Name: Secrets in the Shadows by Christley Creatives
SKU: 4715
Price: 165.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Quick Pass
Professional Buddy Read
Premium Buddy Read
Platinum Buddy Read – Developmental
Platinum Buddy Read – Line Edits
Bonus Buddy Team Read – Add-On
Proofreading Service – Standalone & Add-On
Quote & Teaser Service – Standalone & Add-On
Video Follow-up

Our Quick Pass service provides reaction feedback at the chapter level within the manuscript. This is great for between draft stages, or when you want quick reader feedback before publishing. Includes chapter-level in-line reaction feedback of:

Pacing & Flow
Reader Experience & Genre Standards
Plot Holes
Character Likability
Efficacy of Romantic Chemistry, Tropes, and Steam Level

$1.50

per 1,000 manuscript words

All of our Buddy Reading Services include in-line comments and feedback within the text itself, as well as a single-page Feedback Document detailing overall impressions and evaluation of your manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience.

View the Terms of Service

Our experienced team of professional beta readers provide valuable reaction feedback to take your story to the next level, including analysis of:

Reader Experience & Genre Standards
Plot Holes & Timeline Consistency
Character Motivation & Likability
Conflict Development and Resolution
If Applicable for genre: World-building, Lore, Setting & Situational Realism, Regional Language, Character Relationships
For Romance: Efficacy of Romantic Chemistry and Tension, Tropes, Choreography, and Steam Level

$2.00

per 1,000 manuscript words

All of our Buddy Reading Services include in-line comments and feedback within the text itself, as well as a single-page Feedback Document detailing overall impressions and evaluation of your manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience.

View the Terms of Service

Our Premium Beta Reading Service is perfect for the author seeking an affordable, but more in-depth, evaluation of their manuscript. Our Premium Beta Reading Service includes valuable reaction feedback and analysis of, as well as solutions and suggestions for:

Story Structure
Continuity, Pacing & Flow
Light Stylistic Editing (overused words and phrases, word choice, tone)
Light Line Editing (sentence structure, grammar, spelling, punctuation)
Reader Experience & Genre Standards
Plot Holes & Timeline Consistency
Character Motivation & Likability
Conflict Development and Resolution
If Applicable for genre: World-building, Lore, Setting & Situational Realism, Regional Language, Character Relationships
For Romance: Efficacy of Romantic Chemistry and Tension, Tropes, Choreography, and Steam Level

$2.50

per 1,000 manuscript words

All of our Buddy Reading Services include in-line comments and feedback within the text itself, as well as a single-page Feedback Document detailing overall impressions and evaluation of your manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience.

View the Terms of Service

We’re thrilled to now offer Developmental Editing for our authors who need an extensive evaluation of their story in it’s earlier writing stage. This service includes:

All Premium Beta Reading Analysis, PLUS:
Stylistic Editing
Comprehensive analysis of overused words and phrases
Word choice
Tone
Sentence structure
Story flow
A thirty (30) minute video consultation
Quote & Teaser Service Add-On FREE

Our Developmental Editing service is most effective early in your writing process, as it includes story and conceptual editing.

Turnaround time for Developmental Editing requires at least 2 business days per 10k manuscript words. LIMITED AVAILABILITY – Cannot be added to projects with a deadline within 6 weeks.

$4.50

per 1,000 manuscript words

All of our Buddy Reading Services include in-line comments and feedback within the text itself, as well as a single-page Feedback Document detailing overall impressions and evaluation of your manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience.

View the Terms of Service

For authors in need of an affordable story analysis beyond Beta Reading, we now offer Line Editing, where we provide extensive line-by-line feedback to help your story shine its brightest. This service includes:

All Premium Beta Reading Analysis, PLUS:
Stylistic Editing
Comprehensive analysis of overused words and phrases
Word choice
Tone
Sentence structure
Story flow
Proofreading (completed at the same time as the line edit)

Our Line Editing service is most effective later in your writing process, as it includes story and mechanical editing.

Turnaround time for Line Editing requires at least 2 business days per 10k manuscript words. LIMITED AVAILABILITY – Cannot be added to projects with a deadline within 6 weeks.

$5.00

per 1,000 manuscript words STANDALONE
– OR –

$4.00

per 1,000 manuscript words AS AN ADD-ON SERVICE

All of our Buddy Reading Services include in-line comments and feedback within the text itself, as well as a single-page Feedback Document detailing overall impressions and evaluation of your manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience.

View the Terms of Service

Want more eyes on your manuscript? Add an additional reader at a discount!

Team Read Pricing when added to a Quick Pass

~~+$1.50~~

$1.00

per 1,000 manuscript words

Team Read Pricing when added to a Professional Beta

~~+$2.00~~

$1.50

per 1,000 manuscript words

Team Read Pricing when added to a Premium Beta

~~+$2.50~~

$2.00

per 1,000 manuscript words

*Pricing is dependent upon the primary Beta Level chosen
Price per 1k words is in addition to the cost of the primary Beta Read

All of our Buddy Reading Services include in-line comments and feedback within the text itself, as well as a single-page Feedback Document detailing overall impressions and evaluation of your manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience. In a Bonus Buddy Team Read, you will hear from both readers within the manuscript as well as in the Feedback Doc.

View the Terms of Service

Our Proofreading Service includes a thorough analysis of your manuscript for typos, missing words, word usage, capitalization, and grammar and punctuation mistakes.

While our readers occasionally make note of typos and other proofreading concerns as they see them, our Buddy Read packages do not include comprehensive proofreading by default.

Available as a Standalone Service or Add-On

$2.25

per 1,000 manuscript words STANDALONE
– OR –

$1.70

per 1,000 manuscript words AS AN ADD-ON SERVICE

Proofreading service includes inline proofreading suggestions using Google Docs within the Manuscript text itself. Proofreading does not include fact checking or a Feedback Doc.

View the Terms of Service

Our authors love this service where we pull the most eye-catching teasers from your book for use in promotional materials.

You’ll share your manuscript with us via Google Doc and we will highlight all of the wonderful quotes you’ve created that we think would ensnare a reader and work for teasers, snippets, and promotional graphics. That way, you can reference the context of the quote. We’ll also copy them into another doc, formatted and spaced for easy access whenever you need them.

We will never deliver less than 3 quotes for a novella or 5 quotes for a full-length novel, although there is no maximum!

$0.90

per 1,000 manuscript words STANDALONE
– OR –

Or Add-On the Quote & Teaser Service to any Beta Read and Save 25%!

$0.65

per 1,000 manuscript words AS AN ADD-ON SERVICE

View the Terms of Service

In this 30 minute Live Buddy Session, Rachel helps you work through any pesky plot holes or story struggles, offering a fresh perspective and brainstorm new outcomes together.

Only available as an Add-On

$40.00

Special Launch Price

$25.00

per 30 minute session

The video consultation can be scheduled for before, during, or after the project reservation, and will be scheduled directly with the assigned reader.

View the Terms of Service

Cover Add-Ons

Hardcover Wrap
Audiobook Cover
Social Media Profile Graphics Set
Social Media Promo Graphics Set
Social Media Promo Graphics Set Premium
Individual Promo Graphics
Amazon A+ Content Graphics – Set of Three
Bookmark Design – Single Side & Double Side
Cover Art without Title

When you purchase the eBook package for a Premade or Custom Book Cover Design through The Author Buddy, you receive:

One eBook jpg file (1600x2560px) formatted for KDP and most other platforms
Title Graphics, both in full color and solid black with transparent backgrounds, for use in your promotional materials and book
eBook 3D Render Graphic with transparent background, for use in your promotional materials

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

When you purchase the Print package for a Premade or Custom Book Cover Design, you receive:

One eBook jpg file (1600x2560px) formatted for KDP and most other platforms
Title Graphics, both in full color and solid black with transparent backgrounds, for use in your promotional materials and book
One Paperback PDF formatted for KDP (or other printer if you choose) using the specifications you provide to us (trim size, page count, paper color, ink color)
eBook and Paperback 3D Render Graphics with transparent background, for use in your promotional materials

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

Included FREE with all premade and custom cover orders

Includes TWO (2) graphics using the title and author name from your finished cover:

One graphic in full color with transparent background
One graphic in single color solid black with transparent background

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

Included FREE with all premade and custom cover orders

Includes ONE (1) graphics for eBook Packages and THREE (3) graphics for Print Packages featuring 3D Renders of the art from your finished cover:

One graphic with eBook 3D Render with transparent background – both eBook & Print Packages
One graphic with Paperback 3D Render with transparent background – Print Packages Only
One graphic with both eBook & Paperback 3D Renders with transparent background – Print Packages Only

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

Includes reformatting the design of your cover for Hardback (including wrap) using your finished cover, trim size, paper color, page count, and blurb.

