Website Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: January 31, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Novel Notion Creative, LLC (“Novel Notion Creative,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using our website at novelnotioncreative.com (the “Site”), submitting an inquiry, requesting a quote, or engaging our services, you (“Client,” “you,” or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Site or services.

These Terms apply to all visitors, users, authors, and others who access or use the Site.

2. About Our Services

Novel Notion Creative is a boutique graphic design agency specializing in design services for authors. Our services include, but are not limited to:

Design Your Own Way (Canva templates): Fully editable, non-custom Canva templates available for download on Etsy.

Author Essentials Plans (Starter, Launch, Complete, Premium): Custom launch marketing graphics, social media content, and promotional materials for authors

Indie Author Book Design Packages (Cover-to-Cover, Launch Pro): Professional book cover design and interior formatting for self-publishing authors

À La Carte Services: Custom graphics, media kits, videos, and specialized design work

Consulting Services: Launch strategy, publishing guidance, and marketing advice

Editorial Services: Copyediting and proofreading (offered separately from design services)

Custom Projects: Tailored solutions for unique author needs

All design work is created by human designers—never AI. This is a core value of our business and part of what you’re paying for when you engage our services.

3. Digital Goods Policy (Design Your Own Way Templates)

3.1 Product Description

Design Your Own Way Templates ($9.99-$99.99): Pre-designed, fully editable Canva template collections, sold as standardized digital download products via Etsy.

3.2 Digital Delivery & Access

(a) All templates are delivered as instant download digital goods via email upon payment.

(b) Client is responsible for downloading or saving templates within 30 days of delivery. Novel Notion Creative is not responsible for re-delivery after this period.

3.3 Technical Requirements

(a) All templates are designed for use in Canva and require a Canva account (free or Pro).

(b) All Design Your Own Way templates are fully editable using a free Canva account, with no Pro elements used in the original design.

(c) Novel Notion Creative provides templates compatible with Canva as of the date of purchase. On rare occasions, Canva may change an element’s availability. If that happens, we’re happy to help you swap in a free alternative whenever possible.

(d) Client is responsible for having adequate technical knowledge to use Canva or for seeking external technical support. Basic Canva tutorials and guidance documents are provided with purchase, but Novel Notion Creative does not provide ongoing technical support for Canva platform issues. All Design Your Own Way templates use only Canva free elements and do not require a Canva Pro subscription.

3.4 Licensing & Usage Rights

(a) License Grant: Upon full payment, Client receives a non-exclusive, non-transferable, perpetual license to use purchased templates for Client’s own book marketing and promotional purposes only.

(b) Permitted Uses:

Customize templates for your own books
Post graphics created from templates to your social media accounts
Use graphics created from templates in your email newsletters
Print graphics created from templates for personal promotional use
Create unlimited variations using the templates for your own work

(c) Prohibited Uses:

Resell, redistribute, or share templates with others (including other authors, VAs, or marketing professionals)
Claim templates as your own original work
Use templates to create products for sale (e.g., creating graphics to sell to other authors)
Extract individual design elements to create competing template products
Share Canva edit links with anyone other than your hired assistants working directly on your behalf

(d) Sharing with Team Members: You may share template access with virtual assistants, publicists, or other hired professionals working directly on your book marketing, provided they use templates solely for your promotional purposes and understand they have no independent rights to the templates.

3.5 Customization Scope FOR DESIGN YOUR OWN WAY TEMPLATES

(a) Our Canva templates are sold “as-is” and are NOT customized to individual client needs, book covers, or brand aesthetics.

(b) Clients are responsible for adapting templates to their own branding using Canva’s editing features.

(c) Templates may be updated periodically to reflect current design trends or Canva platform changes.

3.6 Refund & Cancellation Policy – Digital Goods

Due to the nature of digital goods, ALL SALES ARE FINAL once templates have been delivered or access has been granted.

3.7 Intellectual Property – Templates

(a) Novel Notion Creative retains all underlying intellectual property rights, including copyrights, in the template designs and structure.

(b) Client owns the rights to graphics they create using the templates, subject to the licensing restrictions outlined in Section 3.4 above.

(c) Novel Notion Creative reserves the right to create and sell similar template designs to other clients. The templates you purchase are not exclusive to you.

(d) All Design Your Own Way templates use only Canva free elements. No additional third-party licensing is required. Client is responsible for ensuring that any content they add to templates (such as images, text, or custom graphics) does not infringe third-party rights.

3.8 Technical Support & Warranty

(a) Novel Notion Creative warrants that templates will be functional in Canva as of the delivery date.

(b) Technical support is limited to:

Initial access/delivery issues (within 7 days of purchase)
Clarifying how to access templates in Canva
Providing template usage documentation

(c) Technical support does NOT include:

Teaching client how to use Canva generally
Troubleshooting Canva platform issues
Designing custom layouts beyond purchased package scope
Ongoing consultation on how to adapt templates

(d) Extended support may be purchased separately at $75/hour.

