At The Authors Divine, our goal is to provide high-quality publishing, marketing, ghostwriting, and author support services. This Refund Policy is part of every Services Contract signed with us. In the event of any conflict between this Policy and a signed Service Agreement, the signed Service Agreement governs; both documents together constitute the entire agreement. Under New York law, a written contract containing this Policy cannot be altered or waived except by a written agreement signed by both parties (see New York General Obligations Law § 15-301(2) — No Oral Termination).
• Work Commences Upon Payment: Upon receipt of payment (even a deposit), we immediately allocate resources, schedule work, and begin project planning. Work on your project is considered to have started at that time, regardless of whether you have provided manuscript files or other materials. Delays caused by a client’s late submission of materials do not mean work has not commenced.
• Refund Eligibility: You may be eligible for a pro-rata refund only if we fail to deliver the contracted services. The refund amount will reflect the portion of work that was not completed at the time of cancellation. For example, if half the agreed services were completed and delivered, only half the fee (minus processing costs) could be refunded. No refunds are available for any delivered, approved, or utilized work.
• No Refund for Change of Mind or Misaligned Expectations: Once you sign the Services Contract and payment is made, you cannot cancel for mere “buyer’s remorse,” a change of mind, or simply because you later decide the services are not what you expected. All services are fully described in the signed contract, which is the entire scope of our agreement. Clients should review all terms and scope details carefully before signing. New York law does not recognize a general “cooling-off” period for professional services contracts New York General Business Law § 218-a; any notion of a statutory refund right (for example, New York General Business Law § 218-a, which applies only to retail goods) simply does not apply here. In short, a contract is legally binding once signed, and no refund is owed solely because a client’s preferences change afterward.
• Revisions vs. Refunds: If you request changes or revisions, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate them. However, “dissatisfaction” based solely on learning more about the process or having different subjective expectations does not justify a refund. If you approved or used a deliverable and then decide you prefer a different approach, that is considered a scope or preference issue, not a refund issue. All completed work and approvals remain non-refundable once delivered.
• Client Responsibilities: You must provide all required materials (manuscripts, images, feedback, approvals, etc.) in a timely manner. Delays or lack of cooperation on your part (such as failing to submit your manuscript or approve drafts) will push out project timelines. Such client-caused delays do not entitle you to cancel the project or demand a refund. Remember, we allocate team time and hold your project slot once the contract is signed and paid; if you later stop providing materials, that reserved time cannot be recovered.
• How to Request a Refund: All refund requests must be submitted in Formal writing. Refund request does not terminate the contract until mutually agreed. Deadline: You must submit any refund request within seven (7) calendar days of the event giving rise to the request (for example, the date you first notified us of a problem or the date you wish to cancel). Requests made later than seven days after the issue will not be considered. This seven-day window aligns with the notice period in your signed contract. To avoid misunderstandings, please clearly explain the reason for your request and provide any supporting documentation.
• Review Process: Once we receive your written request, we will review it carefully, possibly asking for additional details. Please allow up to two (2) weeks for a final decision. During this review, we aim to fully understand any issue. (If a quick call could clarify details, we may ask, but you are never required to speak by phone.)
• Processing Fee Deductions: If a refund is approved, it will be made using the original payment method whenever possible. However, all refunds are subject to deduction of any non-refundable transaction fees that we incur. These may include merchant fees, payment gateway fees, currency conversion charges, and similar costs. The refunded amount = your payment minus these fees.
• Services Delivered: No refunds will be granted for any part of the project that has been completed, delivered, or approved. This includes completed drafts, designs, published books, marketing materials, coaching sessions, digital products, or any other deliverables. Once work is handed over and accepted (even implicitly), it is deemed fulfilled.
• Special Circumstances: Every client situation is unique. In rare cases, we may consider exceptions, but this is entirely at our discretion and generally requires a written agreement. Our policies are designed to be fair to both parties, balancing flexibility with the reality that we dedicate time and resources once a project begins.
• Governing Law:This Policy and any disputes regarding it are governed by the laws of the State of New York. Pursuant to New York General Obligations Law § 15-301(2), this written refund policy cannot be changed or waived except by a signed written agreement. Any legal action shall be brought in the New York courts.
• Policy Updates: We may amend this Policy at any time. Clients are encouraged to review it before each project. The version incorporated into your signed contract at the time of engagement controls that project.
By purchasing services from The Authors Divine, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms above.
• Legal References: New York law does not grant consumers a general right to cancel service contracts after signing under established New York contract law, and New York General Business Law § 218-a (retail refund posting law) applies only to goods. New York General Obligations Law § 15-301(2) — No Oral Termination requires written modifications to any contract clause prohibiting oral changes, so our written policies and contract terms are fully enforceable.