Effective Date: July 13, 2026

This Author Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Shabddhara Publishing (“Publisher”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) and the individual or organization submitting a manuscript (“Author”).

By submitting a manuscript, purchasing publishing services, signing this Agreement electronically or physically, or accepting our quotation, the Author agrees to the terms set out below.

1. Purpose of the Agreement

This Agreement governs the publishing services provided by Shabddhara Publishing, including but not limited to:

  • Book Publishing
  • Paperback Publishing
  • Hardcover Publishing
  • eBook Publishing
  • Cover Design
  • Interior Formatting
  • Typesetting
  • Editing & Proofreading (if purchased)
  • ISBN Assistance
  • Printing
  • Distribution
  • Related Publishing Services

2. Ownership of Copyright

The Author confirms that:

  • The submitted manuscript is the Author’s original work or that the Author has obtained all necessary permissions for any third-party material included in the manuscript.
  • The Author retains full copyright ownership of the manuscript unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.
  • Purchasing publishing services from Shabddhara Publishing does not transfer copyright ownership to the Publisher.

3. Author’s Warranties

The Author represents and warrants that:

  • The manuscript is original.
  • The manuscript does not infringe the copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other legal rights of any third party.
  • The manuscript does not contain unlawful, defamatory, obscene, or misleading content.
  • Any quotations, images, illustrations, tables, or third-party materials have been used with appropriate permission where required.

The Author agrees to indemnify and hold Shabddhara Publishing harmless against any legal claims arising from the submitted content.

4. Publishing Services

Shabddhara Publishing agrees to provide only those services purchased or agreed upon by the Author.

Any additional services requested after the project has commenced may require separate payment.

5. Manuscript Submission

The Author agrees to submit:

  • The final manuscript in an acceptable digital format.
  • Accurate author information.
  • Required photographs or illustrations (if applicable).
  • Any permissions required for third-party content.

The Author remains responsible for the accuracy of all submitted materials.

6. Editing and Proof Approval

Where editing or formatting services are provided:

  • Draft proofs will be shared with the Author for review.
  • The Author is responsible for carefully checking all text, layout, images, tables, and cover details.
  • Final publication or printing will proceed only after the Author provides written approval.

After final approval, the Publisher shall not be responsible for errors that were present in the approved proof.

7. ISBN

Where ISBN assistance is included:

  • ISBN allocation is subject to applicable regulations and documentation requirements.
  • The Publisher cannot guarantee approval where an ISBN application is rejected by the relevant authority.

8. Printing and Distribution

If printing or distribution services are purchased:

  • Production will begin only after final approval and payment requirements have been met.
  • Delivery schedules are estimates and may vary.
  • Distribution availability depends on the selected package and third-party distribution partners.

9. Fees and Payment

The Author agrees to pay the fees specified in the quotation, invoice, or service package.

Unless otherwise agreed:

  • Work begins after the required advance payment is received.
  • Outstanding payments may delay or suspend services.
  • Applicable taxes shall be charged where required by law.

10. Cancellation

Cancellation requests shall be governed by the Publisher’s Refund & Cancellation Policy.

Where work has already commenced, deductions may be made for services completed before any refund is considered.

11. Confidentiality

Shabddhara Publishing will treat unpublished manuscripts as confidential and will not disclose them to third parties except where necessary to provide the requested publishing services or where required by law.

12. Promotional Use

Unless the Author notifies us otherwise in writing, the Publisher may use:

  • The book title
  • The cover image
  • The Author’s name
  • Short excerpts
  • Publication details

for promotional and portfolio purposes related to Shabddhara Publishing.

The complete manuscript will never be used for promotional purposes without the Author’s permission.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Shabddhara Publishing shall not be liable for:

  • Indirect or consequential losses
  • Loss of profits
  • Business interruption
  • Delays caused by third-party service providers
  • Events beyond our reasonable control

The Publisher’s maximum liability shall not exceed the amount paid by the Author for the relevant publishing service.

14. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement before substantial work has commenced, subject to the Refund & Cancellation Policy.

Where work has already been completed, the Publisher shall be entitled to payment for the services performed up to the date of termination.

15. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of India.

Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts at the location of the Publisher’s principal place of business.

16. Entire Agreement

This Agreement, together with the Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, Refund & Cancellation Policy, and any quotation or invoice issued by Shabddhara Publishing, constitutes the complete agreement between the Author and the Publisher.