Hardback / Hardcover Design for Authors - Premade and Custom Book Cover Packages from The Author Buddy

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

Please note that there may be an additional fee for acquiring larger source images for larger trim sizes that 6×9, or an additional licensing fee for larger print runs above 500,000.

Includes reformatting the design of your cover for Audiobook (2400x2400px) using the title, author name, and art from your finished cover.

Audiobook Cover Design for Authors - Premade and Custom Book Cover Packages from The Author Buddy

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

Includes TWO (2) graphics using the title, author name, and art from your finished cover:

Square Profile Pic Graphic laid out to work for square and circular profile pic formats
Rectangle Graphic for use as a cover image or banner

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

A great set of graphics to get your promotion moving. Set of FOUR (4) graphics includes:

Cover Reveal
Coming Soon/Pre-order
Now Live/Now Available
Blank – text-less graphics for you to use in your own promotional materials

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

A full suite of promotional images for social media marketing. Set of SEVEN (7) graphics includes:

Cover Reveal
Coming Soon/Pre-order
Now Live/Now Available
Tropes graphic
Social Media Banner Image
Blank – text-less graphics for you to use in your own promotional materials
A second Blank Graphic

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

Get exactly what you need to promote your book with our Individual Promo Graphics Library. Choose just one or build your own package. Options Include:

Social Media Banner Image
Social Media Profile Pic
Cover Reveal
Coming Soon/Pre-order
Countdown graphics
Now Live/Now Available
Tropes graphic
Blurb graphic
Reader Promo/Currently Reading
Blank – text-less graphics for you to use in your own promotional materials
Series Graphic – 3D Renders
Series Graphic – Social Media Banner Image
Custom graphics by request

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

Includes one set of THREE (3) full width graphics for use with the KDP Standard Image Module using the art from your finished cover. We will use your book blurb to write promotional text to catch readers’ eye or you may provide your own text.

You may request your 3D renders, book title, author name, series name, or tagline to be added as well.

Amazon A+ Content Design for Authors - Premade and Custom Book Cover Packages from The Author Buddy

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

Includes single or double side design using the title, author name, and art from your finished cover, plus your website URL and/or social media handles you provide.

Bookmark Design for Authors - Premade and Custom Book Cover Packages from The Author Buddy

** Images shown are examples. Your graphics will coordinate with your cover.

Includes the front cover art from your finished cover at high resolution without the title, author name, or other text. File delivered is 300 dpi and RGB color mode for screen use.

Please request if you need the full paperback wrap art and/or CMYK color mode for professional printing. An extended license will be required for print runs over 500,000 copies.

Please note that you may not use this artwork to create new commercial art. Purchase of this add-on only includes the license to use this art for promotional purposes for the book named during the purchase process.

Terms of Service

The following constitutes the full standard terms and conditions for all services provided by The Author Buddy. Please make sure to read the terms thoroughly prior to placing any orders or submitting any signup forms on www.theauthorbuddy.com. By placing an order or submitting a service signup form on this website, you are confirming your receipt, understanding, and acceptance of these terms and conditions.

By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound and abide by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.

Privacy & Confidentiality

All client information and materials are considered confidential and will only be used by The Author Buddy in order to provide the services requested by the client within the scope of the project. Client information and project materials will not be given out or shared with any third party, unless otherwise requested by the client.

While completing services for the client through the course of the project, The Author Buddy may become aware of professional and personal information related to the client, including creative concepts, financial information, marketing plans, project details, trade secrets, confidential information, proprietary property, trademarks, or copyrighted materials. The Author Buddy will not make any unauthorized use of any of the above information, and agrees to protect all the above information and keep any information obtained confidential.

Original Works & Content

The Author Buddy, its partners, and its contractors create original designs for all cover and graphics projects, and read and provide personal feedback for all beta and story services. We do not use AI generators in any step of the process in the creation of any of our designs or in the evaluation of manuscripts, and we actively avoid AI generated imagery and content.

All of our designs are created using licensed stock images, or original photography and artwork. We make every effort to avoid AI generated images from stock photo providers, and we monitor the policies of the stock providers regularly to ensure we are aware of how AI imagery is listed within their collections. However, inadvertent errors may occur if reputable platforms have inaccurately labeled AI materials and tools, and in the event that this occurs and AI-generated imagery is mistakenly used in a design or project from The Author Buddy, we will take immediate action to rectify the situation. This can include: promptly revising the design at no charge to the client, providing a thorough accounting of the steps taken both in the initial design process and in the corrective measures after discovery that the client may disseminate publicly at their discretion in the course of addressing the situation, and a public formal acknowledgment of the oversight. The above details the limit of the liability The Author Buddy accepts in the case of inadvertent use of AI-generated content. For further information, see the Liability section of our Terms of Service

Cover Design Terms & Conditions

Premade Book Cover Design Services

Payment

Full payment for Premade Book Cover orders must be made through the website at the time of purchase. There are no reserves or cart holds prior to submission of payment.

All Premade Cover sales are considered final and non-refundable.

On a case-by-case basis, if requested by the client within 24 hours of purchase, we may allow an exchange of one product for another, or we may allow a return of a premade product in exchange for store credit if no design work has been completed on the order. In either circumstance, there will be a 10% fee taken out of the credit or exchange value to cover payment and order processing.

Payments made through The Author Buddy’s PayPal Business Account are subject to PayPal’s terms and conditions, which you agree to adhere to by purchasing a cover through The Author Buddy.

Schedule

Orders received from the website with finalized payment will be processed within 48 orders (excluding weekends), at which point the client will receive an email confirmation of the order and appropriate next steps for the project specifications.

If the client provided the customization information for the eBook (title and author name) with their order, The Author Buddy will provide an estimate on when the customization mockup will be delivered. Customization mockups will be delivered to the client within two weeks of the date of the order unless a specific or rush deadline is requested and can be accommodated. For additional revision requests, turnaround time will vary.

Once the client receives the mockup of the requested customizations to the Premade Cover Design and replies to The Author Buddy confirming final approval, The Author Buddy will deliver the final file package through a Google Drive folder link via email, usually within two to five business days unless a specific or rush deadline is requested and approved. This can vary depending on the current schedule, the details of the order, and any additional services or revisions the client has requested.

The Author Buddy follows US Eastern time (GMT-5 except during Daylight Savings Time in the summer, which is GMT-4). All clients should take this into account when planning their deadlines.

Premade Cover Revisions

The client can request additional revisions to the premade design beyond those included in the purchase (Title, Author Name, tagline/credentials, and for paperback/print packages, back matter and blurb) for an additional fee, which varies depending on the details of the request. Revision requests will affect the turnaround time for Premade Cover final file package delivery.

Premade Cover Series Additions

The client can request additional covers be created with the same overall style as the originally-purchased Premade Cover Design in order to turn the premade into a series. Pricing for additional covers is based on the adjacent Custom Cover Design Package to the original Premade Design (for example, a Premium level Premade turned into a series will be estimated at the Premium Custom Cover Package pricing for additional covers). Additional customization requests may affect the estimate and final balance due.

Premade Cover Purchases without Paperback Details

When a client purchases a Premade Cover Design Paperback/Print Package without having the paperback details finalized, The Author Buddy will hold the design customization for no charge for twelve months (one year), during which time the client can request the paperback file formatting with two weeks’ notice by email to The Author Buddy. After twelve months, requested paperback formatting may incur an additional fee.

