Northbridge Publishers

Welcome to Northbridge Publishers. These Terms and Conditions constitute a legally binding agreement made between you, whether personally or on behalf of an entity (“you,” “user,” or “client”) and Northbridge Publishers (“we,” “us,” or “our”), concerning your access to and use of our website (https://northbridgepublishers.com) and any services provided therein.

1. Scope of Services

Northbridge Publishers is a comprehensive provider of literary and publishing solutions. By engaging our services, you are contracting for professional expertise in:

Creative Services: Ghostwriting, book illustration services, and cover design.
Editorial Services: Developmental editing, copy editing, and manuscript evaluation.
Marketing Services: SEO, author branding, and social media management.
Production Services: Book formatting, ISBN assignment, and global distribution.

2. Intellectual Property Rights

2.1 Client Ownership

You retain full ownership of all original materials provided to us, including manuscripts, notes, and research. Our role is strictly as a service provider; we do not claim any equity or future rights to your literary property.

2.2 Work-for-Hire Status

All creative output produced by Northbridge Publishers (writing, design, and art) is considered "Work-for-Hire." Upon the fulfillment of all payment obligations, the copyright and all commercial rights to the final deliverables are transferred to the client.

2.3 Company Property

The Northbridge Publishers name, logo, proprietary marketing frameworks, and website content are the exclusive property of Northbridge Publishers and may not be used or reproduced without written consent.

3. Payment, Fees, and Financial Terms

3.1 Service Fees

Fees are determined based on the scope of work outlined in your Project Quote. We reserve the right to adjust pricing for "Scope Creep"—defined as requests for work beyond the original agreement.

3.2 Payment Schedule

Retainers: Most projects require a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure studio time and resources.
Milestones: Large projects (e.g., ghostwriting a full novel) are billed in stages. Work on subsequent stages will not commence until the previous milestone payment is settled.
Late Fees: Payments delayed by more than 15 business days may be subject to a 5% late fee per month.

3.3 Refund Policy

Because our services involve dedicated labor and creative expertise:

Consultation fees are non-refundable.
Creative & Editorial work already performed is non-refundable.
If a project is cancelled by the client, Northbridge Publishers shall be entitled to payment for all work completed up to the date of cancellation.

4. The Production and Editorial Process

4.1 Accuracy of Content

The client is ultimately responsible for the factual accuracy of their book. Northbridge Publishers does not verify the truthfulness of non-fiction claims or the legality of the client’s content.

4.2 Revision Protocol

Each service includes a specific number of revision rounds (typically two).

Revisions must be requested within 10 business days of delivery.
Revisions are defined as refinements to existing work. Requests that constitute a "Pivot" (changing the core concept or genre) will be billed as new work.

4.3 Final Approval (The "Print-Ready" Clause)

Before a book is sent to global distribution, the client must provide a written "Final Approval." Once this is signed, Northbridge Publishers is not liable for any typos, formatting errors, or design flaws discovered post-publication.

5. Publishing and Distribution Disclaimers

5.1 Third-Party Platforms

We facilitate distribution through third-party retailers (Amazon, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble, etc.). We are not responsible for the internal policies, technical glitches, or sudden account terminations initiated by these third-party platforms.

5.2 Sales and Success

While our book marketing services utilize industry-leading strategies, the literary market is subjective. We make no guarantee—express or implied—regarding book sales, media appearances, or specific financial returns

5.3 Royalties

Unless otherwise stated in a specific partnership agreement, the client retains 100% of the royalties paid by the retailers. Northbridge Publishers does not take a percentage of your book sales.

6. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure (NDA)

We maintain a strict confidentiality policy. Your manuscript, personal identity, and financial details will never be disclosed to third parties without your written consent, except for the purpose of fulfilling distribution requirements (e.g., providing your name to the Library of Congress for copyright filing).

7. Prohibited Content

We reserve the right to refuse service for manuscripts that:

Promote hate speech or violence against protected groups.
Contain plagiarized material.
Violate any international copyright laws.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Northbridge Publishers’ total liability for any claim arising out of this agreement shall not exceed the total amount paid by the client for the specific service in question. We are not liable for any consequential or "lost opportunity" damages.

9. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold Northbridge Publishers harmless from and against any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your breach of these Terms or any third-party claim that your book infringes on their rights.

10. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a disagreement, both parties agree to attempt "Good Faith" mediation for a period of 30 days before seeking legal action. Any litigation shall be conducted in the courts of the jurisdiction where Northbridge Publishers is headquartered.