3.9 Client Responsibilities – Digital Products

(a) Client is responsible for:

Downloading and saving templates promptly upon delivery
Maintaining their own backups of templates
Understanding Canva’s terms of service and platform functionality
Ensuring any content they add to templates (text, images, etc.) does not infringe third-party rights

(b) Novel Notion Creative is not responsible for:

Lost access due to client’s Canva account issues
Client’s misuse of templates in violation of licensing terms
Copyright infringement related to content client adds to templates
Compatibility issues with future Canva platform updates

4. Quotations and Proposals

4.1 Quote Validity

All quotations and proposals provided by Novel Notion Creative are valid for thirty (30) calendar days from the date of issue. After this period, we reserve the right to revise pricing based on current workload, market conditions, or changes in project scope.

4.2 Non-Binding Estimates

Quotes are estimates based on the information provided by you at the time of inquiry. If project scope changes, additional materials are required, or if the initial brief was incomplete or inaccurate, pricing may be adjusted accordingly.

4.3 Package Pricing

Our published package prices (as shown on the Site) reflect current promotional or standard rates. We reserve the right to modify pricing at any time without notice. Pricing in effect at the time of booking will be honored.

5. Booking and Payment Structure and Terms

5.1 Booking Confirmation

A project is officially booked only when:

You have accepted a written quote or proposal, AND You have paid the required deposit (typically 50% of the total project fee). No work will commence until the deposit is received.

5.2 Deposit Required

To book a project and secure your place in our schedule, a deposit is required as follows:

Projects under $1,000: 50% deposit
Projects $1,000-$2,500: 40% deposit
Projects over $2,500: 30% deposit

The deposit is due upon signing this Agreement and must be received before work begins.

If you cancel before we begin work, 50% of your deposit will be refunded (we retain 50% as a booking fee). Once work has commenced, deposits become non-refundable. See Section 13 (Cancellations and Refunds) for complete refund policy.

5.3 Final Payment

The remaining balance is due before the release of final files. We will not deliver final files, transfer intellectual property rights, or provide working files until all outstanding invoices are paid in full.

5.4 Invoice Terms

Invoices are due within seven (7) business days of issuance unless otherwise agreed in writing.

5.5 Payment Methods

We accept payment via:

ACH bank transfer (2% discount applied when selecting this method)
Credit card
PayPal/Venmo
All prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise specified.

5.6 Taxes

Client is responsible for all applicable sales tax, VAT, or other taxes based on Client’s jurisdiction. For Pennsylvania-based clients, applicable PA sales tax will be added to invoices as required by law. International clients are responsible for any taxes, duties, or fees imposed by their local government.

5.7 Late Payments

Late payments may incur a service charge of $25 per week. Payments will be credited first to late payment charges and next to the unpaid balance.

Continued non-payment may result in:

Suspension of work Termination of the project Referral to a collections agency Legal action Client shall be responsible for all collection or legal fees necessitated by late payment or default.

5.8 Work Stoppage

Designer reserves the right to stop work and withhold all Deliverables if invoices become overdue. Work will resume only upon receipt of all outstanding payments plus any accrued late fees.

5.9 Payment Plans

For packages of $2,000 or more, Client may request a payment plan structured as:

50% deposit upon signing
25% at midpoint/milestone (as defined in Proposal)
25% upon final delivery

Payment plans must be requested and approved in writing before work begins.

5.10 Additional Costs

Any additional costs (such as stock images [typically $10-50 each], premium fonts [$20-200], printing services, third-party software, or expedited delivery fees) must be paid upfront before we proceed with procurement.

5.11 International Clients

For international clients:

All prices are in U.S. dollars Currency conversion fees and international transaction fees are Client’s responsibility Time zones will be clarified in project proposals Wire transfer fees (if applicable) are Client’s responsibility

6. Project Timeline and Delays

6.1 Scheduling

Upon receipt of deposit and all required project materials, we will provide an estimated timeline for project completion. Timelines are estimates only and are not guaranteed delivery dates.

6.2 Client Delays

If you fail to provide necessary materials, feedback, or approvals within the agreed timeframe, the project timeline will be extended on a day-for-day basis. If client feedback or materials are delayed by more than three (3) weeks, we reserve the right to invoice for work completed to date.

6.3 Force Majeure

We will not be held liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, acts of government, power failures, internet outages, illness, pandemics, or other acts of God. In such cases, timelines will be extended accordingly.

7. Design Process, Revision Rounds, and Scope

7.1 Included Revisions

Each deliverable type includes a specified number of revision rounds of minor refinements as detailed in the Proposal and summarized here:

Social media graphics and templates: 3 rounds of revisions
Marketing materials: 3 rounds of revisions
Book covers: 3 rounds of revisions
Interior layouts: 3 rounds of revisions
Other deliverables: as specified in Proposal

Minor refinements include:

Color adjustments
Font changes
Text edits (for design projects only—see Section 7.7 for manuscript text changes)
Repositioning of elements
Image swapping

7.2 Definition of Revision Round

A “revision round” constitutes Designer providing deliverables, Client reviewing and providing consolidated feedback within seven (7) business days, and Designer implementing the requested changes. Each round may include multiple individual changes to a single deliverable.