Premade Cover Purchases without a deadline

When a client purchases a Premade Cover Design without having a deadline in mind, The Author Buddy will hold the design customization for no charge for twelve months (one year), during which time the client can request the customization with two weeks’ notice by email to The Author Buddy. After twelve months, requested customizations may incur an additional fee.

Premade Cover Print Layaway

The Author Buddy offers the print layaway option for Premade Cover purchases in order to provide flexible payment plans that make prepublishing services accessible.

When the client purchases a Premade Book Cover Design from the website, they can select the “eBook Package with Print Cover Layaway” option for their Cover Choice. The client pays the eBook price for the cover design when they complete their order.

The Author Buddy will send the client the confirmation email within 48 hours, and the client will receive their eBook file, Title Graphics, and 3D Render Graphics (and any additional services ordered) in the final file package delivery within two weeks.

The client will contact The Author Buddy when they are ready for the Paperback customization (preferably with two weeks’ notice prior to any scheduled deadlines), and The Author Buddy will send the client a PayPal invoice. Once that invoice is settled, The Author Buddy will start on the Paperback file production, with delivery expected within two weeks of the date of the invoice being paid.

The layaway must be cleared within twelve months of the date of the eBook purchase, or there will be an additional charge when the Paperback is requested after the twelve months.

Deliverables

All Premade Book Cover designs purchased through The Author Buddy include the following services and deliverables:

Customization of the Purchased Premade Cover Design including Title, Author Name, tagline/credentials, and for paperback/print packages, back matter and blurb
Licensing of the stock images used within the book cover design—copies of licensing information for all images will be provided to the client upon request
- OR exclusive use license of the original art created for the Premade Cover Design if the design includes original artwork as noted in the listing on the website
Title Graphics, both in full color and solid black with transparent backgrounds, for use in your promotional materials and book
3D Render graphics of the finalized cover designs included in the project
Digital delivery of the final file package through a Google Drive folder link via email

eBook Premade Packages contain the following in addition to all services and deliverables listed above:

eBook jpg file (1600x2560px) formatted for KDP and most other platforms

Paperback/Print Premade Packages Packages contain the following in addition to all services and deliverables listed above:

Final customized paperback wrap design including the layout of the front cover, back cover, and spine according to the client’s printer specifications. The client must provide The Author Buddy with the appropriate sized template for the final print-ready file by obtaining the file or the link to the template provided by the client’s publisher or printer. For Amazon KDP print services, the client is required to provide The Author Buddy with the final page count, ink color, paper color, and binding specs, so that The Author Buddy may generate the correct template.
High-resolution print-ready Paperback PDF for the client to send to the client’s publisher/printer/platform. Unless otherwise requested by the client, paperback files are formatted for Amazon KDP.
An ISBN bar code can be placed on the back cover by request. The client must notify and supply the designer with the ISBN if requested.

Premade Book Cover Design service does not include copywriting or text editing services, or anything else not specified in the included list above.

Custom Book Cover Design Services

Schedule

Due to scheduling, The Author Buddy recommends the client book their Custom Cover Reservation well in advance of any scheduled deadlines, preferably at least eight weeks before the client needs to receive the final files, to ensure availability for the project. Custom Cover Design spots are reserved for a window of three weeks minimum.

Custom Cover Project signup forms received from the website will be processed within 48 orders, at which point the client will receive an email confirmation of the commission, an estimate of the total cost of the project, available dates for the design reservation, and appropriate next steps for the project specifications. Once the client approves the estimate, date, and next steps, The Author Buddy will send the client the invoice for the 50% deposit through PayPal to the PayPal email address provided on the signup form.

Unless the project was requested as a rush project with applicable charges paid, The Author Buddy designer will provide the first round of design mockups for the project within two weeks of the start date of the design reservation. The client will be notified promptly if the design process for the first round is taking longer than expected.

Unless otherwise noted in the Custom Cover Design Package ordered, The Author Buddy will provide at least two design concepts/options/variations in the first round of design mockups, and the client is allowed up to one additional concept of a new design, and up to three rounds of minor revisions or one round of major revisions. Clients are asked to keep in mind that it is much more efficient to complete several small revisions at once rather than in multiple sessions, and batching revision requests is recommended, particularly for projects with a tight deadline.

If the client wishes to request a new design concept after the initial concepts are delivered for review, this request must be received by the designer within three days of receipt of the current round of design mockups. The client must include in the request detailed descriptions for the new concept design as well as attached or linked inspiration images. The designer will provide the next round of design mockups within two weeks of receiving the new concept request from the client if the additional concept was requested within three days and if the nature of the requests allows.

There will be an additional charge for new concepts requested after the client has requested revisions to the original designs and the designer has started work on those revisions. Additional new concepts can be requested for an additional fee.

The client must request revisions within three days of receipt of the current round of design mockups. The designer will provide the next round of design mockups within one week of receiving the revision request from the client if the revisions were requested within three days and if the nature of the revisions allow.

The Author Buddy is not responsible for missed deadlines due to delays in the client’s review and communication, or additional concept and revision requests.

Once the client receives the mockup of the requested revisions and replies to The Author Buddy confirming final approval, The Author Buddy will send the client the invoice for the remaining balance on the project through PayPal to the PayPal email address provided on the signup form. Once the final balance invoice is settled, The Author Buddy will deliver the final eBook and/or Paperback file package through a Google Drive folder link via email, usually within two business days. This can vary depending on the current schedule, the details of the order, and any additional services the client has requested.

In the case where the client does not have final paperback specs ready for the paperback file creation, the final balance invoice will be sent to the client upon approval of the front cover design and prior to the eBook file delivery. Payment of the balance invoice reserves the file production spot for the paperback if the deadline is already known and can be scheduled. The Author Buddy will hold the paperback file production for no charge for twelve months (one year), during which time the client can request the paperback file formatting with two weeks’ notice by email to The Author Buddy. After twelve months, requested paperback formatting may incur an additional fee.

The Author Buddy follows US Eastern time (GMT-5 except during Daylight Savings Time in the summer, which is GMT-4). All clients should take this into account when planning their deadlines.

Payment

The client agrees to pay an initial deposit of 50% of the total estimated project cost upfront to reserve their spot on the calendar. The client’s reservation is not added to the calendar until the deposit is received. All custom cover deposits and payments are non-refundable.

For rush projects, the deposit must be received before any work begins on the project. The Author Buddy is not responsible for delays in the project start due to delay in the deposit being settled, and may require the project be rescheduled at an additional charge to the client.

The remaining project balance is due in full prior to the final file package delivery. The Author Buddy will not release finished files to the client or other parties until final payment has been received, regardless of the project deadline. The final payment is also final approval of the project.

The Author Buddy retains the right to discontinue, withhold, or suspend services for any account should payments not be paid for a contracted job in the order specified in this agreement. A late fee may be added for invoices left unpaid after seven days.

Custom cover design reservations can be rescheduled or postponed without a rescheduling fee up until three weeks before the reservation date. If a project needs to be rescheduled, postponed, or cancelled, all deposits are retained by The Author Buddy/Christley Creatives/KiWi Cover Design; and if the design process has already started, an additional fee will be charged for any work completed beyond the deposit amount, if applicable. Additional design requests or changes to the deadline once the design process has started may incur an additional fee.

A rush rate will be factored into custom projects with a deadline within 6 weeks from the date of signup.

All Custom Cover Deposits and Final Balances are considered final and non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Payments made through The Author Buddy’s PayPal Business Account are subject to PayPal’s terms and conditions, which you agree to adhere to by purchasing a cover through The Author Buddy.

Custom Series

The Author Buddy recommends all book covers for a planned series be completed at one time rather than one at a time to ensure consistency among the designs, however, this is not required.

Custom Cover without Paperback Details

When a client commissions a Custom Cover Design Paperback/Print Package without having the paperback details finalized, The Author Buddy will hold the paperback file production for no charge for twelve months (one year), during which time the client can request the paperback file formatting with two weeks’ notice by email to The Author Buddy. After twelve months, requested paperback formatting may incur an additional fee.

