PRIVACY POLICY

Welcome to Shelf & Stack. Client privacy is essential, and Shelf & Stack is committed to protecting personal information. This Privacy Policy is designed to help clients understand how Shelf & Stack collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards personal information when using the Shelf & Stack website and services.

Information Shelf & Stack Collects

Personal Information

When the client interacts with Shelf & Stack's website or makes a purchase, Shelf & Stack may collect personal information, including the client's name, email address, billing address,  and payment details.

Usage Information

Shelf & Stack collects information about client interactions with its website, including IP address, browser type, and device information.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Shelf & Stack uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance the client experience and to collect data about client usage patterns.

How Shelf & Stack Uses Client Information

To provide and improve services. To process payments and fulfill orders. To communicate with client accounts, purchases, and updates. To personalize client experiences on Shelf & Stack's website. To analyze website usage and improve service offerings.

Sharing Client Information

Shelf & Stack may share personal client information with third parties only as necessary to provide services, process payments, or comply with legal obligations. Shelf & Stack will never sell client information.

Client Choices and Rights

Clients can update their account information and communication preferences at any time. They may also have the right to access, correct, or delete their personal information. Client must contact Shelf & Stack for assistance with these requests.

Security

Shelf & Stack employs security measures to protect personal client information, but must be aware that no method of online transmission is entirely secure.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

Shelf & Stack may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Shelf & Stack will notify clients of any changes.

TERMS OF SERVICE

Shelf & Stack provides professional editorial services, including developmental editing, copyediting, and/or line editing, as outlined in the client's project quote or invoice. All editorial feedback is written by Shelf & Stack. Editing is a subjective process, and while Shelf & Stack uses professional care and judgment, Shelf & Stack cannot guarantee perfection or specific publishing outcomes.

AI & Editing Programs Policy

Human-First Editing
Shelf & Stack does not input, upload, or otherwise provide any client manuscript to any AI system or platform that uses customer content for training, dataset expansion, or public release. Any editing programs Shelf & Stack uses are configured to prevent data retention, and they are limited to identifying patterns (such as repetition, pacing, or grammar checks). At no point is a client's manuscript contributed to, stored in, or used by any system for the purpose of training or improving AI models.

Use of Editing Programs
To support the editing process, Shelf & Stack may use secure editing programs (similar to Grammarly or ProWritingAid) that:

  • Highlight repeated words or phrases.

  • Check pacing across chapters.

  • Track character names or dialogue usage.

  • Identify grammar, style, or formatting inconsistencies.

For clarity: these programs do not generate or replace text. They are limited to identifying patterns so Shelf & Stack can focus more on a client story’s craft—tropes, arcs, character depth, and emotional beats.

Privacy Commitment

  • All client manuscripts remain private and secure.

  • Manuscripts are stored on password-protected devices and reputable cloud services with industry-standard encryption.

  • Client manuscripts are never stored, trained on, or shared with outside systems.

  • Your words remain yours.

Plain English
These programs are like spellcheck on espresso—they point out patterns, but all the thinking, judgment, and recommendations come directly from Shelf & Stack.

Bottom Line
A client's story is their property. Shelf & Stack's role is to help clients strengthen their work—not to hand it over to a machine. Every word of feedback a client receives is 100% from Shelf & Stack.

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.