7.3 New Concepts vs. Revisions

Major revisions (such as complete redesigns, adding additional pages/graphics beyond the original scope, or significant conceptual changes) are not included in standard revision rounds and will be billed at an hourly rate of $85/hour.

7.4 Additional Revisions

Additional minor revisions beyond the included rounds will be billed at an hourly rate of $65/hour. Designer will notify Client in writing before performing additional revision work.

7.5 Approval Periods

You will have seven (7) business days from receipt of design concepts or drafts to provide feedback. If no feedback is received within this period, the design will be considered approved, and we will proceed to the next phase.

7.6 Changes After Approval

Once you have approved a design, any subsequent changes will incur additional fees at our hourly rate. You are responsible for thoroughly reviewing all proofs before giving final approval.

7.7 Manuscript Changes (Book Design Projects)

For book design projects involving interior formatting (Cover-to-Cover and Launch Pro packages):

(a) Manuscript Must Be Final: Client’s manuscript must be final, professionally edited, and proofread before Designer begins interior layout work. Content editing, developmental editing, line editing, or copyediting are NOT included in book design packages and must be completed before design work commences. Designer is not responsible for editorial quality, grammatical errors, or content issues in Client-provided manuscripts.

(b) Minor Typo Corrections Included: Designer will correct minor typographical errors discovered during the layout process at no charge (typically up to 10 corrections per project). These corrections are limited to obvious typos, spelling errors, or punctuation mistakes that Designer notices while formatting.

(c) Substantial Text Changes Incur Fees: Text changes beyond minor typo corrections after interior layout has been presented for Client review will incur additional fees calculated as follows:

Minor text edits (under 50 words changed, no pagination impact): $50 flat fee
Moderate text changes (50-500 words, minor pagination adjustments): $75-$150 depending on extent and complexity
Extensive rewrites or new content (500+ words, significant repagination): $75/hour for all time required

(d) What Constitutes a Text Change Subject to Fees: Adding or removing paragraphs, sentences, or words; rewriting existing content; restructuring chapters or sections; adding new scenes, dialogue, or content; or any modifications that affect pagination, layout flow, or require reformatting of multiple pages. Basic typo corrections (changing “teh” to “the”) are not considered text changes.

(e) Timeline Impact: Substantial text changes requested after layout approval may delay final delivery by 3-7 business days (or longer for extensive changes) depending on the extent of modifications required and Designer’s current workload.

(f) Client Responsibility for Proofreading: Client is strongly advised to have their manuscript professionally proofread and finalized BEFORE submitting it for design work. Designer is not responsible for content errors, plot inconsistencies, or editorial issues in the final book. Once Client approves the interior layout, Client assumes all responsibility for the accuracy and quality of the text content.

7.8 Word Count Limits (Interior Formatting Projects)

(a) Standard Word Count: The Cover-to-Cover and Launch Pro packages include interior formatting for manuscripts up to 80,000 words as measured by standard word processing software (Microsoft Word word count or equivalent).

(b) What Counts as “Words”: Word count includes all manuscript text in the body of the book (front matter such as dedication, acknowledgments, prologue; all chapters; and back matter such as epilogue, author bio, or appendices). Word count does not include table of contents, copyright page, or other standard publishing elements generated by Designer during the layout process.

(c) Overage Fees: Manuscripts exceeding 80,000 words will incur an additional fee of $0.02 per word for all words beyond the 80,000-word limit.

Example: A 95,000-word manuscript would incur an overage fee of $300 (15,000 words × $0.02).

(d) When Overage Fees Are Due: Word count overage fees must be paid before interior layout work begins. If Client underreports word count at booking and the actual manuscript is discovered to exceed 80,000 words, Designer will invoice for the overage before proceeding with layout work.

(e) Word Count Verification: Client must provide an accurate word count at the time of booking. Designer reserves the right to verify word count upon receipt of the manuscript. If there is a significant discrepancy (more than 5,000 words), Designer will notify Client and adjust pricing accordingly.

(f) Very Long Manuscripts: For manuscripts exceeding 120,000 words, Designer may require a custom quote rather than standard package pricing, as projects of this length involve significantly more time and complexity. Designer will notify Client if a custom quote is necessary.

