Terms of Service

Ford Mountain Publishing – Terms of Service

1. Overview

Ford Mountain Publishing, LLC provides professional editing, author coaching, writing, formatting, and publishing support services. By engaging our services or using this website, you agree to the terms outlined below. These terms are designed to protect both the author and Ford Mountain Publishing while maintaining a fair, transparent, and humane working relationship.

2. Website Use & Eligibility

There are no age restrictions for general use of this website.

However, any individual seeking to enter into a paid service contract must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. If the author or prospective client is under eighteen (18), a parent, legal guardian, or caregiver who is at least eighteen (18) years old must contact Ford Mountain Publishing and enter into the contract on the author’s behalf.

By engaging Ford Mountain Publishing for services, you represent that you meet these eligibility requirements.

3. Scope of Services

Services may include editorial services (developmental editing, copyediting, line editing, proofreading, manuscript assessments, alpha reading), author coaching, book formatting, and publishing support (ISBN acquisition, copyright guidance, and Library of Congress registration assistance).

Each project’s scope, pricing structure, and timeline will be defined in writing prior to work beginning.

4. Pricing & Billing Structure

Charges may be applied using the following methods:

  • Hourly Rates – for projects with evolving or undefined scopes

  • Per-Word Rates – for clearly defined manuscripts with minimal research

  • Per-Project Rates – for specialized or high-complexity work

  • Package Rates – for bundled services

If actual work time comes in under the estimate, clients are billed only for the actual hours worked. Ford Mountain Publishing does not round up time.

5. Invoicing & Payments

  • Invoices are issued by project milestones

  • Payment is due within thirty (30) days of invoice delivery

  • No deposits are required unless otherwise stated

  • Payments are accepted via Venmo, PayPal, or direct bank transfer

  • Affordable payment plans are available upon request

6. Discounts & Accessibility Commitment

Ford Mountain Publishing is committed to making professional publishing support accessible. Discounted rates are available for:

  • Veterans and active-duty military

  • Single-parent households

  • Religious organizations

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • Senior citizens (60+)

  • Youth authors (ages 15–21)

  • Prisoners and prison-based writing programs

Discount eligibility may require brief verification and must be requested prior to invoicing.

7. Turnaround Times

  • Developmental Editing: 10–15 business days

  • Manuscript Assessment: 7–10 business days

  • Alpha Reading: 7–10 business days

  • Copy & Line Editing: Work-size dependent

  • Proofreading: Work-size dependent

  • Book Formatting: Work-size dependent

  • ISBN, Copyright, & Library of Congress Support: 7–10 business days

Turnaround times may vary depending on manuscript length, complexity, and current workload.

8. Formatting Services

Formatting is completed using Atticus for professional, industry-standard results. Files may be delivered in EPUB, PDF, and DOCX formats.

The inclusion of images, graphics, tables, or complex layouts may increase formatting costs and will be reflected in the final price.

9. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to use this website or Ford Mountain Publishing services for any unlawful or prohibited purpose. Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

  • Scraping, data mining, or automated extraction of website content

  • Hacking, attempting unauthorized access, or disrupting website functionality

  • Plagiarizing, reproducing, or redistributing Ford Mountain Publishing content without permission

  • Uploading malicious code, viruses, or harmful software

  • Using the website or services in a manner that violates intellectual property laws or the rights of others

Ford Mountain Publishing reserves the right to restrict or terminate access for violations of these provisions.

10. Right to Refuse Service

Ford Mountain Publishing reserves the right to refuse service to any individual or project at its sole discretion, including but not limited to projects involving illegal content, hate speech, intellectual property violations, ethical conflicts, or unreasonable demands.

Refusal of service does not require disclosure of specific reasoning.

11. No Guarantee of Results

Editing and publishing support services are intended to improve clarity, structure, and professionalism. No guarantees are made regarding publication outcomes, agent representation, contest placement, sales performance, or market success.

12. Disclaimer of Warranties (As-Is Services)

All services are provided “as is” and “as available.” To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ford Mountain Publishing disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

13. Copyright & Ownership

The author retains all rights to their work. Ford Mountain Publishing makes no claim of ownership and is not responsible for plagiarism, copyright infringement, or legal issues arising from the manuscript’s content.

14. Confidentiality & Personal Information

All client materials, contracts, manuscripts, and communications are treated as private and confidential.

Ford Mountain Publishing does not sell, share, or disclose client personal information to third parties. Information is used solely for service delivery, communication, and invoicing, except where disclosure is required by law.

15. Third-Party Links & Content

This website may include links to third-party websites or tools. Ford Mountain Publishing is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of third-party sites, and access is at the user’s own risk.

16. Limitations of Liability

Ford Mountain Publishing is not responsible for files lost, damaged, or corrupted during or after service delivery. Clients are strongly encouraged to maintain backups of all materials.

17. Ghostwriting Policy

Ford Mountain Publishing does not provide ghostwriting services unless explicitly requested and agreed upon in writing, with a separate scope and fee structure.

18. Cancellation & Termination

  • Notice: Clients should provide two (2) to four (4) weeks’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling

  • Pro-Rated Payment: Work completed prior to cancellation must be paid in full

  • Material Breach: Either party may terminate immediately for failure to pay, missed deadlines, or contract violations

19. One-Pass Rule

Each service includes one complete review of the submitted material. Additional passes or revisions are treated as new, billable work.

20. Indemnification

The client agrees to hold Ford Mountain Publishing harmless from claims arising from the manuscript’s content, including defamation, copyright infringement, or factual disputes.

21. Independent Contractor Status

Ford Mountain Publishing operates as an independent contractor and is responsible for its own taxes, insurance, and business obligations.

22. Force Majeure

Ford Mountain Publishing shall not be liable for delays or failure to perform services due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, illness, power outages, internet failures, labor disputes, or government actions.

Reasonable efforts will be made to resume services as soon as practicable.

23. Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

24. Modification of Terms

Ford Mountain Publishing reserves the right to modify or update these Terms of Service at any time. Continued use of the website or engagement with services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

25. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, United States.

26. Acceptance of Terms

Engaging services from Ford Mountain Publishing constitutes acceptance of these Terms of Service.

27. Contact Information

Questions regarding these Terms of Service should be directed to: fordmountainpublishing@gmail.com