Deliverables

All Custom Book Cover designs commissioned through The Author Buddy include the following services and deliverables:

Customization of the Purchased Premade Cover Design including Title, Author Name, tagline/credentials, and for paperback/print packages, back matter and blurb
Licensing of the stock images used within the book cover design—copies of licensing information for all images will be provided to the client upon request
- OR exclusive use license of original art created for the project if the client commissioned original art during the signup process
Title Graphics, both in full color and solid black with transparent backgrounds, for use in your promotional materials and book
3D Render graphics of the finalized cover designs included in the project
Digital delivery of the final file package through a Google Drive folder link via email

eBook Custom Packages contain the following in addition to all services and deliverables listed above:

eBook jpg file (1600x2560px) formatted for KDP and most other platforms

Paperback/Print Custom Packages Packages contain the following in addition to all services and deliverables listed above:

Final customized paperback wrap design including the layout of the front cover, back cover, and spine according to the client’s printer specifications. The client must provide The Author Buddy with the appropriate sized template for the final print-ready file by obtaining the file or the link to the template provided by the client’s publisher or printer. For Amazon KDP print services, the client is required to provide The Author Buddy with the final page count, ink color, paper color, and binding specs, so that The Author Buddy may generate the correct template.
High-resolution print-ready Paperback PDF for the client to send to the client’s publisher/printer/platform. Unless otherwise requested by the client, paperback files are formatted for Amazon KDP.
An ISBN bar code can be placed on the back cover by request. The client must notify and supply the designer with the ISBN if requested.

Custom Book Cover Design service does not include copywriting or text editing services, or anything else not specified in the included list above.

Ownership & Copyright

Upon receipt of full and final payment, The Author Buddy grants the client exclusive license to the use of the final cover artwork (PDF, JPEG, PNG, or other publishing-ready format) for their book cover for the purpose of book publishing, and for associated promotional materials.

The Author Buddy and its design partners—Christley Creatives and KiWi Cover Designs—retain full rights of the finished artwork as the cover designer, as well as the right to showcase the client’s final book cover design, name, book title, and any other artwork created for the project in our portfolio and promotional materials. The Author Buddy retains copyright and ownership of all final design and draft materials, as well as unused ideas presented to the client. These rights extend to the individual designers for each project.

The client agrees not to reproduce, distribute, or use the cover for any other purpose than the book named during the purchase process. The client is not permitted to use the final artwork for resale items beyond the specific uses included in the original agreement. Should the client wish to create additional sale items featuring this artwork, the client will contact The Author Buddy regarding acquiring the required extended rights for this artwork.

The client understands that they have no right to alter the final cover design in any way. If the client desires any alterations, they will contact The Author Buddy to request these alterations, and the client understands that additional fee may be required to make these alterations.

The client further understands that they have no right to replicate or borrow any of the ideas or concepts created or presented by The Author Buddy during the course of the requested services. All concepts and designs created by The Author Buddy—including layout, placements, coloring, fonts, title treatment, image selection and style, and visual effects—are not permitted to be altered or recreated by another person, designer, or entity.

Foreign and audio subrights are required to pay for additional licensing for rights to use the cover in additional formats. The licensing fee for subrights is a minimum of $50 in addition to the required file production fee, which varies according to format. The client or the subrights holder will contact The Author Buddy for licensing and file production information.

The client agrees to abide by the terms of any license agreement for any images purchased by The Author Buddy and its individual designers through a third-party image provider for use in client’s book cover design. The cost of cover design includes the license to use these images and is limited to a print run of 500,000 units. For books with a print run over 500,000, additional licensing fees may apply. Images used for the client’s cover are royalty-free; however, the photographer owns the copyright to those photographs and they cannot be distributed in any manner other than in the book cover design.

The client acknowledges that there is a risk with cover design projects using stock imagery that other authors and designers may potentially use identical or similar images, models, or subjects, and The Author Buddy will not be held liable for the presence of similar imagery on other book covers.

Client Responsibilities

The client agrees to timely communication with The Author Buddy, its partners, or contractors as needed through email at hello@theauthorbuddy.com or theauthorbuddy@gmail.com in order to facilitate the completion of the project. The Author Buddy is not responsible or liable for delays in the completion of the project due to delays in communication on the part of the client, missed or mislabeled emails, or technical failures. Deadlines missed due to delays in communication on the part of the client will not qualify for full or partial refunds, and will not be guaranteed rush project delivery.

If the Client provides materials subject to intellectual property rights by a third-party, the Client will secure the appropriate rights to use the materials before directing the designer to incorporate them into the project. The Author Buddy reserves the right to request a copy of the secured rights. Should any intellectual property dispute arise involving materials the client provides, the client assumes full legal and financial responsibility.

The client acknowledges that they have obtained all rights and permissions to publish materials to be used in the project and shall be solely responsible for the materials and the validity of copyrights, trademarks and ownership claimed by the client. Client agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend The Author Buddy, its partners, and its contractors from any and all libel and copyright and permission infringement action resulting from materials client provides. The book material client provides must not be a public domain work (unless client is the original author).

The client agrees to abide by the terms and conditions of third-party image resource license agreements for images purchased by The Author Buddy on behalf of the client and during the course of the project for which the client has purchased or commissioned the services of The Author Buddy. Standard licenses purchased on behalf of clients by The Author Buddy are limited to 500,000 units in total print sales. If the client exceeds 500,000 units in sales, an extended license may be required. It is the responsibility of the client to notify The Author Buddy if they require an extended license. Client assumes responsibility for any fees associated with extended licenses.

The client is not permitted to share mockups or in-progress design materials with any party outside of the client’s professional team during the design process or after the final artwork has been approved and delivered. The parties the client is prohibited from sharing the artwork with include, but are not limited to: reader groups, ARC teams, email lists, VIP groups, and social media followers. The parties considered part of the client’s professional team include: the client’s agent, publisher, public relations or marketing consultant. The client will only share final artwork once the project is complete and the final balance invoice is settled. Should the client wish to share any artwork produced by The Author Buddy and its designers during the design process, or mockups and in-progress materials at any time, the client will contact The Author Buddy to request authorization to do so.

The client is fully responsible for proofreading all content supplied to The Author Buddy, and in providing said materials signifies that the content is final and approved for publication. The Author Buddy and its individual designers do not proofread titles, blurbs, taglines, or other content provided by the client.

For all projects that include print materials such as paperback, hardcover, bookmark, merch, and event graphics, the client must provide The Author Buddy with the appropriate sized template for the final print-ready file by obtaining the file or the link to the template provided by the client’s publisher or printer. For Amazon KDP print services, the client is required to provide The Author Buddy with the final page count, ink color, paper color, and binding specs, so that The Author Buddy may generate the correct template.

The Author Buddy highly suggests the client request an author proof from the printer/publisher of choice before official publishing or ordering of print copies. The Author Buddy will not be responsible for financial or legal issues such as cost, fees, or expenses incurred by the client as a result of using the book cover design or other final artwork related to the project.

Custom Graphic Design Services

Custom Graphic Design Projects follow the same terms as custom cover projects detailed above. Turnaround time, schedule, and deliverables vary by service.

Beta Reading, Editing, and Story Services Terms & Conditions

Beta Reading & Story Services General Terms & Conditions

Publishing Rights

The client acknowledges that they have obtained all rights and permissions to publish materials to be used in the project and shall be solely responsible for the materials and the validity of copyrights, trademarks and ownership claimed by the client. Client agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend The Author Buddy, its partners, and its contractors from any and all libel and copyright and permission infringement action resulting from materials client provides.

The book material client provides must not be a public domain work (unless client is the original author), and must not be AI-generated.

Ownership & Copyright

Any work produced by the client as a result of the beta readers’ comments is and remains the property of the client.

The Author Buddy and its readers acquire no rights of ownership to the work produced through our beta reading and story services, including specific plot concepts, wording suggestions, character and story details, and all creative contributions.

The Author Buddy will not make any unauthorized use of any of the The Author’s trade secrets, confidential information, proprietary property, trademarks, or copyrighted materials.

The Author Buddy retains the right to use client’s name and book title on our website and social media promotion, and to market and promote our services.