7.9 Specialized Formatting (Non-Standard Books)

(a) Standard Genres Included at Base Price: The base pricing for book design packages (Cover-to-Cover, Launch Pro) applies to standard fiction novels, memoirs, and text-based non-fiction books with minimal special formatting requirements. These are defined as books with:

Primarily text-based content
Standard chapter structure
Minimal or no images/illustrations embedded in the text
No complex tables, charts, or technical diagrams
Standard front and back matter

(b) Specialized Projects Require Custom Quotes: The following types of books require custom pricing due to additional time, complexity, and specialized skills:

Poetry collections (special spacing, alignment, and formatting)
Cookbooks and recipe books (ingredient lists, instructions formatting, photo placement)
Children’s books, especially illustrated or picture books (text-image integration)
Textbooks or educational materials with extensive graphics, sidebars, or call-out boxes
Coffee table books, art books, or photography books (image-heavy layout)
Books with extensive tables, charts, graphs, or technical diagrams (more than 10 such elements)
Books requiring significant image integration (more than 20 images embedded throughout the text)
Academic works with footnotes, endnotes, or complex citation systems
Workbooks, journals, or interactive books with fill-in sections
Plays or screenplays (specialized formatting conventions)

(c) Additional Fees for Specialized Work: Specialized formatting typically adds $500-$2,000 to the base package price, depending on:

Number and complexity of special elements
Number of images and required image editing/placement
Level of customization required
Overall manuscript length and complexity

Designer will provide a detailed custom quote after reviewing the manuscript and discussing project requirements with Client.

(d) Client Must Disclose Book Type at Booking: Client must accurately describe the type and nature of their book project at the time of inquiry and booking. Relevant details include:

Genre and category
Approximate number of images, tables, charts, or special elements
Any unusual formatting requirements
Examples of similar books (if applicable)

(e) Discovery of Undisclosed Specialized Needs: If Client books a standard package but the manuscript is later discovered to require specialized formatting that was not disclosed at booking, Designer reserves the right to:

Pause work and provide a revised quote reflecting the actual project complexity
Require payment of the difference before proceeding

If Client declines the adjusted pricing, cancel the project and retain the deposit as a kill fee for work completed to date

(f) Consultation Recommended for Complex Projects: For authors unsure whether their project qualifies as “standard” or “specialized,” Designer offers a 15-minute free consultation or a paid consultation ($150/hour) to review the manuscript and provide accurate pricing before booking.

8. Intellectual Property Rights

8.1 Ownership Before Full Payment

Until full and final payment is received, Novel Notion Creative retains all intellectual property rights, including copyright, in all design work, concepts, and deliverables. You may not use, reproduce, modify, or share any design materials until the project is fully paid.

8.2 License Upon Payment

Upon receipt of full payment, you will receive:

(a) A perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive license to use the final approved designs for their intended purpose (book marketing, promotion, and distribution).

(b) For custom design work (Author Essentials and Indie Author Book Design packages): Access to editable Canva template files of the completed designs, enabling you to adapt and reuse the designs for ongoing marketing needs.

(c) For Design Your Own Way digital products: The usage rights specified in Section 3.4.

This license includes the right to:

Reproduce the designs across print and digital media
Display the designs on social media, websites, and marketing materials
Edit the Canva template files to adapt custom designs for future use (subject to the restrictions in Section 10.6)
Make basic formatting modifications necessary for different platforms (resizing, cropping, adjusting aspect ratios)

8.3 What You Do NOT Own

Even after full payment, the following remain the sole property of Novel Notion Creative:

Preliminary concepts and rejected designs
Working files (e.g., layered image files, original interior layout files) unless specifically included in your package or purchased separately
Designer tools, templates, and proprietary processes
The underlying design concepts, which may be adapted for other clients in substantially different applications

8.4 Assignment of Rights (Full Buyout)

Receiving editable Canva template files as part of your custom design package (Section 8.2) does not constitute a full buyout or transfer of copyright. Designer retains copyright ownership of the creative work. If you require full ownership and assignment of copyright (a “full buyout”), this must be negotiated in advance and will incur an additional fee. Full buyout terms will be specified in a separate Project Service Agreement.

8.5 Portfolio Usage

We retain the right to display completed work in our portfolio, on our website, on social media, in case studies, and in promotional materials unless otherwise agreed in writing. If your book project is confidential or embargoed, please notify us in advance, and we will honor a non-disclosure period.

8.6 Client Attribution

While not contractually required, we greatly appreciate when clients credit our work on social media where feasible (e.g., “Graphics by @novelnotioncreative”), as word-of-mouth is vital to our author-focused business. This courtesy helps us continue serving the author community with high-quality, affordable design services.

9. Client Responsibilities

9.1 Accurate Information

You are responsible for providing accurate, complete, and timely information, including:

Project briefs and creative direction
Text, images, logos, and other materials for use in designs
Feedback and approvals

9.2 Content Ownership and Permissions

You represent and warrant that you own (or have legal permission to use) all content, text, images, fonts, logos, and other materials you provide to us. You agree to indemnify and hold Novel Notion Creative harmless from any claims arising from your use of third-party materials without proper authorization.

9.3 Manuscript Confidentiality

If you provide us with unpublished manuscript content, cover copy, or other sensitive materials, we will treat it as confidential. However, if you require a formal Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), please request one before sharing materials.

9.4 Proofreading and Accuracy

While we strive for excellence, we are not responsible for spelling, grammatical, typographical, or factual errors in final deliverables. It is your responsibility to thoroughly proofread all materials before giving final approval. Corrections made after approval will incur additional charges.

