Terms of service.

Who we are

WritersTrek is a trading name of Bluesky Distribution CC, registration number CK2006/073328/23, VAT number 4060245182, of Frere Street Studios, 12 Frere Street, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915. Telephone 021 551 4240, email hello@writerstrek.com. In these terms, “I” and “WritersTrek” mean Bluesky Distribution CC, and “you” means the author or the person buying services for a book.

Quotes and prices

1. Prices on this site are in South African rand and include VAT at 15%.
2. A quote is valid for 30 days. It is based on the word count and services you give me. If the manuscript I receive is longer than quoted, per-word and per-page services are re-priced at the published rates before work starts, and you can accept or cancel.
3. Printing, ad spend paid to Meta and third-party fees (for example marketplace fees) are not included unless the quote says so.

Payment

1. A 50% deposit is payable before work starts. The balance is payable before final files are released.
2. The Book Readiness Call is paid in full when it is booked, and its fee is credited against any package bought afterwards. It costs R950 in working hours (Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00) and R1,250 on weekday evenings and Saturdays.
3. A Readiness Call is booked for one hour. It may run to 1¼ hours at no extra cost; beyond that the call ends, or a further hour is paid for at the same rate as the booking.
4. You can pay by card through Yoco or by EFT to the bank account on your invoice.
5. Editing is invoiced 50% on starting the edit and 50% on hand-over of the edited manuscript.
6. Packages over R15,000 can be paid in three monthly instalments, by agreement in writing. Final files are released when the last instalment is paid.
7. Monthly services (hosting, coaching, social media management) are billed monthly in advance and can be cancelled with one month’s notice.

What I do, and when

1. Each service is delivered as described on the services page, including the stated number of concepts and revision rounds. Extra rounds are quoted before they are done.
2. Turnaround times start when I have your deposit and everything I need from you. I’ll tell you in writing if a date will slip, and why.
3. You’re told who will edit, proofread or design your book before you pay the deposit.

Your book stays yours

1. You keep all copyright in your manuscript. Nothing in these terms transfers it to me.
2. On full payment, all rights in the edits, cover designs, interior layouts and ebook files made for your book are assigned to you in writing. Until then they stay with WritersTrek and its freelancers.
3. ISBNs are registered with the National Library of South Africa to your own imprint name. Amazon, IngramSpark and Draft2Digital accounts are opened in your name and their passwords are handed to you.
4. You confirm that your manuscript is your own work, that you have the right to publish it and any images you supply, and that it is not defamatory or unlawful. I can decline or stop work on content that is.

Marketplace listings

Takealot, Makro and Amazon.co.za listings are provided under a separate written consignment agreement, signed before the first copy is listed. It sets out ownership of stock, fees, returns, the 15% commission on net payouts, monthly statements and how to withdraw a title.

Confidentiality

Only the people working on your book see the manuscript, under a confidentiality agreement. I don’t use your text in marketing without your written permission. Personal information is handled under the privacy policy.

Cancellations and refunds

See the refunds and cancellations policy, which forms part of these terms.

Liability

I take care to deliver accurate, professional work, but I can’t guarantee sales, rankings, reviews or acceptance by any retailer or distributor. Nothing in these terms limits your rights under the Consumer Protection Act or the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act.

Disputes

If you’re unhappy, write to me first and I’ll reply within five working days. These terms are governed by South African law.