. Issues related to third-party services must be handled directly with those providers.

1.5 Redirects & SEO

Basic on-page SEO and main-page redirects are included. Full redirect management and SEO monitoring require an ongoing SEO package.

1.6 Scope Changes

Once website development begins, any major changes—such as switching platforms, adding e-commerce, or altering the design significantly—may result in additional fees and extended timelines.

2. Social Media Marketing

2.1 Scope of Services

Author Loot provides the following social media services:

• Meta Suite setup
• Social media graphics
• Monthly posting packages
• Facebook advertising setup
• Reader community promotion (when contracted)

2.2 What’s Not Included (Unless Contracted)

• Comment moderation or message responses
• Facebook group management
• Reader group promotion (“Group Promo Ops”)

2.3 Client Responsibilities

Clients must provide:

• Launch dates, promos, and sale details in advance
• Book covers, blurbs, tropes, and assets uploaded to the shared Google Drive
  Delays in supplying materials may impact posting schedules.

3. ARC Management

3.1 ARC Recruitment

Author Loot promotes ARC signup forms to bookish communities but cannot guarantee a specific number of signups or reviews.

3.2 Accuracy of Information

All promotional materials rely on information the Client provides. Author Loot is not responsible for misunderstandings caused by unclear or incomplete submissions.

3.3 Reader Privacy & Distribution

ARC signup forms may be shared publicly across social platforms. Author Loot cannot control where they are shared or who accesses them.

3.4 Review Disclaimer

ARC readers are not required to leave positive reviews. All feedback—including critical reviews—is possible and outside of Author Loot’s influence.

3.5 Distribution Permissions

Clients must:

• Provide VA access to BookFunnel (or similar platform)
• Approve distribution of ARC files

3.6 Data Retention

ARC-related data will be deleted from Author Loot’s internal systems after 3 months. It is the Client’s responsibility to download and store any needed information before this timeframe.

4. General Terms

4.1 Payment Terms

• All services are prepaid.
• Monthly invoices are issued between the 23rd and 25th.
• Work begins once payment is received.
• Prices are listed in USD unless otherwise arranged.
• Payments are accepted through Square, PayPal, Stripe, or other approved methods.

4.2 Deliverables

Work is completed within the month it is purchased, unless otherwise agreed upon. Payment does not guarantee immediate turnaround; scheduling depends on workload and availability.

4.3 Platform Access

Clients must grant access to all necessary platforms, including but not limited to:

• Meta (Facebook/Instagram)
• Email marketing systems (MailerLite, Substack, etc.)
• BookFunnel
• Website platforms (WordPress, Wix, Shopify, etc.)

Credentials must be provided securely.

4.4 Service Limitations

Author Loot does not guarantee:

• A specific number of book sales
• Search engine ranking outcomes
• Review quantity or positivity
• Viral social media growth

Our services support long-term marketing strategy, not overnight results.

4.5 Office Hours

Author Loot operates Monday–Friday, excluding holidays. Messages may be answered outside of business hours at our discretion, but response times vary.

5. Communication & Professional Conduct

5.1 Boundaries

Clients must respect reasonable response times and workload boundaries. Harassment or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in immediate termination.

5.2 Collaboration

Effective communication is essential. Frequent last-minute changes, unclear direction, or inconsistent feedback may cause delays.

5.3 Code of Conduct

Clients agree to maintain respectful communication at all times.

• No hate speech, threats, or discriminatory language is permitted.
  Author Loot reserves the right to terminate service if conduct becomes inappropriate.

5.4 Use of Strategy & Materials

Strategies, frameworks, or content provided by Author Loot may not be resold, replicated, or outsourced to another provider without permission.

6. Confidentiality & Data Handling

6.1 Confidential Information

Any sensitive or proprietary information shared for project purposes is kept confidential.

6.2 Data Security

Author Loot uses platforms such as Google Drive, BookFunnel, and project management tools. While we take reasonable precautions, no digital platform can be guaranteed fully secure.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Ownership

Upon final payment, all completed deliverables become the Client’s property.
Author Loot may showcase work in portfolios or promotional materials unless the Client requests otherwise.

7.2 Licensed Tools & Assets

Some deliverables may include assets licensed through stock photo platforms, template providers, or design tools. Author Loot ensures compliance with licensing rules.

7.3 Reading Time for Marketing Materials

If the Client requests pull quotes, hooks, or marketing angles from the manuscript, a complimentary copy must be provided. Time spent reading may incur additional charges.

8. Termination

8.1 Month-to-Month Services

Ongoing services operate on a monthly basis unless stated otherwise. Either party may end the agreement at the close of a billing cycle with written notice.

8.2 No Refunds

Due to the nature of digital and creative services, all sales are final and non-refundable.

8.3 Breach of Terms

Failure to comply with these Terms may result in immediate termination without refund.

9. Amendments

Author Loot may update these Terms at any time. Clients will be notified of changes in writing. Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

By working with Author Loot, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.

For questions or concerns, please contact:
📧 hello@authorloot.com