10. File Delivery, Storage, and Usage Rights

10.1 File Formats

Unless otherwise specified in the Proposal, Client will receive final deliverables in the following formats appropriate to the work:

Print-ready graphics: High-resolution PDF, PNG, and JPG
Social media assets: PNG and JPG in platform-specific dimensions
Editable templates: Canva template links (see Section 3 for complete Digital Goods Policy)
Interior layouts: Print PDF and EPUB formats
Covers: High-resolution PDF, PNG, JPG formatted for specified platforms

10.2 Working Files

Unless specifically included in your package or purchased separately, we do not provide working files (e.g., layered Photoshop or Affinity files, editable InDesign files, or source files). If you need working files for future edits, please discuss this during the quoting process. Source files may be purchased for an additional fee of $500-$1,500 depending on project complexity, to be quoted upon request.

10.3 File Storage and Retrieval

Upon project completion, all final deliverable files will be provided to you via Google Drive (or other file-sharing service). You will have download access to these files for 90 days from the date of final delivery.

(a) Your Responsibility: Please download and store all final files within this 90-day window. After 90 days, we may remove files from shared storage, though we typically maintain backup copies for up to 2 years.

(b) Re-sending Files: If you need us to re-send files after the 90-day period, we’re happy to help! There is a $30 file retrieval fee if we need to locate and re-upload archived files. We cannot guarantee file availability beyond 2 years. If files require re-creation (beyond 2 years), standard project rates apply.

(c) Lost Files: We strongly recommend you back up your files to your own storage immediately upon receipt. Novel Notion Creative is not responsible for lost or corrupted files after initial delivery.

10.4 Delivery Method

Files are delivered electronically via cloud storage links (Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar). Links are temporary and may expire after 30 days.

10.5 Usage Rights

Upon receipt of full payment, Client receives the right to use the delivered assets for the purposes of promoting, marketing, and selling the specific book title for which the assets were created. This includes:

Posting on social media platforms
Inclusion in email newsletters and marketing materials
Print materials for book tours, events, and promotions
Website and blog usage

10.6 Usage Restrictions

This section applies to custom design deliverables only (book covers, marketing graphics, interior layouts, etc.) created as part of Author Essentials Plans and Indie Author Book Design Packages. For usage rights and restrictions on Design Your Own Way template products, see Section 3.4.

Upon receipt of full payment, Client receives the following usage rights:

(a) Permitted Modifications via Canva:

Edit text, colors, images, and layout elements within the provided Canva template files
Adapt designs for different book titles in the same series or by the same author
Resize and reformat for different social media platforms or marketing applications
Create variations for seasonal campaigns, promotions, or book launch phases
Update design elements (such as review quotes, updated taglines, or new author photos) as your career evolves

(b) Prohibited Uses:
Client may NOT:

Resell, redistribute, or license the Canva template files to third parties (including other authors, VAs, design marketplaces, or template shops)
Use the templates to provide design services to others (e.g., offering to create graphics for other authors using templates created for you)
Extract individual design elements, layouts, or concepts to create competing template products for commercial sale
Claim authorship or ownership of the original design work
Remove or obscure Designer attribution within the Canva file metadata

(c) Sharing with Your Team:
You may share Canva template access with virtual assistants, publicists, marketing professionals, or other team members working directly for you on your book projects, provided:

They use templates solely for your promotional purposes (not for other clients or projects)
They understand they have no independent rights to the templates
They comply with all usage restrictions outlined in this section

(d) Substantial Redesigns:
Creating entirely new designs beyond editing existing elements (such as changing the entire layout structure, design concept, or visual style) goes beyond the scope of template editing rights. For major redesign needs, please contact Designer for a new project quote.

For clarity: You may update a graphic with new text, swap images, adjust colors to match a new brand palette, or resize for different platforms. You may not extract design elements to create new graphics from scratch, hand the templates to another designer to “recreate in their style,” or use the templates as a foundation for offering design services to others.

10.7 License Contingency

All grants of any license to use or transfer of any intellectual property rights under this Agreement are expressly conditioned upon receipt of payment in full. If payment is not received, all rights revert immediately to Designer, and Client must cease all use of the deliverables.

10.8 Canva Template Access for Custom Design Projects

For Author Essentials and Indie Author Book Design packages (excluding Design Your Own Way digital products), Client receives access to editable Canva template files of completed custom designs. This section governs the technical requirements and Client responsibilities related to Canva template access.

(a) Canva Pro Elements in Custom Designs:
Designer creates custom design work using professional design tools and assets, which may include Canva Pro Content (premium stock photos, fonts, illustrations, graphics, or advanced features). When final deliverables are provided as Canva templates, these Pro elements remain embedded in the template files.

(b) Client’s Canva Subscription Responsibility:
To edit Canva templates containing Pro Content, Client must maintain either:

An active Canva Pro subscription (currently $12.99/month or $119.99/year as of the date of these Terms), OR
Purchase one-time content licenses from Canva for each Pro element used in the template

Novel Notion Creative is not responsible for Canva’s licensing fees, subscription costs, or pricing changes. Client is solely responsible for maintaining appropriate Canva licensing for their ongoing use and editing of template files.

