Terms & Conditions of Service

Introduction

By engaging with Stacks Publishing — whether by purchasing a product, service, or package, on this website, in person or on Substack — you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions of Trade. These Terms form a legally binding agreement between you (the Client) and Sozoku Pty Ltd trading as Stacks Publishing (ACN 155 228 701), governing all transactions, communications, and deliverables associated with your publishing, editing, design, marketing, or related services.

We encourage you to read these Terms carefully before accepting a Proposal, making payment, or providing instructions, as doing so signifies your full acceptance of these Terms. If you have any questions or require clarification before proceeding, please contact us at hello@stackspublishing.com.

These Terms exist to ensure a clear, fair, and transparent relationship between Stacks Publishing and our clients, setting out mutual rights, responsibilities, and expectations to support a smooth and professional publishing experience.

1. Definitions

1.1 Stacks Publishing means Sozoku Pty Ltd trading as Stacks Publishing (ACN 155 228 701), its successors and assigns, and anyone acting with its authority.
1.2 Client means the person or entity purchasing Services/Goods from Stacks Publishing and includes any authorised representative.
1.3 Guarantor means any person/entity agreeing to be liable for the Client’s obligations on a principal debtor basis.
1.4 Services means publishing, editing, design, typesetting, consulting, coaching, marketing, distribution setup, and related professional services supplied by Stacks Publishing.
1.5 Goods means any tangible or digital deliverables supplied (e.g., print-ready files, ePub files, artwork, proofs).
1.6 Proposal means Stacks Publishing’s written scope, timeline and Price.
1.7 Contract means a Proposal accepted by the Client (by signature, email confirmation, deposit, or other written acceptance).
1.8 Price means amounts payable for Services and/or Goods under the Contract (including approved variations).

2. Application of Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or modifies any non-excludable rights under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)).

3. Acceptance & Instructions

3.1 The Client accepts these Terms by providing instructions, paying a deposit, or otherwise approving the Proposal.
3.2 If more than one Client is named, liability is joint and several.
3.3 These Terms prevail over any Client terms unless Stacks Publishing agrees in writing.
3.4 The Client warrants that verbal instructions accurately reflect its intentions; Stacks Publishing is not liable for errors arising from verbal instructions alone.

4. Scope, Services & Deliverables

4.1 Stacks Publishing will perform the Services described in the Proposal with reasonable care and skill in accordance with industry practice.
4.2 Deliverables may include: editorial reports/edits; cover and interior design; eBook conversion; print-ready PDFs; metadata (categories/keywords); marketing plans; distribution setup (e.g., KDP/IngramSpark); and promotional copy.
4.3 Full-service hybrid publishing may include publication under the Stacks Publishing imprint or, at the Client’s election, under the Client’s imprint.

5. Price, Deposits & Payment

5.1 Unless stated otherwise, quotes are valid for 30 days.
5.2 Standard milestone billing (unless varied in the Proposal): 50% non-refundable deposit at commencement (covers project setup/booking); 30% on approval of concept or design milestone; 20% on approval of final files.
5.3 Payment terms are 14 days from invoice (or as otherwise stated). Time for payment is of the essence.
5.4 Prices are exclusive of GST and applicable taxes unless expressly stated.
5.5 Stacks Publishing may re-quote or charge at standard rates for work outside scope, cost increases, or Client-requested changes.

6. Variations & Additional Work

6.1 Client-requested changes, extra rounds of editing/typesetting beyond the Proposal, rework due to poorly prepared manuscripts, or new materials supplied after quoting are variations billable at quoted or standard rates.
6.2 Editing is billed on a fixed fee or word-volume basis; the number of edits effected is not itself a measure of performance.
6.3 Typesetting includes minor technical fixes only; structural/layout changes are variations.

7. Scheduling, Client Delays & Project Window

7.1 The Proposal assumes timely Client responses, supply of content/artwork, and approvals.
7.2 Projects must be completed within 12 months of acceptance unless Stacks Publishing causes the delay. If the Client delays beyond this window, Stacks Publishing may cancel, pause, or re-quote. Deposits and costs already incurred are retained to cover administrative/production time.

8. Delivery & Risk

8.1 Delivery occurs when files are transmitted electronically or (if applicable) when Goods are handed to the Client or its nominated carrier. Risk passes on delivery.
8.2 Stacks Publishing is not liable for delays caused by third parties, platform outages, freight, force majeure, or Client delay.
8.3 Colour/finish variance may occur between screens, soft proofs, and printed outputs. Reasonable variance is not a defect.

9. Client Materials & Responsibilities

9.1 The Client must supply complete, accurate, lawful content and adequate quantities of any materials (e.g., images) and warrants it holds necessary permissions/licences.
9.2 Stacks Publishing is not responsible for loss/damage to Client-supplied materials or imperfect outcomes caused by defective/unsuitable materials.
9.3 The Client is responsible for final proofreading. Additional proofs generated by Client alterations are chargeable.