Payment

An initial deposit invoice will be sent to the client once The Author Buddy has confirmed the dates of the reservation and project details with the client. The deposit invoice includes half of the charge for all services ordered based on the estimated word count provided by the client at the time of signup. The client agrees to pay an initial deposit of 50% of the total estimated project cost upfront to reserve their spot on the calendar. The client’s reservation is not added to the calendar until the deposit is received. All beta and story service deposits and payments are non-refundable.

For rush projects, the deposit must be received before any work begins on the project. The Author Buddy is not responsible for delays in the project start due to delay in the deposit being settled, and may require the project be rescheduled at an additional charge to the client.

Projects with an estimated word count of less than 20,000 words and Quick Pass Buddy Reads will be invoiced for the full estimated project cost in the deposit invoice.

The deposit invoice may include the confirmed reservation dates and/or reader assignment, however, the dates and reader assignment listed on the invoice are subject to change, since the project dates won’t be reserved on our calendar until payment of the deposit invoice is received.

If the manuscript is received by The Author Buddy from the client with the project word count significantly different than the estimate provided by the client during signup, the final balance invoice at project completion will reflect the accurate final word count.

The final balance invoice for the project will be calculated based on the final manuscript word count before the service starts, as determined by the Google Docs word count function. The final balance invoice is sent to the client after delivery of the final file package and is due immediately, so please plan accordingly and expect the invoice on the day of scheduled project delivery.

For projects that include multiple read sessions—for example, one beta read session and a later proofread session—a balance invoice will be sent for each service at the time of delivery of that service. The second or subsequent read sessions will not begin until the full payment of the balance invoice for the completed session is settled.

The Author Buddy retains the right to discontinue, withhold, or suspend services for any account should payments not be paid for a contracted job in the order specified in this agreement. A late fee may be added for invoices left unpaid after seven days.

Manuscript Requirements & Handling

The client must deliver the manuscript to The Author Buddy via email by 9am Eastern Time on the scheduled reservation start date for the project.

The manuscript should be delivered as a Word document attached to the email or shared through Google Docs to theauthorbuddy@gmail.com. The client is responsible for contacting The Author Buddy in advance if the manuscript is only available in another format, including OpenOffice doc or PDF.

The Author Buddy will make a copy of the document in a restricted folder in Google Drive, and all work on the project will be completed using Google Docs.

The manuscript will be delivered back to the client upon project completion via email as a Google Drive folder link. The project folder will contain the manuscript and all included deliverables for the project.

The Author Buddy retains a copy of the project folder for twelve months after the project completion as a backup, after which time all files are deleted. The client can request the backups be deleted prior to the twelve months through a written request via email. The Author Buddy will not share the project folder with any outside parties and will make no unauthorized use of the manuscript or project documents. If The Author Buddy wishes to use the project documents for internal training purposes, The Author Buddy will contact the client for authorization of this use.

Standard of Service

All beta read and story services are completed to our highest standards, and the readers—and editors and proofreaders, for those services—provide the best possible service to the best of their ability. However, The Author Buddy provides no guarantee that the client’s finished work will be completely error-free.

Client Responsibilities

For the most effective and efficient beta read, the client is not permitted to access the document during the beta read or editing project to make any revisions or resolve comments by the reader(s)/editor(s) until the full read is complete.

The client will provide the manuscript for the ordered service to The Author Buddy. Reactions, feedback, and other considerations will be noted as comments within the document. For Proofreading and Line Editing services, corrections will be made using Google Doc Suggesting Mode. The client is responsible for accepting or rejecting all changes once the Proofread or Line Edit is complete. The client must have access to a registered Google Drive/Docs account to view all of the suggestions and comments.

Booking

Due to scheduling, The Author Buddy recommends the client book their Beta & Story Services Reservation well in advance of any scheduled deadlines, preferably at least eight weeks before the client needs services completed, to ensure availability for the project. Beta & Story Service spots are reserved for a window based on estimated word count PLUS a two day minimum.

Quick Pass Buddy Read

Scope of Work & Service Details

The Author Buddy Quick Pass Buddy Read Service includes chapter-level reaction feedback and analysis of:

Reader Experience & Genre Standards
Plot Holes
Pacing & Flow
Character Likability
Conflict Development and Resolution
For Romance: Efficacy of Romantic Chemistry, Tropes, and Steam Level

A minimum of one comment will be made for each chapter of the manuscript. The Quick Pass Buddy Read service does not include proofreading or any other services not specified in this agreement.

The Author Buddy provides the Quick Pass Buddy Read service as a standalone service or as an add-on to a Beta Reading Package. When ordered as an add-on, the Quick Pass Buddy Read service will be completed at a later date than the beta read by the same reader after revisions, and is referred to as a Quick Last Pass.

For projects that include multiple read sessions—for example, one beta read session and a later proofread session—both sessions must be scheduled at the time of signup and will be treated as two separate reservations within the scheduling system.

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Quick Pass Buddy Read reservations are scheduled with a turnaround time of 20,000 words per day based on the client’s estimated word count provided in the signup form PLUS two days for processing, unless otherwise requested by the client and approved by The Author Buddy.

Deliverables

All Quick Pass Buddy Read Projects commissioned through The Author Buddy include the following deliverables:

Manuscript with chapter-level reactions and feedback noted as comments
Feedback Doc (also referred to as an editorial letter) detailing overall impressions and evaluation of the manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience

Client Responsibilities

The client will provide the manuscript for the Quick Pass Buddy Read service to The Author Buddy. Reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations will be noted as comments within the document. The client must have access to a registered Google Drive/Docs account to view all of the suggestions and comments.

Professional Buddy Read

Scope of Work & Service Details

The Author Buddy Professional Buddy Read Service includes valuable reaction feedback and analysis of:

Reader Experience & Genre Standards
Plot Holes & Timeline Consistency
Character Motivation & Likability
Conflict Development and Resolution
If Applicable for genre: World-building, Lore, Setting & Situational Realism, Regional Language, Character Relationships
For Romance: Efficacy of Romantic Chemistry and Tension, Tropes, Choreography, and Steam Level

A minimum of one comment or suggestion will be made for every 3,000 words of length of the manuscript. The Professional Buddy Read service does not include proofreading or any other services not specified in this agreement.

The Author Buddy provides Professional Buddy Read service as a standalone service

For projects that include multiple read sessions—for example, one beta read session and a later proofread session—both sessions must be scheduled at the time of signup and will be treated as two separate reservations within the scheduling system.

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Professional Buddy Read reservations are scheduled with a turnaround time of 10,000 words per day based on the client’s estimated word count provided in the signup form PLUS two days for processing, unless otherwise requested by the client and approved by The Author Buddy.

Deliverables

All Professional Buddy Read Projects commissioned through The Author Buddy include the following deliverables:

Manuscript with reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations noted as comments
Feedback Doc (also referred to as an editorial letter) detailing overall impressions and evaluation of the manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience

Client Responsibilities

The client will provide the manuscript for the Professional Buddy Read service to The Author Buddy. Reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations will be noted as comments within the document. The client must have access to a registered Google Drive/Docs account to view all of the suggestions and comments.

Premium Buddy Read

Scope of Work & Service Details

The Author Buddy Premium Buddy Read Service includes a thorough evaluation of the client’s manuscript, including valuable reaction feedback and analysis of, as well as solutions and suggestions for:

Story Structure
Continuity, Pacing & Flow
Reader Experience & Genre Standards
Plot Holes & Timeline Consistency
Character Motivation & Likability
Conflict Development and Resolution
If Applicable for genre: World-building, Lore, Setting & Situational Realism, Regional Language, Character Relationships
For Romance: Efficacy of Romantic Chemistry and Tension, Tropes, Choreography, and Steam Level

Light Stylistic Editing (overused words and phrases, word choice, tone)
Light Line Editing (sentence structure, grammar, spelling, punctuation)

A minimum of one comment or suggestion will be made for every 1,000 words of length of the manuscript. The Premium Buddy Read service does not include proofreading or any other services not specified in this agreement.

The Author Buddy provides Premium Buddy Read service as a standalone service

For projects that include multiple read sessions—for example, one beta read session and a later proofread session—both sessions must be scheduled at the time of signup and will be treated as two separate reservations within the scheduling system.