Additional Clauses for Author Agreement

The following clauses form an integral part of the Author Agreement between Shabddhara Publishing and the Author.

17. Self-Publishing Model

Shabddhara Publishing operates as a service-based self-publishing company. By purchasing our services, the Author acknowledges that they are engaging Shabddhara Publishing solely to provide publishing, design, formatting, printing, distribution, and related publishing services.

Unless expressly agreed in writing, Shabddhara Publishing does not acquire ownership of the Author’s work.

18. No Royalty Commitment

Unless specifically stated in a separate written agreement or publishing package, Shabddhara Publishing does not guarantee or undertake any royalty payments to the Author.

Where books are sold through third-party marketplaces or distribution channels, any applicable royalty structure shall be governed by the specific package or written agreement entered into between the Author and Shabddhara Publishing.

19. Author Retains Copyright

The Author shall remain the sole owner of the copyright in the manuscript and all intellectual property rights associated with the work.

Nothing in this Agreement transfers copyright ownership to Shabddhara Publishing.

20. Future Editions

The Author may revise, republish, publish new editions, translate, license, or publish the work with any other publisher unless restricted by a separate written agreement.

Shabddhara Publishing shall have no ownership claim over future editions of the work.

21. Right to Publish Elsewhere

The Author is free to publish the same work through another publisher, distributor, or platform unless an exclusive publishing agreement has been executed separately.

22. AI-Generated Content

If the manuscript includes content generated or substantially assisted by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Author confirms that:

  • All AI-assisted content has been reviewed and verified for accuracy.
  • The manuscript complies with applicable copyright and intellectual property laws.
  • The Author accepts full responsibility for all AI-generated or AI-assisted material.

Shabddhara Publishing shall not be responsible for legal claims arising from AI-generated content submitted by the Author.

23. Plagiarism Responsibility

The Author warrants that the manuscript does not contain plagiarized material.

The Author accepts full legal responsibility for any plagiarism, copyright infringement, unauthorized use of third-party material, or related legal claims.

Shabddhara Publishing reserves the right to reject, suspend, or withdraw publication if credible evidence of plagiarism or unlawful content is discovered.

24. Content Standards

The Publisher reserves the right to refuse publication of material that:

  • Violates applicable law.
  • Promotes hatred, violence, or terrorism.
  • Contains child exploitation material.
  • Infringes intellectual property rights.
  • Contains defamatory or fraudulent content.
  • Is otherwise unlawful or clearly unethical.

25. Electronic Acceptance

The Author agrees that acceptance of this Agreement by:

  • Clicking an “I Agree” checkbox,
  • Completing payment,
  • Accepting a quotation,
  • Replying to an email confirming acceptance,
  • Or signing electronically,

shall constitute a legally binding acceptance of this Agreement.

Electronic records shall have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures, subject to applicable law.

26. Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute arising from this Agreement, both parties shall first attempt to resolve the matter through good-faith discussions.

If the dispute cannot be resolved amicably within thirty (30) days, the parties may refer the matter to arbitration or mediation, where legally permissible, before initiating court proceedings.

27. Limitation of Publishing Responsibility

Shabddhara Publishing provides publishing services only and does not guarantee:

  • Minimum book sales
  • Bestseller status
  • Academic acceptance
  • Research publication acceptance
  • Commercial success
  • Media coverage
  • Awards or recognition

The success of a publication depends on multiple factors beyond the Publisher’s control.

28. Marketing Services

Where marketing or promotional services are purchased:

  • Marketing activities will be carried out in accordance with the selected package.
  • No guarantee is provided regarding sales, rankings, reviews, social media reach, website traffic, or advertising performance.

29. Force Majeure

Shabddhara Publishing shall not be liable for any delay or failure in performing its obligations due to events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, cyberattacks, internet failures, labor disputes, transportation disruptions, or similar unforeseen events.

30. Survival

The provisions relating to copyright, confidentiality, payment obligations, limitation of liability, dispute resolution, and governing law shall continue to remain in force even after completion or termination of the publishing services.

31. Contact Information

For any questions regarding this Agreement, please contact:

Shabddhara Publishing

Website: https://shabddhara.com

Email: support@shabddhara.com

Business Hours:
Monday – Saturday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (IST)