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Prior to full payment, Stacks Publishing retains all IP in drafts, concepts, designs, working files and deliverables.
10.2 Upon full and cleared payment, all right, title and interest in the final approved deliverables (and associated IP specifically created for the Client under the Contract) vests in the Client, excluding Stacks Publishing pre-existing tools, know-how, fonts under third-party licence, and stock assets licensed for limited use.
10.3 The Client indemnifies Stacks Publishing against claims arising from Client-supplied content or instructions.
10.4 Stacks Publishing may reasonably credit itself as designer/publisher and may showcase the project for portfolio/marketing unless the Client reasonably withholds consent in writing for confidentiality.

11. Warranties, Quality & ACL Remedies

11.1 To the extent permitted by law, all warranties not guaranteed by the ACL are excluded.
11.2 If a failure to comply with a consumer guarantee is not major, Stacks Publishing may remedy by re-supplying the Services or paying the cost of re-supply. If major, the Client may choose a refund or re-supply in accordance with the ACL.

12. Inspection, Defects & Disputes

12.1 The Client must review deliverables promptly and notify Stacks Publishing within 2 business days of any alleged defect or non-conformity.
12.2 If no notice is given, the Services/Goods are deemed accepted.
12.3 Disputed portions of an invoice do not entitle the Client to withhold payment of undisputed amounts.

13. Liability Limitation

13.1 Stacks Publishing is not liable for indirect or consequential loss (including lost profit, business, or opportunity).
13.2 To the extent permitted by law, Stacks Publishing’s aggregate liability arising under a Contract is limited to the Price paid for the specific Services/Goods giving rise to the claim.

14. Cancellation

14.1 Stacks Publishing may cancel a Contract at any time before delivery by written notice; any amounts paid for undelivered Services/Goods (excluding non-refundable deposit and work performed to date) will be refunded.
14.2 If the Client cancels after acceptance, the Client must pay for all work performed, third-party costs committed, and the non-refundable deposit. Custom work already commenced cannot be cancelled without full cost recovery.

15. Default & Interest

15.1 Overdue amounts accrue interest at 2.5% per month, compounding monthly. Dishonour and collection costs (including legal costs on a solicitor-client basis) are payable by the Client.
15.2 Stacks Publishing may suspend Services for non-payment and is not liable for resulting delays.

16. Privacy & Confidentiality

16.1 Stacks Publishing handles personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and its Privacy Policy.
16.2 Each party must keep the other’s confidential information confidential, except as required by law or to professional advisers under confidentiality obligations.

17. Third-Party Services & Platforms

17.1 Where performance requires third-party services (e.g., KDP, IngramSpark, distributors, printers), the Client agrees those services are subject to the third party’s terms, pricing and timelines.
17.2 Royalties payable by platforms are paid to the account holder (Client or Stacks Publishing, as agreed). Stacks Publishing is not responsible for third-party policy changes.

18. Substack Subscriptions and Included Services

18.1 Certain Substack publications operated by Stacks Publishing offer annual subscription tiers that include professional services or deliverables provided by Stacks Publishing (for example, book marketing reviews, listings, promotional posts, or other publishing-related services).

18.2 By purchasing an annual subscription, the subscriber acknowledges and agrees that:
(a) the subscription includes one or more services or deliverables to be provided during the subscription period;
(b) the annual subscription fee covers the full cost of the service(s), even if those services are delivered early in the subscription term; and
(c) no pro-rata or partial refunds will be issued if the subscriber cancels or fails to utilise any benefits during the subscription year.

18.3 Stacks Publishing reserves the right to vary the timing, format, or method of delivery of included services at its discretion, provided the overall service commitment for the subscription period is reasonably fulfilled.

18.4 Subscribers are responsible for maintaining an active Substack account and for ensuring payment processing via Substack remains current. All subscription management (renewals, cancellations, billing) is governed by Substack’s platform terms in addition to these Terms.

19. Bestseller Packages

19.1 Scope and Purpose
Bestseller Packages are premium service offerings provided by Stacks Publishing, either purchased directly or included as part of select Substack subscription tiers (such as the Bestseller Tier of The Substack Bookstore). These packages are designed to assist authors in improving their book visibility, marketing reach, and potential to achieve Amazon category bestseller status.

19.2 Package Inclusions
Depending on the level purchased or subscribed to, a Bestseller Package may include some or all of the following services:
(a) inclusion of up to six books on The Substack Bookstore bookshelf pages with images, extended blurbs, and purchase links;
(b) promotional features such as long-form posts, Notes, or newsletter inclusions circulated across The Substack Bookstore network and affiliate communities (including The Online Writing Club, Author Growth, and related channels, currently exceeding 17,000 subscribers);
(c) book marketing strategy, category and keyword support, and/or Amazon Bestseller campaign planning; and
(d) access to premium Substack content, community chats, and collaborative author features.

