Beta Reading & Proofreading — Plain-Language Terms
This page outlines the terms that apply to every project booked with The Author's Back Office — whether directly by email or through Fiverr/PeoplePerHour. Booking a project or paying an invoice means you've read and agree to these terms.
You'll receive the specific service you booked — beta reading, proofreading, or both — with scope, word-count tier, and turnaround confirmed by email before any work begins.
Manuscripts within 10% of a tier's word count are accepted at that tier's rate, no extra charge. If your manuscript runs longer than that, you'll be notified before work starts whether it fits the next tier or needs a custom quote. No surprise charges, ever.
Feedback and/or your line-edited manuscript will be delivered by the confirmed timeline. If any part of the feedback is unclear, you can request a follow-up clarification at no extra charge. This doesn't include a second full read-through or re-edit beyond the original scope.
Your manuscript stays private. It will never be shared, published, or distributed without your written permission. A copy may be kept on file briefly for record-keeping purposes only.
You keep full ownership and copyright of your work, always. Nothing about this agreement transfers any rights to the Editor. Feedback, tracked changes, and style sheets are deliverables that become yours to use however you'd like.
Cancel before work begins, and you'll receive a full refund. If work has already started, a prorated refund applies based on the portion completed.
Feedback is provided in good faith, based on professional judgment. The Editor isn't responsible for your publishing decisions, sales outcomes, or reviews of your published work. Liability under this agreement is limited to the amount you paid for the service in question.
This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, USA.
By paying an invoice or payment link, or by replying "I agree" via email, you confirm you've read and agree to the terms above.