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Premium Buddy Read reservations are scheduled with a turnaround time of 10,000 words per day based on the client’s estimated word count provided in the signup form PLUS two days for processing, unless otherwise requested by the client and approved by The Author Buddy.

Deliverables

All Premium Buddy Read Projects commissioned through The Author Buddy include the following deliverables:

Manuscript with reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations noted as comments
Feedback Doc (also referred to as an editorial letter) detailing overall impressions and evaluation of the manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience

Client Responsibilities

The client will provide the manuscript for the Premium Buddy Read service to The Author Buddy. Reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations will be noted as comments within the document. The client must have access to a registered Google Drive/Docs account to view all of the suggestions and comments.

Platinum Buddy Read – Developmental

Scope of Work & Service Details

The Author Buddy Platinum Developmental Read Service includes an extensive line-by-line analysis of the client’s manuscript for:

Story Structure
Continuity, Pacing & Flow
Reader Experience & Genre Standards
Plot Holes & Timeline Consistency
Character Motivation & Likability
Conflict Development and Resolution
If Applicable for genre: World-building, Lore, Setting & Situational Realism, Regional Language, Character Relationships
For Romance: Efficacy of Romantic Chemistry and Tension, Tropes, Choreography, and Steam Level

Sentence structure
Story flow
Stylistic Editing including comprehensive analysis of:
- Overused words and phrases
- Word choice
- Tone
- Clarity
Light fact-checking
A thirty (30) minute video consultation where your reader helps you work through any pesky plot holes or story struggles, offering a fresh perspective and brainstorming new outcomes together.
Quote & Teaser Service Add-On FREE

A minimum of two comments or suggestions will be made for every 1,000 words of length of the manuscript. The Platinum Developmental Read service does not include proofreading or any other services not specified in this agreement.

The Author Buddy provides Platinum Developmental Read service as a standalone service

For projects that include multiple read sessions—for example, one Platinum Developmental Read session and a later line edit session—both sessions must be scheduled at the time of signup and will be treated as two separate reservations within the scheduling system.

The video consultation can be scheduled for before, during, or after the project reservation, and will be scheduled directly with the assigned reader, initiated by The Author Buddy.

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Platinum Developmental Read reservations are scheduled with a turnaround time of 5,000 words per day based on the client’s estimated word count provided in the signup form PLUS two days for processing, unless otherwise requested by the client and approved by The Author Buddy.

The Platinum Developmental Read service is most effective early in the writing process, as it includes story and conceptual editing.

Deliverables

All Platinum Developmental Read Projects commissioned through The Author Buddy include the following deliverables:

Manuscript with reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations noted as comments
Feedback Doc (also referred to as an editorial letter) detailing overall impressions and evaluation of the manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience
Quotes Doc listing all of the excerpts selected from the manuscript, spaced and formatted for easy access
Thirty (30) minute Video Consultation

Client Responsibilities

The client will provide the manuscript for the Platinum Developmental Read service to The Author Buddy. Reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations will be noted as comments within the document. The client must have access to a registered Google Drive/Docs account to view all of the suggestions and comments. The client is responsible for working with the reader to schedule the video consultation for a time that is convenient for both the client and the reader.

Platinum Buddy Read – Line Editing

Scope of Work & Service Details

The Author Buddy Platinum Read Line Editing Service includes an extensive line-by-line analysis of the client’s manuscript for:

Story Structure
Continuity, Pacing & Flow
Reader Experience & Genre Standards
Plot Holes & Timeline Consistency
Character Motivation & Likability
Conflict Development and Resolution
If Applicable for genre: World-building, Lore, Setting & Situational Realism, Regional Language, Character Relationships
For Romance: Efficacy of Romantic Chemistry and Tension, Tropes, Choreography, and Steam Level

Sentence structure
Story flow
Stylistic Editing including comprehensive analysis of:
- Overused words and phrases
- Word choice
- Tone
- Clarity
Proofreading including typos, missing words, word usage, capitalization, and grammar and punctuation mistakes
Light fact-checking

A minimum of two comments or suggestions will be made for every 1,000 words of length of the manuscript. The Platinum Read Line Edit service does not include any other services not specified in this agreement.

The Author Buddy provides Platinum Read Line Edit service as a standalone service or as an add-on to a Beta Reading Package. When ordered as an add-on, Line Editing can be completed at the same time as the Beta Read or at a later date after revisions.

For projects that include multiple read sessions—for example, one beta read session and a later line edit session—both sessions must be scheduled at the time of signup and will be treated as two separate reservations within the scheduling system.

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Platinum Read Line Edit reservations are scheduled with a turnaround time of 5,000 words per day based on the client’s estimated word count provided in the signup form PLUS two days for processing, unless otherwise requested by the client and approved by The Author Buddy.

The Platinum Read Line Edit service is most effective later in the client’s writing process, as it includes story and mechanical editing.

Deliverables

All Platinum Read Line Edit Projects commissioned through The Author Buddy include the following deliverables:

Manuscript with inline proofreading suggestions using Google Docs Suggesting Mode, as well as reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations noted as comments
Feedback Doc (also referred to as an editorial letter) detailing overall impressions and evaluation of the manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience

Client Responsibilities

The client will provide the manuscript for Line Editing service to The Author Buddy. Line Editing corrections will be made using Google Doc Suggesting Mode. The client is responsible for accepting or rejecting all changes once the Line Edit is complete. Reactions, feedback, and other considerations will be noted as comments within the document. The client must have access to a registered Google Drive/Docs account to view all of the suggestions and comments.

Proofreading Services

Scope of Work & Service Details

The Author Buddy Proofreading Service includes a thorough analysis of the client’s manuscript for typos, missing words, word usage, capitalization, and grammar and punctuation mistakes.

Proofreading does not include fact checking or any other services not specified in this agreement.

The Author Buddy provides proofreading services as a standalone service or as an add-on to a Beta Reading Package. When ordered as an add-on, Proofreading can be completed at the same time as the Beta Read or at a later date after revisions.

For projects that include multiple read sessions—for example, one beta read session and a later proofread session—both sessions must be scheduled at the time of signup and will be treated as two separate reservations within the scheduling system.

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Proofreading reservations are scheduled with a turnaround time of 10,000 words per day based on the client’s estimated word count provided in the signup form PLUS two days for processing, unless otherwise requested by the client and approved by The Author Buddy.

Deliverables

All Proofread Projects commissioned through The Author Buddy include the following deliverables:

Manuscript with inline proofreading suggestions using Google Docs Suggesting Mode

Client Responsibilities

The client will provide the manuscript for proofreading to The Author Buddy. Proofreading corrections will be made using Google Doc Suggesting Mode. The client is responsible for accepting or rejecting all changes once proofreading is complete. The client must have access to a registered Google Drive/Docs account to view all of the suggestions and comments.

Quote & Teaser Service

Scope of Work & Service Details

The Author Buddy Quote & Teaser Service includes a thorough examination of the client’s manuscript to identify the most eye-catching excerpts to be used in promotional materials. At least one excerpt will be identified for every 10,000 words of length of the manuscript, with a minimum of three (3) excerpts for every Quote & Teaser Project regardless of word count. Excerpts of varying lengths will be identified for use in a range of promotional materials and platforms.

The Quote & Teaser Service does not include story analysis or feedback, or any other services not specified in this agreement.

The Author Buddy provides the Quote & Teaser Service as a standalone service or as an add-on to a Beta Reading Package. When ordered as an add-on, the Quote & Teaser Service will be completed at the same time as the Beta Read by the same assigned reader as the beta read.

Schedule

Quote & Teaser Service reservations are scheduled with a turnaround time of 20,000 words per day based on the client’s estimated word count provided in the signup form PLUS two days for processing, unless otherwise requested by the client and approved by The Author Buddy.

Deliverables

All Quote & Teaser Service Projects commissioned through The Author Buddy include the following deliverables:

Manuscript with excerpts noted/highlighted using Google Docs Comments
Quotes Doc listing all of the excerpts selected from the manuscript, spaced and formatted for easy access

Client Responsibilities

The client will provide the manuscript for the Quote & Teaser service to The Author Buddy. It is recommended that the client have access to a registered Google Drive/Docs account to view any Google Docs comments the reader may provide.