19.3 Delivery and Duration
(a) Bestseller Package services are delivered as part of an integrated marketing campaign and may occur at any point during the 12-month subscription term.
(b) Where a campaign or promotional service is delivered within the early part of the subscription period, it is deemed to have fulfilled the service component of the package.
(c) Stacks Publishing will use reasonable skill and care in preparing and executing all promotional activities but does not guarantee specific outcomes such as bestseller status, sales volume, or audience growth.

19.4 Refunds and Cancellations
(a) The annual subscription or package fee covers the totality of the service, even if the main deliverables occur early in the subscription term.
(b) No pro-rata, partial, or early cancellation refunds will apply once the service component has been scheduled, commenced, or delivered.
(c) Subscribers are responsible for submitting all required book information, assets, and materials in the format and timeframe requested by Stacks Publishing. Delays in submission or approval by the subscriber do not entitle them to a refund or extension.

19.5 Disclaimer
Bestseller Packages are provided for educational and promotional purposes. Results may vary, and no guarantee is made of achieving bestseller status, specific rankings, or revenue outcomes. Authors remain responsible for their own publishing accounts, royalties, and ongoing marketing activities.

20. Beta Readers, ARC Readers, and Editorial Review Services

20.1 Scope of Services
Stacks Publishing provides access to Beta Reader, ARC (Advance Reader Copy), and Editorial Review services designed to connect authors with vetted readers and reviewers for feedback and promotional support prior to, or following, book publication. These services are intended to assist authors in refining their manuscripts, generating early reviews, and improving the commercial and editorial positioning of their books.

20.2 Nature of the Service
(a) Beta Reader and ARC services are matchmaking and facilitation services only. Stacks Publishing introduces authors to suitable readers and coordinates the review process but does not control, edit, or guarantee the content, tone, or timing of individual reader feedback or reviews.
(b) Editorial Review services involve professional reviewers who are paid to provide an evaluative written review or blurb for marketing and promotional use. These reviews are guaranteed to be delivered, but their opinions and star ratings are independent and not influenced by Stacks Publishing.
(c) All reviews and feedback represent the honest opinions of the respective reviewers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Stacks Publishing.

20.3 Delivery and Timelines
(a) Delivery timelines are indicative and may vary depending on reviewer availability, manuscript length, and author responsiveness.
(b) Stacks Publishing will use reasonable efforts to ensure that reader and reviewer assignments are fulfilled within the agreed timeframe, but cannot guarantee specific turnaround times.

20.4 Author Responsibilities
(a) The author must provide complete, lawful, and properly formatted manuscripts or book files suitable for review (digital or physical as applicable).
(b) The author warrants that the material supplied does not infringe the rights of any third party and indemnifies Stacks Publishing against any related claims.
(c) The author agrees not to pressure, influence, or solicit specific review outcomes from readers or reviewers.

20.5 Review Distribution and Use
(a) Beta and ARC readers may choose to post their reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, Substack, or other public platforms at their discretion; such posts are beyond the control of Stacks Publishing.
(b) Editorial Review deliverables are provided directly to the author and may be used for marketing, A+ content, or other promotional purposes, provided that credit is given to the reviewer and/or Stacks Publishing when required.
(c) Authors must not edit or alter a reviewer’s words in a way that misrepresents the reviewer’s intent or opinion.

20.6 Refunds and Replacements
(a) Stacks Publishing guarantees the delivery of a written review under the Editorial Review service but does not guarantee the sentiment or rating of the review.
(b) Refunds will not be issued based on dissatisfaction with the content of feedback or reviews.
(c) If a reviewer fails to deliver within a reasonable time frame and Stacks Publishing is unable to reassign or complete the service, a partial or full refund may be offered at the publisher’s discretion.

20.7 Confidentiality and Use of Manuscripts
(a) All beta readers, ARC readers, and editorial reviewers engaged by Stacks Publishing agree to handle materials in confidence and not to distribute, reproduce, or share manuscripts or content outside the review process.
(b) Stacks Publishing takes reasonable steps to ensure confidentiality but cannot guarantee against unauthorised sharing or breaches by third parties. Authors are encouraged to supply watermark-protected or DRM-enabled files when appropriate.

20.8 Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Stacks Publishing’s liability in connection with Beta Reader, ARC Reader, or Editorial Review services is limited to the total fee paid for the specific service. Stacks Publishing is not liable for indirect loss, reputational harm, or any outcomes resulting from reviews, feedback, or publication decisions made by the author.

21. Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for delay or failure caused by events beyond reasonable control (including acts of God, pandemics, war, industrial action, power or platform outages). Obligations resume as soon as practicable.

22. Sub-contracting

Stacks Publishing may sub-contract parts of the Services (e.g., editing, design, conversion) while remaining responsible for delivery in accordance with the Contract.

23. Changes to Terms

Stacks Publishing may update these Terms on notice. Changes apply to future Proposals/Contracts or, where permitted, to ongoing Services after notice.

24. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Western Australia, and the parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of its courts and courts of appeal.

Notices & Contact
Sozoku Pty Ltd trading as Stacks Publishing (Australian Company Number 155 228 701)
Email: hello@stackspublishing.com

Last updated: 18 November 2025