1. Introduction
Welcome to Xilvora Ink Publishing ("Xilvora Ink," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your relationship with Xilvora Ink and use of our publishing services. By submitting your manuscript or engaging with our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.
As an innovative publishing startup, we aim to provide transparent, author-friendly services while maintaining the professional standards expected in the publishing industry. These Terms are designed to clarify the rights and responsibilities of both parties throughout our working relationship.
Please read these Terms carefully before submitting your work or entering into any agreement with Xilvora Ink. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not proceed with submission or engagement of our services.
2. Definitions
Throughout these Terms, the following definitions apply:
- "Author," "you," or "your" refers to the individual or entity submitting work to Xilvora Ink.
- "Manuscript" refers to any original written work submitted to Xilvora Ink for consideration.
- "Work" refers to the final published version of your manuscript, including any revisions, edits, formatting, design elements, and other modifications made during the publishing process.
- "Publishing Agreement" refers to the specific contract entered into between the Author and Xilvora Ink following manuscript acceptance.
- "Royalties" refers to the percentage of revenue paid to the Author from sales of the Work as specified in the Publishing Agreement.
- "Intellectual Property Rights" refers to any and all rights associated with the Work, including but not limited to copyright, trademark, and other proprietary rights.
3. Manuscript Submission
3.1 Submission Process
Authors may submit manuscripts through our online submission portal or via email as specified on our website. By submitting a manuscript, you confirm that you are either the sole author or an authorized representative of all co-authors.
3.2 Submission Requirements
All submissions must meet our formatting guidelines as specified on our website. Submissions should be complete or substantially complete at the time of submission. We reserve the right to reject submissions that do not meet our requirements.
3.3 Exclusivity Period
By submitting your manuscript to Xilvora Ink, you agree to grant us an exclusive review period of sixty (60) days. During this period, you agree not to submit the same manuscript to other publishers or publishing services.
4. Selection Process
4.1 Review Timeline
We aim to review all submissions within sixty (60) days. However, actual review times may vary based on submission volume and other factors. We will communicate with you regarding the status of your submission within this timeframe.
4.2 Selection Criteria
Manuscripts are evaluated based on quality, commercial potential, alignment with our publishing focus, and other editorial considerations. All selection decisions are at the sole discretion of Xilvora Ink's editorial team.
4.3 Feedback
Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee personalized feedback for all rejected manuscripts. Selected manuscripts may receive editorial feedback as part of the acquisition process.
5. Publishing Contracts
5.1 Offer and Acceptance
If your manuscript is selected for publication, we will provide a Publishing Agreement outlining specific terms, including royalty rates, rights granted, and other contractual obligations. No binding agreement exists until both parties have signed the Publishing Agreement.
5.2 Contract Term
The initial term of the Publishing Agreement is typically three (3) years from the date of publication, with options for renewal as specified in the Agreement. Specific terms may vary based on the publishing package selected.
5.3 Multiple Publishing Options
Xilvora Ink offers different publishing packages with varying terms, royalty structures, and services. The specific details of each package will be outlined in the Publishing Agreement.
We strongly encourage all authors to review the Publishing Agreement carefully and consider seeking legal advice before signing. While we strive to offer fair and transparent terms, it is your responsibility to understand all contractual obligations before proceeding.
6. Rights & Licensing
6.1 Rights Granted
Depending on the publishing package selected, authors typically grant Xilvora Ink exclusive or non-exclusive publishing rights in specified formats (print, digital, audio) and territories. The specific rights granted will be clearly outlined in the Publishing Agreement.
6.2 Copyright Ownership
Authors retain copyright ownership of their work. Xilvora Ink acquires only the specific publishing rights as outlined in the Publishing Agreement.
6.3 Subsidiary Rights
The handling of subsidiary rights (film/TV adaptation, translation, merchandise, etc.) varies by publishing package and will be specified in the Publishing Agreement. Some packages may allow authors to retain all subsidiary rights, while others may include revenue-sharing arrangements for these rights.
7. Royalties & Payments
7.1 Royalty Rates
Royalty rates vary based on the publishing package selected, book format, and sales channels. Standard royalty rates range from 10-70% of net revenue depending on these factors. Exact rates will be specified in the Publishing Agreement.
7.2 Payment Schedule
Royalty payments are typically made quarterly, within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Payments are made when the accrued royalty amount exceeds $50. Amounts below this threshold will roll over to the next payment period.
7.3 Advances
Some publishing packages may include advance payments against future royalties. If applicable, advance terms, amounts, and earn-out requirements will be specified in the Publishing Agreement.
7.4 Accounting and Statements
Xilvora Ink will provide detailed royalty statements with each payment, showing sales by format, channel, and territory. Authors have the right to audit sales records once per calendar year with reasonable notice.
8. Editorial Process
8.1 Editorial Development
Accepted manuscripts typically undergo developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. The extent of editorial input depends on the publishing package selected.