Video Follow-Up Service

Scope of Work & Service Details

The Author Buddy Video Follow-up Service includes a thirty (30) minute video consultation with your reader to work through plot and story concerns live.

The Author Buddy provides the Video Follow-up Service as an add-on to a Beta Reading Package.

The video consultation can be scheduled for before, during, or after the project reservation, and will be scheduled directly with the assigned reader, initiated by The Author Buddy.

Client Responsibilities

The client is responsible for working with the reader to schedule the video consultation for a time that is convenient for both the client and the reader.

Bonus Buddy Team Read

Scope of Work & Service Details

The Author Buddy Bonus Buddy Team Read Service gives the client the opportunity to add a second reader to their project at a discount.

The Author Buddy provides the Bonus Buddy Team Read Service as an add-on to a Beta Reading Package. The Bonus Buddy Team Read Service will be completed at the same time as the primary Beta Read by an additional.

Client Responsibilities

The client will provide the manuscript for the project to The Author Buddy. Reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations will be noted as comments within the same document by both readers. The client must have access to a registered Google Drive/Docs account to view all of the suggestions and comments.

General Project Terms & Conditions

Attribution

The Author Buddy does not require that cover design, beta reading, editing, or other author services credit appear in client’s book. However, if the client chooses to include credit within their book, The Author Buddy requests the following formatting:

If you purchased a Premade Book Cover from our website, you can use the following for credit:
- If the premade cover was listed as “The Author Buddy,” please credit “Perrin of The Author Buddy.”
- If the premade cover was listed as “Christley Creatives,” please credit “Rachel Christley of The Author Buddy.”
- If the premade cover was listed as “KiWi Cover Design,” please credit “Kim of The Author Buddy.”
If you worked with our team on a Custom Cover Project, please credit “[Name of Your Designer: Perrin, Rachel, or Kim] of The Author Buddy.”
If you aren’t sure of your designer, please contact us for that information, or credit “The Author Buddy.”
If you worked with our team on a Beta Read, Proofread, Developmental Read, Line-Edit, Quote & Teaser Service, or other story services, please credit “[Name Your Reader(s)] of The Author Buddy” or “The Author Buddy.”

If the client would like to tag or mention The Author Buddy in social media posts or promotional materials, please use the following official accounts:

The Author Buddy:
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theauthorbuddy
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauthorbuddy/
- Other accounts for use within these platforms only:
  - tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theauthorbuddy
  - Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/theauthorbuddy
  - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theauthorbuddy/_saved/
  - Reddit:
Christley Creatives (for specific cover & beta projects with Rachel):
- Add Rachel’s socials
KiWi Cover Design (for specific cover projects with Kim):
- Add Kim’s socials

Liability

The Author Buddy shall not be liable for incidental, indirect, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages of any kind, including loss of revenues or profits, loss of business or reputation, or loss of data, in any way related to or arising out of the client’s use of the services provided by, or any products purchased from, The Author Buddy. The Author Buddy is not responsible for any claim, loss, or injury based on errors or any other inaccuracies appearing on our site or in our clients’ written documents, including without limitation as a result of any breach of the terms and conditions of this agreement. While The Author Buddy agrees, to the best of our knowledge, that all work created for and presented to the client is original and does not infringe upon copyright or plagiarize other works, The Author Buddy assumes no legal responsibility for any loss or damage suffered or incurred related to legal issues regarding the originality or authenticity of our work. The client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless The Author Buddy, its partners, and contractors from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from the client’s use of the services provided by, or any products purchased from, The Author Buddy.

Reschedule Policy

If the client wishes to reschedule a project, the client must provide a written request for the reschedule to The Author Buddy through email.

Cover Design Projects

Cover Design Reservations can be rescheduled or postponed without a rescheduling fee up until three weeks before the scheduled reservation start date.

If the client reschedules or postpones a project prior to the start of work but after the three week cutoff, the client is responsible for a reschedule fee to be paid at the time of reserving the rescheduled design spot.

If the client reschedules or postpones a project once the design process has already started, and the client will be billed for any work completed beyond the deposit amount, if applicable, at the time of reserving the rescheduled design spot, as well as the reschedule fee.

The client must select a new date within twelve months for the new design reservation. If the client fails to reschedule the project within twelve months, this agreement will be considered cancelled, and neither the client nor The Author Buddy is under further obligation to the other.

Beta & Story Services Projects

Beta & Story Services Reservations can be rescheduled or postponed without a rescheduling fee up until one week before the scheduled reservation start date except for Premium and Platinum Level Reads, which can be rescheduled or postponed without a rescheduling fee up until three weeks before the scheduled reservation start date.

If the client reschedules or postpones a project prior to the start of work but after the reschedule cutoff, the client is responsible for a reschedule fee to be paid at the time of reserving the rescheduled beta spot.

If the client delivers the manuscript for the project late (as defined as by 9am Eastern Time on the scheduled reservation start date), a rush fee will be applied to the final balance invoice to account for the shortened window for the read due to the client’s delay. Projects with a late start due to the client’s delay will not be guaranteed rush project delivery. The Author Buddy retains the right to cancel the project should The Author Buddy determine that the shortened project window cannot be accommodated, and the client agrees to forfeit all deposits paid. The Author Buddy is not responsible for deadlines missed due to delays on the part of the client.

If the client reschedules or postpones a project once work on the project has already started, and the client will be billed for any work completed beyond the deposit amount, if applicable, at the time of reserving the rescheduled beta spot, as well as the reschedule fee.

The client must select a new date within twelve months for the new beta reservation. If the client fails to reschedule the project within twelve months, this agreement will be considered cancelled, and neither the client nor The Author Buddy is under further obligation to the other.

The Author Buddy retains the right to discontinue, withhold, or suspend services for any account should The Author Buddy deem the number of reschedule requests from the client be too numerous or frequent.

a month or 6 weeks without acknowledgment or reschedule request

Project Abandonment

If the client neglects to respond to The Author Buddy or its contractors before or during the course of any project for a period of time that could cause the project deadline to be missed, the client may be required to reschedule the project with a new deadline. Deadlines missed due to delays in communication on the part of the client will not qualify for full or partial refunds, and will not be guaranteed rush project delivery. The Author Buddy retains the right to cancel the project should The Author Buddy determine that the shortened project window cannot be accommodated, and the client agrees to forfeit all deposits paid. If work had already started on the project prior to the project abandonment, the client will be billed for any work completed beyond the deposit amount, if applicable, up to the amount of the full balance of the project.

The client must select a new deadline and have said deadline approved by The Author Buddy for all rescheduled projects. Should the client fail to provide a new deadline for approval, the project will be considered cancelled after a period of six weeks without response, acknowledgment, or notice from the client.

Cancellation Policy

The Author Budd or the client may cancel this agreement at any time by providing written notice to the other party. If either the client or The Author Buddy cancels a project before work has started, neither the client nor The Author Buddy is under further obligation to the other, and this agreement will be considered cancelled.

The Author Buddy makes every effort to see each project through to completion, but on rare occasions, The Author Buddy may determine that it is necessary for the project to be terminated due to violation of these terms of services, frequent delays in communication, or misaligned goals or visions.

If the client cancels a project prior to the start of work, the client agrees to forfeit any deposits paid. If The Author Buddy cancels a project prior to the start of work, the The Author Buddy retains any deposits paid and is under no obligation to offer a transfer or credit. All project deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

The Author Buddy retains the right to refuse, withhold, discontinue, or suspend services for any account should payments not be paid for a contracted job within the deadlines specified in this agreement or project abandonment.

Project Abandonment

If the client neglects to respond to The Author Buddy or its contractors before or during the course of any project past the approved project deadline without response, acknowledgment, notice, or a request to reschedule from the client, The Author Buddy retains the right to cancel the project should, and the client agrees to forfeit all deposits paid. If work had already started on the project prior to the project abandonment, the client will be billed for any work completed beyond the deposit amount, if applicable, up to the amount of the full balance of the project.

Custom Cover Design Projects

If the client stops or cancels a cover design project once work has begun, the client will be responsible for paying an additional 25% of the project total prior to project termination. If the client stops or cancels a cover design project once work on the project has started, the initial mockups have been delivered to the client, and any revisions have been made to the design at the client’s request, the client will then be responsible for the full remaining balance of the original project estimate.