(c) What Happens Without Canva Pro:
If Client does not have a Canva Pro subscription:

Canva will display watermarks on Pro elements when Client views or edits the template
Client will not be able to download high-resolution files containing Pro elements
Client may need to replace Pro elements with free alternatives available in Canva

Designer is not responsible for providing free-element substitutions after project delivery. If Client needs assistance replacing Pro elements with free alternatives, this service is available at Designer’s hourly rate ($75/hour).

(d) Template Files Delivered “As-Created”:
Canva templates are delivered in the state they were created by Designer, including all Pro elements used in the professional design work. Designer does not create duplicate “free-only” versions of custom designs, as this would compromise design quality and professional standards.

(e) Platform Changes Beyond Designer’s Control:
Novel Notion Creative is not responsible for:

Changes Canva makes to its platform, features, or interface
Canva’s alterations to element availability, licensing terms, or pricing
Technical issues with Canva’s servers, platform performance, or file access
Compatibility issues arising from Canva platform updates

(f) Canva Account Requirements:
Client must maintain their own active Canva account (free or Pro) to access template files. Designer delivers templates via shareable Canva links that remain active as long as Designer’s Canva account is active. However:

Client should duplicate templates to their own Canva account immediately upon receipt
Designer is not responsible for template access if Client’s Canva account is suspended, deleted, or experiences technical issues
Designer maintains template backups for 2 years but cannot guarantee perpetual Canva link availability beyond this period

(g) Compliance with Canva’s Terms:
Client is responsible for complying with Canva’s Terms of Service in their use and editing of template files. Designer makes reasonable efforts to ensure templates comply with Canva’s terms as of the date of creation, but changes to Canva’s policies are beyond Designer’s control.

(h) Technical Support Limitations:
Designer’s technical support for Canva templates is limited to:

Initial template delivery and access issues (within 7 days of delivery)
Clarifying which elements are Pro vs. Free
Answering questions about Designer’s original design intent or layout structure

Designer does NOT provide:

General Canva platform training or tutorials
Troubleshooting of Canva technical issues or bugs
Guidance on how to use Canva features unrelated to the specific template
Ongoing consultation on template editing or adaptation

Extended technical support or template adaptation assistance may be purchased separately at $75/hour.

11. Color and Print Variations

11.1 Screen vs. Print

Colors displayed on screens (RGB color mode) may appear different from printed materials (CMYK color mode). We are not responsible for color variations between screen proofs and printed products, as these factors are beyond our control and dependent on printer settings, paper stock, and monitor calibration.

11.2 Print Services

If we coordinate printing services on your behalf, we will use reputable vendors. However, we are not responsible for print quality issues, shipping delays, or vendor errors. You assume all responsibility for final print results.

12. Third-Party Materials

12.1 Stock Images and Fonts

If your project requires stock photography, illustrations, or premium fonts, we will procure these on your behalf with your approval. You are responsible for the cost of all third-party licenses, and payment must be made upfront before materials are downloaded.

12.2 Licensing Compliance

You agree to comply with all licensing terms associated with third-party materials. We are not responsible for any violations of licensing agreements arising from your misuse of licensed materials.

13. Cancellations and Refunds

13.1 Client-Initiated Cancellation BEFORE WORK BEGINS

Client may cancel a project at any time by providing written notice via email.

If Client cancels after paying the deposit but before Designer has commenced any work, Client will receive a 50% refund of the deposit amount. Designer retains 50% of the deposit as a booking fee to compensate for scheduling, project planning, and opportunity cost.

“Before work begins” is defined as: Before Designer has created any concepts, drafts, deliverables, or begun design work. Typical indicators that work has commenced include: receipt and review of completed design brief, gathering and organizing project materials, and/or creation of initial design concepts.

13.2 Client-Initiated Cancellation After Work Begins

Once Designer has commenced work on the Project, the deposit is non-refundable. In the event of cancellation, Client shall pay Designer a cancellation fee (the “Kill Fee”) calculated based on the percentage of work completed, as follows:

If less than 25% of deliverables completed: Kill Fee equals 50% of the total Project Fee
If 25-50% of deliverables completed: Kill Fee equals 75% of the total Project Fee
If more than 50% of deliverables completed: Kill Fee equals 100% of the total Project Fee

The deposit previously paid by Client shall be credited against the Kill Fee amount due. Client is responsible for remitting any remaining balance to satisfy the Kill Fee obligation within seven (7) business days of Designer’s invoice.

Example Calculation: For a Project with a total fee of $2,000 and a deposit of $800 (40%), if Client cancels when 20% of work is completed:

Kill Fee = 50% of $2,000 = $1,000
Less: Deposit already paid = ($800)
Balance due from Client = $200

(a) Work Completed Definition: “Work completed” refers to the percentage of deliverables produced and hours invested relative to the full scope of Services as defined in this Agreement, as determined by Designer in good faith.

