Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Last Updated: December 2024

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal and project-related information through various methods including online forms, email communications, direct submissions, and contractual engagements. Information collected may include:

• Name, email address, mailing address, and phone number
• Manuscripts, proposals, and other creative content submitted by you
• Communication preferences and project specifications
• Payment and billing information
• Website usage data via cookies or third-party analytics tools

You may decline to provide certain information, but this may limit the availability or quality of our services.

2. How We Use Your Information

The information collected is used solely to:

• Provide and fulfill publishing, editorial, and consulting services
• Maintain communication regarding your projects and requests
• Process payments and manage service contracts
• Improve our offerings, website, and customer experience
• Comply with legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations

We may also use aggregated or anonymized data for internal reporting and analysis.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your data only in the following limited scenarios:

• With trusted service providers (e.g., editors, designers, payment processors) under strict confidentiality agreements
• In compliance with applicable law, legal process, or to protect our rights and operations
• With your explicit consent, when required for specific services
• In connection with a business merger, acquisition, reorganization, or asset transfer

4. Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your PII from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure. These measures include data encryption, secure payment gateways, and limited access controls.

Despite these precautions, no data transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. You acknowledge and accept this risk when providing information to us.

5. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Request access to the personal data we hold about you
• Correct or update inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request the deletion of your personal data, subject to legal limitations
• Object to or restrict the processing of your data in certain circumstances
• Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications

To exercise any of the above rights, please contact us at [email protected]

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6. Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve functionality and analyze user behavior. You may configure your browser to reject cookies; however, doing so may limit your use of some features of our site.

7. Links to Third-Party Sites

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such third-party sites. We encourage you to review their respective privacy policies before providing any personal information.

Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you should not use our services or website.

2. Services Offered

Black Stone Publishers provides the following professional services:

• Manuscript review and consultation
• Editorial services including proofreading and developmental editing
• Interior layout and cover design
• Publishing facilitation and distribution guidance
• Marketing strategy and promotional support

3. Client Responsibilities

Clients engaging our services agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and timely information
• Retain full rights or appropriate licensing for any materials submitted
• Pay agreed-upon service fees on time
• Respond promptly to project-related correspondence
• Refrain from infringing on the intellectual property rights of third parties

4. Intellectual Property

You retain full ownership of your original work. By submitting content for service, you grant Black Stone a limited, non-exclusive license to use such materials strictly for the purpose of delivering agreed-upon services.

All proprietary materials, tools, and methods developed by Black Stone remain the intellectual property of Black Stone Publishers and may not be reproduced or reused without our written permission.

5. Payment Terms

Payment details are specified in individual service agreements. Invoices are due per the terms agreed upon. Late payments may incur fees or service interruptions.

6. Limitation of Liability

Our total liability to you shall not exceed the amount you paid for the specific service. We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our services or website.

7. Termination of Services

Either party may terminate the service relationship with written notice. All fees for completed work remain payable upon termination. Work already performed will be delivered or billed accordingly.

8. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes or claims shall be resolved through binding arbitration under applicable laws. Arbitration will take place in the state where Black Stone Publishers is registered, unless otherwise agreed.

9. Policy Modifications

We reserve the right to update or revise this Privacy Policy and Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be posted on this page, and continued use of our services implies acceptance of these changes.