If the client stops or cancels a cover design project once work has begun, the client agrees to discard and destroy any mockups shared with the client, and client shall have no rights to any mockups, images, or design materials created prior to cancellation.

Beta & Story Services Projects

If the client stops or cancels a beta or story services project once work has begun, the client will be responsible for paying for the work completed through the date of cancellation.

Complete Agreement

This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between all parties concerning the subject matter hereof. There are no warranties, representations, covenants or agreements, expressed or implied, between the parties except those expressly set forth in this agreement. No additional promises or conditions, written or oral, apply to this agreement that are not included herein. Any amendments or modifications of this agreement shall be in writing and executed by the contracting parties.

Jurisdiction and Governing Law

These Terms and your use of the Service are governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina in The United States of America. Any disputes will be handled exclusively by courts located in Columbia, South Carolina.

Modification of Agreement

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continuing to use the Service after changes to the Terms have been posted will constitute your acceptance of the new Terms.

Severability

The finding of any provision of this agreement to be invalid or unenforceable does not render the remaining provisions invalid or unenforceable.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at:

The Author Buddy
hello@theauthorbuddy.com
theauthorbuddy@gmail.com

Partial List of Tropes

Age Gap
Billionaire
Boss
Brother’s Best Friend
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Fake Dating / Fake Marriage
Fated Mates
Forced Proximity
Forbidden Love
Found Family
Friends to Lovers
Golden Retriever MMC
Grumpy / Sunshine
He Falls First
It’s always been you
Mafia
Monsters
Mountain Man / Lumberjack
Only One Bed
Opposites Attract
Revenge
Second Chance Romance
Secret Baby
Single Dad
Slow Burn
Small Town
Step-Siblings
Time Travel
Touch Her and Die
Touch Him and Die
Workplace Romance
Why Choose / Reverse Harem

Partial List of Triggers & Content Warnings

Grief
Child Loss / Pregnancy Loss / Miscarriage
Abortion
Death of a Significant Other
Death of a Parent / Relative
Terminal Illness / Cancer
Death (on page)
Murder
Torture
Graphic Descriptions of Injuries / Wounds
Graphic Descriptions of Blood / Gore
Verbal Abuse
Bullying
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Childhood Physical or Sexual Abuse
Domestic Violence
Hunting / Butchering of Animals
Rape
Sexual Assault
Attempted Sexual Assault
Sexual or Physical Abuse or Harm in Fantasy or POV Inner Thoughts
Violence, Abuse, or Harm Committed on Page by a POV Character
Stalking
Obsessive Behavior
Mental Illness
Depression
Anxiety / Panic Attacks
Vivid Descriptions of Mental Anguish
Suicide
Self-Harm
Suicidal Thoughts / Severe Mental Anguish
Vehicular Accident
Alcoholism
Alcohol / Drug Use
Drug Abuse / Addiction
War / Graphic Battle Violence
Graphic Violence
Cheating
Voyeurism
Racism
Homophobia
Sexism
Agism
Misogyny
Other Prejudicial Behaviors
Incest
Sexual Content: Sensory Deprivation / Blind Folding
Sexual Content: Bondage / Captivity
Sexual Content: BDSM / Dom-Sub Dynamic
Sexual Content: Orgasm Control / Orgasm Denial / Forced Orgasms
Sexual Content: Spanking / Paddles / Impact Play
Sexual Content: Degradation
Sexual Content: Consensual Non-Consent (CNC)
Sexual Content: Dubious Consent (DubCon)
Sexual Content: Choking / Asphyxiation / Breath Play
Sexual Content: Anal Penetration
Sexual Content: Hunting of People / Primal Play
Sexual Content: Breeding Kink
Sexual Content: Group Sex
Sexual Content: Public Sex / Exhibitionism
Sexual Content: Gun Play / Knife Play
Sexual Content: Penetration with Objects
Sexual Content: Blood Play
Content written to be disturbing or triggering to an average reader

General

All sales are final. No refunds, exchanges, or cancellations once payment is processed.
Use it or lose it: All purchased credits, services, and deposits must be booked by December 31, 2026. Unused credits expire at that time. New projects booked after that deadline will be subject to a new deposit.
Scheduling: You don’t have to choose your project date when you book. We will coordinate scheduling with you, but it’s your responsibility to reach out and reserve your spot before the December 31, 2026 deadline.
Transferability: Offers apply only to the original purchaser and cannot be transferred, gifted, or resold unless stated otherwise (e.g., gift cards).
Discount stacking: Discounts and bonuses cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon, or promotion unless explicitly noted.
Availability: Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchasing during the sale secures your rate, not an immediate start date.
Payment: Full payment is due at checkout unless otherwise noted (e.g., deposit offers).
Discord Early Access Pass: All Black Friday purchases include early access to our brand-new private Discord community opening on December 5, 2025.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are issued digitally within two (2) business days of purchase.
Promotional value (the bonus amount) is valid for services booked by December 31, 2026.
Gift cards are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
You may use a gift card toward any available service at regular pricing.
Multiple cards cannot be combined on one purchase.

2026 Deposit Offer (15 % Off)

Prepaying a deposit with a 15% discount secures your 2026 booking.
The remaining balance will be due once your project date is confirmed, and will not include 15% off.
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable but can be applied to any 2026 project.
You may hold off on choosing specific dates until you’re ready to schedule (just make sure it’s before the December 31, 2026 deadline.)

Add-On Bundle (+$97)

Bundle includes: 3 social promo graphics, 1 digital + print trope graphic, and 1 complimentary double-sided bookmark.
Add-on must be purchased at the time of booking a cover design or at the time of purchase of a premade cover.
Deliverables will be completed alongside the associated cover project.
Add-on cannot be purchased separately or applied retroactively.

Workshop Access

Complimentary workshop access is automatically included for purchases of $300 or more during the sale period (now through December 5, 2025).
Workshop seats are non-transferable and valid only for the upcoming scheduled session on December 6, 2025 at 2pm eastern time.
For 24 hours starting at 1:30pm eastern time on Dec 5, 2025 the live workshop will be available as a standalone purchase at a discounted rate ($97).

The Fine Print

We reserve the right to adjust timelines, substitute comparable items, or clarify terms as needed. By purchasing during the Black Friday 2025 promotion, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Secrets in the Shadows by Christley Creatives

☆ SOLD OUT ☆

About The Author Buddy

Get In Touch

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$4.50

$5.00

$4.00

Team Read Pricing when added to a Quick Pass

$1.00

Team Read Pricing when added to a Professional Beta

$1.50

Team Read Pricing when added to a Premium Beta

$2.00

$2.25

$1.70

$0.90

$0.65

$40.00

$25.00

Cover Packages

Cover Add-Ons

Terms of Service

Privacy & Confidentiality

Original Works & Content

Cover Design Terms & Conditions

Premade Book Cover Design Services

Payment

Schedule

Premade Cover Revisions

Premade Cover Series Additions

Premade Cover Purchases without Paperback Details

Premade Cover Purchases without a deadline

Premade Cover Print Layaway

Deliverables

Custom Book Cover Design Services

Schedule

Payment

Custom Series

Custom Cover without Paperback Details

Deliverables

Ownership & Copyright

Client Responsibilities

Custom Graphic Design Services

Beta Reading, Editing, and Story Services Terms & Conditions

Beta Reading & Story Services General Terms & Conditions

Publishing Rights

Ownership & Copyright

Payment

Manuscript Requirements & Handling

Standard of Service

Client Responsibilities

Booking

Quick Pass Buddy Read

Scope of Work & Service Details

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Deliverables

Client Responsibilities

Professional Buddy Read

Scope of Work & Service Details

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Deliverables

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Premium Buddy Read

Scope of Work & Service Details

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Deliverables

Client Responsibilities

Platinum Buddy Read – Developmental

Scope of Work & Service Details

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Deliverables

Client Responsibilities

Platinum Buddy Read – Line Editing

Scope of Work & Service Details

Turnaround Time & Schedule

Deliverables

Client Responsibilities