(b) Delivery Upon Cancellation: Upon receipt of the full Kill Fee payment, Designer shall deliver to Client all work completed to date in standard file formats as specified in Section [X]. Source files, working files, and preliminary concepts are not included unless separately negotiated in writing.

(c) Book Design Project Milestones: For book design projects, the percentage of work completed is typically calculated as follows:

Cover concepts presented to Client: 25%
Cover approved by Client and interior layout commenced: 50%
Interior layout draft delivered to Client for review: 75%
Final revisions in progress following Client feedback: 90%
Final files delivered and approved: 100%

For projects combining multiple service types (e.g., Launch Pro package including both book design and marketing materials), the percentage is calculated based on the aggregate scope of all deliverables in the Project.

13.3 Designer-Initiated Cancellation

Designer may terminate this Agreement with written notice if:

Client fails to pay invoices within 30 days of due date
Client fails to provide necessary materials or feedback within agreed timeframes, causing delays of 60+ days
Client requests work that violates ethical standards or Designer’s values
The working relationship becomes untenable

In such cases, Client will be invoiced for all work completed to date at Designer’s standard hourly rates, less any deposits already paid.

13.4 No Refunds After Delivery

Once final files have been approved and delivered, no refunds will be issued.

14. Rush Services and Expedited Delivery

14.1 Standard Rush Services

If you require expedited turnaround outside of our standard schedule or requiring Designer to work evenings, weekends, or holidays, an additional rush fee will apply:

Social media graphics, marketing materials, and Author Essentials packages: 20% of total project cost
Book design projects (Cover-to-Cover, Launch Pro): 25% of total project cost

14.2 Rush Request Requirements

Rush requests must:

Be submitted at least 48 hours before desired start date for social media/marketing projects
Be submitted at least 2 weeks before desired start date for book design projects
Be subject to Designer’s availability and current workload
Be confirmed in writing by Designer before any rush fees are charged

Rush services are not guaranteed and depend on Designer’s schedule capacity.

14.3 Client Responsibilities for Rush Projects

Clients requesting rush delivery must:

Provide all required materials immediately upon project confirmation
Respond to Designer’s questions and provide feedback within 24-48 hours (instead of standard 7 business days)
Be available for quick turnaround communications via email or phone
Understand that rush timelines are contingent on Client’s responsiveness

Failure to provide timely feedback or materials during a rush project may result in timeline extensions and forfeiture of rush guarantees (though rush fees will not be refunded once work has begun).

14.4 Rush Limitations for Complex Projects

Rush delivery cannot be guaranteed for:

Manuscripts over 100,000 words
Projects requiring specialized formatting (poetry, cookbooks, children’s books, etc.)
Projects with extensive custom illustration or graphic needs
Projects booked during Designer’s peak season (typically October-January for author launches)

Designer will communicate honestly about feasibility before accepting rush projects and will not commit to timelines that cannot realistically be met.

15. Artificial Intelligence and Human-Created Work

15.1 Designer’s Warranty

Designer expressly warrants that all creative work, including but not limited to design concepts, layouts, graphics, illustrations, and written content created under this Agreement, is created by human designers and not generated by artificial intelligence tools. This commitment is central to Designer’s brand promise: “designed by humans, never AI.”

15.2 Client Content Warranty

Client warrants that all content provided to Designer (including but not limited to text, images, photographs, illustrations, and other materials) is either:

Original work created by Client or Client’s authorized representatives
Properly licensed from third parties with documentation provided
In the public domain

15.3 AI-Generated Content Disclosure

If Client provides any content that was generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence tools, Client MUST disclose this fact to Designer in writing prior to Designer’s use of such content. Disclosure must include:

Which specific materials were AI-generated
Which AI tool(s) were used
Any relevant licensing or terms of use from the AI tool provider

15.4 Indemnification for AI Content

Client agrees to indemnify and hold Designer harmless from any claims, damages, or legal issues arising from Client’s use of AI-generated content, including but not limited to copyright infringement claims, if Client failed to disclose such use to Designer.

15.5 Designer’s Right to Refuse

Designer reserves the right to decline to use or incorporate AI-generated content in the Deliverables if Designer believes such use could:

Compromise the quality or integrity of the work
Create legal or ethical issues
Conflict with Designer’s brand values

15.6 Tool Usage Distinction

This section does not prohibit Designer’s use of standard industry software tools (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, grammar checking tools, or other professional design software) in the creation of human-designed work. The warranty specifically addresses the use of generative AI to create or substantially create design concepts or content.

16. Special Provisions for Author Clients

16.1 Launch Timeline Coordination

Designer understands that author clients often work with fixed publication dates. Client agrees to:

(a) Provide Designer with the publication date and key milestone dates in the Proposal

(b) Notify Designer immediately of any changes to publication timeline

(c) Provide all necessary materials (cover files, manuscript excerpts, author bio, etc.) within timelines specified in the Proposal to ensure on-time delivery

Designer agrees to prioritize meeting launch deadlines and will notify Client immediately if any delays threaten the agreed timeline. However, we cannot guarantee delivery if Client experiences delays in providing feedback or materials.