8.2 Author Approval
Authors will have the opportunity to review and approve all significant editorial changes before publication. However, basic corrections for grammar, spelling, and house style may be made without explicit approval.
8.3 Editorial Timeline
The editorial process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the manuscript's condition and the publishing package selected. Specific timelines will be provided upon manuscript acceptance.
9. Production & Distribution
9.1 Format Availability
Depending on the publishing package, works may be published in multiple formats, including e-book, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook. Format availability will be specified in the Publishing Agreement.
9.2 Cover Design and Formatting
Xilvora Ink will provide professional cover design and interior formatting for all works. Authors will have input and approval rights as specified in the Publishing Agreement.
9.3 Distribution Channels
Xilvora Ink distributes through major online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, and others. Physical distribution to brick-and-mortar stores varies by publishing package.
9.4 Pricing Strategy
Xilvora Ink determines retail pricing based on market standards, book length, format, and other factors. Author input on pricing may be considered but final pricing decisions rest with Xilvora Ink unless otherwise specified in the Publishing Agreement.
10. Marketing & Promotion
10.1 Marketing Services
Marketing and promotional services vary by publishing package. Standard services may include online retailer optimization, social media promotion, and press release distribution. Premium packages may include additional services such as blog tours, advertising campaigns, and publicity outreach.
10.2 Author Participation
Authors are expected to participate in reasonable promotional activities, which may include interviews, social media engagement, and book signings. Specific expectations will be outlined in the Publishing Agreement.
10.3 Author Platform
While not required, authors are encouraged to develop and maintain their own platform (website, social media, newsletter, etc.) to support book promotion. Xilvora Ink may provide guidance on platform development as part of certain publishing packages.
11. Contract Termination
11.1 Termination by Mutual Agreement
The Publishing Agreement may be terminated at any time by mutual written agreement of both parties.
11.2 Termination by Author
Authors may terminate the Publishing Agreement after the initial term by providing ninety (90) days written notice. Early termination may be subject to fees as specified in the Publishing Agreement.
11.3 Termination by Publisher
Xilvora Ink may terminate the Publishing Agreement if:
- The Author breaches any material term of the Agreement;
- The Work sells fewer than 100 copies in any 12-month period after the first year of publication;
- The Author engages in conduct that might damage Xilvora Ink's reputation.
11.4 Rights Reversion
Upon termination, all rights granted to Xilvora Ink will revert to the Author, subject to any wind-down period specified in the Publishing Agreement. Digital books will be removed from sale within 30 days, while print books may continue to sell until existing inventory is depleted unless otherwise arranged.
12. Confidentiality
12.1 Publisher Obligations
Xilvora Ink will maintain the confidentiality of unpublished manuscripts and author communications. We will not share your manuscript with third parties without your consent, except as necessary for evaluation, editing, production, and distribution.
12.2 Author Obligations
Authors agree to maintain the confidentiality of Xilvora Ink's proprietary information, including but not limited to contract terms, marketing strategies, and business practices not publicly disclosed.
13. Intellectual Property
13.1 Author's Intellectual Property
The Author retains copyright and all intellectual property rights not specifically granted to Xilvora Ink in the Publishing Agreement.
13.2 Publisher's Intellectual Property
Xilvora Ink retains all rights to its branding, designs, formatting, and other materials created during the publishing process, except for content provided by the Author.
14. Author Warranties
By submitting a manuscript to Xilvora Ink, you warrant and represent that:
- You are the sole author of the work or have secured all necessary permissions from co-authors;
- The work is original and does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property right;
- The work does not contain defamatory, libelous, or otherwise unlawful content;
- You have the full right and authority to enter into an agreement with Xilvora Ink;
- The work does not violate any right of privacy or publicity;
- All factual statements presented as facts are true or based on reasonable research;
- You have secured written permission for any third-party content included in the work.
15. Indemnification
The Author agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Xilvora Ink, its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from breach of Author warranties or violations of these Terms.
16. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Xilvora Ink shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to the publishing services, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
In no event shall Xilvora Ink's total liability to the Author exceed the total amount paid by Xilvora Ink to the Author under the Publishing Agreement during the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.
17. Governing Law
These Terms and any Publishing Agreement between Xilvora Ink and the Author shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
18. Dispute Resolution
18.1 Negotiation
The parties agree to attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Publishing Agreement through prompt negotiations between executives with authority to settle the dispute.
18.2 Mediation
If negotiation fails to resolve the dispute within 30 days, the parties will attempt to settle the dispute by mediation under the rules of a mutually agreed-upon mediation service before resorting to arbitration or litigation.
18.3 Arbitration
Any dispute not resolved through negotiation or mediation shall be finally settled by binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association or another mutually agreed-upon arbitration service.
19. Amendments
Xilvora Ink reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Any modifications will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. For existing Publishing Agreements, material changes will only be effective if agreed to in writing by both parties.
Effective Date: March 22, 2025
