Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2025

1. Introduction & Agreement

Welcome to Shelf & Stack (“we,” “our,” or “us”). By using our website, resources, or editorial services, you (“the Client”) agree to the following Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. These terms outline how Shelf & Stack operates, protects your data, and maintains the integrity of your work.

If you have any questions, please contact elizabeth@shelfandstack.com.

2. Scope of Services

Shelf & Stack provides professional editing, marketing, and resource support to independent romance authors and small publishers. Services may include developmental editing, line and copyediting, proofreading, and digital resource delivery.

Each project’s scope, fee, and timeline are defined in an individualized agreement or invoice. No services are considered final or binding until confirmed in writing.

3. Client Responsibilities & Conduct

Clients agree to:

  • Provide accurate, up-to-date information and manuscripts.

  • Use the edited work responsibly and in compliance with applicable copyright law.

  • Communicate respectfully and within agreed-upon timelines.

Shelf & Stack reserves the right to discontinue a project if communication becomes hostile, abusive, or inconsistent with professional standards. In such cases, the client will receive all completed work up to that point.

4. Payment Terms

Unless otherwise stated, all invoices are due according to the payment schedule outlined in the service quote agreement.
Payments are processed through secure, PCI-compliant systems. Late payments may result in project delays or suspension of services.

Refunds are issued only for services not yet rendered. Due to the creative and consultative nature of editing, all completed editorial work is non-refundable.

5. Confidentiality & Intellectual Property

  • All client manuscripts, outlines, and related materials remain the intellectual property of the client.

  • Shelf & Stack claims no ownership or rights to your work.

  • All files are treated as confidential and are used solely for the purpose of providing the contracted service.

  • Completed edits and notes are delivered only to the client and will not be shared without written consent.

Shelf & Stack may store anonymized, non-identifying project data (e.g., project duration, service type) for internal business analysis only.

6. Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

We may collect:

  • Personal information (name, email, billing address, payment details).

  • Usage information (browser, device, and IP data).

  • Communication history (emails, messages, forms).

How We Use Information

We use client information to:

  • Provide and improve editorial services.

  • Process payments and maintain client accounts.

  • Communicate about projects and deliverables.

  • Analyze website performance and service quality.

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information under any circumstance.

Sharing Information

Shelf & Stack shares information only when necessary to process payments, fulfill legal obligations, or deliver contracted services (e.g., third-party payment processors).

All vendors and contractors are required to meet strict confidentiality and data-protection standards.

7. Non-AI Policy

Shelf & Stack believes in using ethical tools to serve clients without ever compromising privacy, authorship, or creative integrity.

  • Client manuscripts are never entered into any public or trainable AI system.
  • AI systems are never applied to, trained on, or used to modify client manuscripts.
  • No AI tools are used to edit, process, or alter client manuscripts.
  • All manuscript editing and evaluation is conducted exclusively by a human editor.
  • Client manuscripts are entirely human-reviewed and are not subject to AI-generated, rewritten, or enhanced content.

This clause will be reviewed and updated as AI technology evolves to ensure continued protection of client privacy, story ownership, and human-led editing.

8. Data Retention & Security

All client files and correspondence are stored on encrypted drives and backed up through secure, password-protected systems.
Files are retained only as long as needed to complete the contracted project and for reasonable recordkeeping. Clients may request deletion of their files at any time.

While Shelf & Stack uses commercially reasonable safeguards, no online or electronic system is entirely secure. If a data breach ever occurs, clients will be notified promptly.

9. Limitation of Liability

Shelf & Stack provides editorial guidance and support but cannot guarantee specific publishing outcomes or sales performance.
Clients retain full creative and publishing responsibility for their work.

In no event shall Shelf & Stack be liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising from use of our services or website.

10. Policy Updates & Client Consent

Shelf & Stack may update these Terms of Service or Privacy Policy at any time to reflect new legal, technological, or business requirements.
The latest version will always be available on www.shelfandstack.com, with the revision date listed at the top.

Continued use of our services after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

Age Restrictions

Shelf & Stack resources and content are intended for audiences 18+ years of age.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts, story ideas, and related materials are treated as confidential. They will not be shared or discussed outside the scope of this agreement.

Client Responsibilities

The client is responsible for providing the manuscript and related materials by the agreed-upon start date. Any delays in delivery, rewrites, or changes to word count may affect the editing timeline and final project fee.

Payments & Refunds

Payment terms are outlined in the client's quote/invoice. Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

  • A deposit may be required to secure the client's project start date.

  • Remaining balances are due upon completion of the project.

  • Refunds are not provided once editing work has begun, as this represents time and expertise already delivered.

Refunds for Deposits

Any paid service deposits processed are non-refundable.  

Refunds for Paid Services

In the event Shelf & Stack is not able to execute contracted services by the contracted date, clients are eligible for a refund of 50% of fees already paid. If the client is not satisfied with Shelf & Stack's output for contracted deliverables, it is the client's responsibility to inform Shelf & Stack and provide the opportunity for corrective action. If the client is still not satisfied, they are eligible for a refund of 50% of the fees already paid. 

Defective or Damaged Files

If a client receives a defective or damaged digital resource (downloadable resource not included in an editing service) that is unusable, they must notify Shelf & Stack within two (2) business days of the purchase date. Shelf & Stack will either replace the resource or issue a full refund at the client's discretion.

Change of Mind

Shelf & Stack does not offer refunds for change of mind or if the digital resource does not meet the client's personal preferences. Shelf & Stack encourages clients to review product descriptions, previews, and customer reviews before purchasing.

Unauthorized Purchases

If a client suspects unauthorized or fraudulent activity on their account, the client must communicate with Shelf & Stack immediately. Shelf & Stack will investigate the issue and take appropriate action to resolve it, including refunding any unauthorized charges.

Client Support

To request a refund or report any issues, the client must email hello@shelfandstack.com. Client must include their name, purchase date, and reason for the refund request.

Refund Processing

Approved refunds will be processed within one (1) business day of approval. The refund will be credited to the original payment method used for the purchase.

Changes to this Refund Policy

Shelf & Stack reserves the right to update or modify this refund policy without prior notice. Any changes will be effective immediately upon publication.

By purchasing Shelf & Stack services or resources, the client acknowledges and agrees to the terms and conditions of this refund policy.

Limitation of Liability

While Shelf & Stack uses professional care and judgment, editing is a human process. Shelf & Stack is not liable for errors that remain after editing or for outcomes beyond Shelf & Stack's control, including but not limited to sales, reviews, or publishing results. Shelf & Stack's liability under this agreement is limited to the total fees paid for the project.

GOVERNING LAW

Client agreements are governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of Waukesha County, Wisconsin.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

The Privacy Policy, along with the Terms & Conditions, together with the client's quote or invoice, represent the entire agreement between Shelf & Stack and the client and supersede any prior discussions or communications.