16.2 Book Cover and Interior Files

For projects where Designer is creating promotional graphics (social media assets, launch materials, marketing graphics) but is NOT designing your book cover or interior layout, Client must provide the existing cover files for Designer to incorporate into the promotional materials:

(a) Client must provide high-resolution cover files (minimum 300 DPI, preferably PNG with transparent background or high-res JPG) in formats specified by Designer

(b) Files must be received at least 14 days before Designer’s work is scheduled to begin to allow adequate time for design work

(c) If files are not provided or are inadequate quality (low resolution, watermarked, or incorrect dimensions), Designer may need to request proper files from Client’s cover designer, which may delay timelines accordingly

(d) If Client’s cover designer cannot provide suitable files, Designer may need to recreate cover elements, which may incur additional fees

(e) When Designer Creates Both Cover and Marketing Materials: If Designer is creating both the book cover design AND marketing materials as part of a single package (such as the Indie Author Book Design Launch Pro plan), Client will not need to provide separate cover files to Designer. Designer will use the book cover design files created in-house directly when creating promotional materials, ensuring perfect brand consistency and image quality.

16.3 Author Branding Consistency

For clients who engage Designer for multiple books or ongoing services:

(a) Designer will maintain design files and brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency across projects

(b) Subsequent projects may qualify for returning client discounts (10-15% off)

16.4 Third-Party Platform Specifications

Designer will format deliverables according to the specifications of platforms specified in the Proposal (e.g., Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Instagram, Facebook). If platform specifications change after delivery, reformatting may be provided at Designer’s hourly rate.

16.5 Promotional Material Accuracy

While Designer will format provided text professionally, Client remains responsible for:

(a) Accuracy of all book details (title, ISBN, price, publication date)

(b) Accuracy of author bio, quotes, and testimonials

(d) Proofreading all text before approving final deliverables

Designer is not responsible for factual errors in Client-provided content.

17. Limitation of Liability

17.1 Maximum Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Novel Notion Creative’s total liability for any claims arising from our services shall not exceed the total amount paid by you for the specific project in question.

17.2 No Consequential Damages

We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

Lost revenue or profits
Lost book sales or launch opportunities
Missed publication deadlines
Damage to reputation
Data loss

17.3 As-Is Basis

Our services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the suitability, reliability, or accuracy of our work for any particular purpose.

18. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Novel Notion Creative, its owner, contractors, and affiliates from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from:

Your breach of these Terms
Your misuse of our deliverables
Your use of content or materials without proper authorization
Any claims by third parties related to materials you provided

19. Confidentiality and Privacy

19.1 Your Information

We respect your privacy. Any personal information you provide (name, email, address, payment details, manuscript content) will be used solely for the purpose of providing our services and will not be shared with third parties without your consent, except as required by law.

19.2 Mailing List

By engaging our services, you consent to being added to our email list for occasional updates, promotions, and scheduling announcements. You may unsubscribe at any time.

19.3 Cookies

Our Site uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. By using the Site, you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

19.4 Data Security

Designer takes reasonable measures to protect Client information and files using industry-standard security practices, including secure file sharing platforms, password protection, and encrypted communications where appropriate.

However, no electronic storage or transmission method is 100% secure. Designer is not liable for unauthorized access to Client data due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to: third-party data breaches, hacking attempts, or security vulnerabilities in cloud storage platforms.

Client should maintain backups of all materials provided to Designer and all final deliverables received. Designer strongly recommends downloading and securely storing all files immediately upon delivery.

19.5 Subcontractors and Assistants

Designer may engage qualified subcontractors, freelance specialists, or assistants to complete portions of the work (such as copyediting, formatting, or specialized design tasks), provided they are bound by the same confidentiality obligations outlined in this Agreement.

All subcontractors will be vetted for quality and professionalism, and Designer remains fully responsible for the quality and timely delivery of all work performed by subcontractors.

If Client requires that no subcontractors be used, this must be specified in writing before project commencement and may affect project pricing and timeline.

20. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

20.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

20.2 Negotiation and Mediation

In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation fails, we agree to pursue mediation before initiating litigation.

20.3 Jurisdiction

Any legal action arising from these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Pennsylvania, and both parties consent to the jurisdiction of such courts.

20.4 Attorney Fees

In any legal proceeding, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.

21. General Provisions

21.1 Independent Contractor

Novel Notion Creative is an independent contractor. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship between us.

21.2 No Exclusivity

These Terms do not create an exclusive relationship. We are free to provide services to other clients, and you are free to engage other designers.

21.3 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent.

21.4 Severability

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

21.5 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any Project Service Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and Novel Notion Creative regarding use of the Site and our services, and supersede all prior agreements or understandings.

21.6 Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or a notice on our Site at least thirty (30) days before taking effect. Continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

22. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact us:

Novel Notion Creative, LLC
Email: hi@novelnotioncreative.com
Website: novelnotioncreative.com

By using our Site, submitting an inquiry, or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.