Thank you for choosing Narrative Compass. The following terms outline the expectations and responsibilities for both Narrative Compass and the client to ensure a smooth, professional, and productive collaboration.

• Narrative Compass provides editorial and creative services intended to help authors strengthen their manuscripts and prepare their work for publication.

• Beta reading

• Manuscript critiques and evaluations

• Developmental editing

• Line editing

• Copy editing

• Proofreading

• First chapter critiques

• Book coaching and story guidance

• Formatting guidance

• Self-publishing support

• General publishing workflow guidance

• Book Cover Deisgn

• Title Page and Book Formatting

• The specific scope, deliverables, turnaround time, and level of feedback included with each service are outlined in the product description at the time of booking. By purchasing a service, the client acknowledges that they have reviewed and agreed to the service description as presented on the Narrative Compass website.

• Editing focuses on strengthening clarity, structure, pacing, readability, and overall storytelling effectiveness while preserving the author’s unique voice and creative vision. Narrative Compass does not guarantee publication, agent representation, sales performance, or commercial success.

• Narrative Compass reserves the right to decline or discontinue services for manuscripts that fall outside the editor’s areas of expertise or contain subject matter the editor is not comfortable working with.

• Clients must submit their manuscript at the time of booking or as otherwise instructed.

Accepted formats typically include Microsoft Word files (.doc or .docx).

• The submitted manuscript will be considered the working draft for the editing service. If substantial revisions, expanded content, or additional chapters are added after editing has begun, Narrative Compass may recommend scheduling an additional editing pass.

• Editing services are priced based on manuscript word count at the time of booking. If the submitted manuscript exceeds the purchased word count, Narrative Compass reserves the right to adjust the project scope, timeline, or invoice for the difference prior to issuing the project contract and beginning work.

• Clients are responsible for ensuring submitted files are complete and accessible.

• Narrative Compass will work from the manuscript version submitted at the start of the project. Updated manuscript versions submitted after work has begun may require rescheduling or an additional service.

• If the manuscript word count differs significantly from the estimate provided at booking, Narrative Compass may adjust pricing, timeline, or project scope prior to contract issuance.

• Design work focuses on visual presentation and layout. It does not include editing, proofreading, or verification of the text supplied by the client.

• Estimated completion timelines are provided at the time of booking and are based on manuscript length and current workload. While every effort is made to meet estimated timelines, completion dates may shift slightly due to unforeseen circumstances or scheduling adjustments. Clients will be notified promptly if any delays occur.

• Narrative Compass shall not be liable for delays or failure to perform services due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to illness, natural disasters, internet outages, or platform disruptions.

• Project timelines are dependent on timely communication and delivery of materials from the client.

• Rush services may be available depending on current schedule availability. Rush projects may require an additional fee. Narrative Compass reserves the right to decline rush requests that cannot reasonably be accommodated while maintaining editorial quality.

• Editing services are priced based on manuscript word count at the time of booking. Final project scope will be confirmed prior to contract issuance. If the submitted manuscript exceeds the purchased word count, Narrative Compass reserves the right to adjust the project scope, timeline, or invoice for the difference prior to issuing the project contract.

• Editing work will not begin until the contract has been signed and the deposit has been received.

• After booking, the submitted word count and project scope will be reviewed and an official contract outlining the project timeline, deliverables, and terms of service will be provided.

• If Narrative Compass determines the submitted project falls outside the agreed scope of work prior to contract execution, the deposit will be refunded in full.

• Once the contract has been signed and work has begun, the deposit is non-refundable.

• The remaining balance will be invoiced upon completion of the project and must be paid prior to delivery of final files.

• If payment is not received within 14 days of invoicing, Narrative Compass reserves the right to pause communication and withhold delivery of materials until payment has been received.

• Editorial feedback may be delivered through:

• Authors may request clarification regarding editorial feedback. Up to two (2) one-hour consultation calls may be scheduled to review feedback, depending on the service package selected. Consultation calls must be scheduled within 30 days of delivery of editorial materials. Consultation calls are intended to clarify editorial feedback and are not intended as ongoing coaching or unlimited manuscript review.

• Additional editing passes or revision rounds beyond the original scope may require a separate booking.

• Custom cover projects include an initial design concept followed by a set number of revision rounds as specified in the service description. Additional revisions beyond the included rounds may require a separate fee.

• A revision refers to adjustments to an existing concept (color, typography, placement, imagery). A request for an entirely new direction after a concept has been approved may be treated as a new project.

• The client is responsible for reviewing and approving the final proof. Once a design has been approved and final files delivered, further changes may require a new booking or revision fee.

• The client is responsible for providing final, correct text for all design work, including title, subtitle, author name, series name, back-cover copy, and any interior text.

• The client is responsible for proofreading all text as it appears on the final proof. Design services do not include editing or proofreading, and Narrative Compass is not responsible for spelling, grammatical, or factual errors in text supplied or approved by the client.

• The client is responsible for providing their own ISBN and barcode where required. Narrative Compass does not obtain ISBNs on the client's behalf.

• Substantive changes to the manuscript after formatting has begun (added, removed, or rewritten content) may require an additional formatting pass or fee.

• Digital formatting is prepared to current common standards, but Narrative Compass cannot guarantee identical display across every device, app, or e-reader.

• Narrative Compass may provide general guidance related to the self-publishing process, including:

• Narrative Compass does not act as a publisher, literary agent, or legal advisor.

• Narrative Compass may publish its own books and creative works. Client projects remain separate and confidential.

• Narrative Compass does not guarantee acceptance by any publishing platform or marketplace.

• The author retains full responsibility for:

• Editorial feedback and design files will be delivered in the format specified in the service description.

• Typical formats may include:

• Clients are responsible for downloading and storing their files after delivery.

• Because editing and design services require reserving dedicated project time, deposits are non-refundable once the contract has been signed and work has begun. If Narrative Compass determines that the submitted manuscript falls outside the agreed scope prior to contract execution, the deposit will be refunded in full.

• If a client needs to adjust their project timeline, Narrative Compass will make reasonable efforts to accommodate changes based on availability.

• If a manuscript is not submitted within the required timeframe, the project may be moved to the next available opening.

• If a project is canceled after work has begun, the deposit will be retained and the client remains responsible for payment of work already completed.

• All manuscripts and materials shared with Narrative Compass will remain confidential.

• Narrative Compass will not share, distribute, or discuss client work without permission.

• Narrative Compass may reference publicly published works it has edited or designed in its portfolio, including book titles, author names, and cover images, unless confidentiality is requested in writing prior to project completion.

• Testimonials will only be used with client permission.

• The author retains full responsibility for all final decisions regarding their manuscript.

• Narrative Compass provides editorial guidance and creative support, but the author determines which suggestions to accept or decline.

• The author is responsible for ensuring their manuscript complies with copyright and intellectual property laws.

• Clients are responsible for maintaining backup copies of all manuscript and design files.

• Narrative Compass will take reasonable care in handling files but is not responsible for lost or corrupted files caused by technical issues, software failures, or file transfer errors.

• Authors remain responsible for the originality, accuracy, and integrity of their manuscript, including any material generated using artificial intelligence tools. Narrative Compass does not verify the source of AI-generated material and is not responsible for identifying AI-generated content, factual inaccuracies, or derivative material.

•Narrative Compass may use secure third-party platforms such as:

These tools support collaboration and delivery of project materials.

•The client affirms that the manuscript submitted is their original work or that they have obtained the necessary rights to include any third-party material. Narrative Compass is not responsible for identifying plagiarism or copyright infringement.

• Any stock images, fonts, or licensed assets used in cover design will comply with commercial licensing requirements.

• Upon final payment, the client receives usage rights to the completed design for the specific published title it was created for. Rights are not transferable to other titles without a new agreement.

• Narrative Compass retains ownership of working/source files and any underlying templates, unless a source-file release is purchased or otherwise agreed in writing.

• Stock images, fonts, and licensed assets are used in accordance with their commercial licensing terms. Certain licenses may carry print-run or usage limits; extended licensing, if required, may be billed to the client.

• Narrative Compass provides professional editorial and creative guidance but does not guarantee publishing outcomes, sales performance, or critical reception.

• Narrative Compass services do not constitute legal, financial, or literary representation advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Narrative Compass shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages related to use of its services.

Editorial Limitations

• No editing service can guarantee a manuscript will be completely error-free.

• Final responsibility for proofreading and accuracy remains with the author.

• Narrative Compass does not provide ghostwriting or full manuscript rewriting services.

•Narrative Compass reserves the right to decline or discontinue services if communication becomes abusive, inappropriate, or outside the bounds of professional collaboration. Professional respect is required for a productive working relationship.

• Project communication will typically take place via email unless otherwise agreed. Reasonable response time is appreciated for all project communications.

• If client feedback or required materials are not provided within 30 days, Narrative Compass reserves the right to close the project. Additional work requested after this period may require a new booking.

• Narrative Compass, LLC is registered in the State of Georgia. These terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

• By purchasing a service from Narrative Compass, the client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.