1. Scope of Services

APUBS Publishing and Services OPC Pvt. Ltd ("Publisher") will provide the Starter Publishing Package services as described below:

• Services Included: ISBN & Barcode Assignment, Dedicated Publishing Consultant, Cover Design, Proofreading, Interior Formatting & Layout, Paperback Publishing, 4 Free Author Copies, 3D Book Mockups, Publishing e-Certificate, Author Dashboard Access with 100% Royalties, Distribution on Amazon.in & Apna Publisher Store, Google Play Store, and eBook.
• The Starter Publishing Package is priced at ₹7,000 INR (Limited Offer until 1st November).

2. Author Rights, Security & Data Privacy

• Absolute Copyright Retention: The Author retains 100% intellectual property rights, copyright, and moral rights of their submitted work. APUBS claims zero ownership over the author's creative content.
• ISBN Ownership: The ISBN assigned to each format of the book shall exclusively belong to the Author.
• Manuscript Security: APUBS guarantees strict data confidentiality.
• Non-Exclusive Grant: The Author grants APUBS a limited, non-exclusive right to format, print, publish, distribute, and market the book on their behalf.

3. Royalties & Revenue Processing

• The Author holds absolute right to 100% of the net royalties generated from all sales.
• Royalty payouts are processed on a monthly basis once the minimum threshold is met (₹1,000 INR for India, ₹5,000 INR for international).
• Full financial transparency is guaranteed through the live Author Dashboard.

4. Package Payment Terms & Structuring

• A standardized down payment of 70% (₹4,900 INR) of the package total is contractually due to begin project onboarding and initial production.
• The remaining 30% (₹2,100 INR) is strictly due ONLY when the book is ready to print — specifically, after the Author reviews and explicitly approves the final formatted manuscript and cover proofs.
• APUBS holds the final print files until the balance is cleared via the Author Dashboard.

5. Publisher Rights & Acceptable Use

• Right of Refusal: APUBS reserves the right to decline publication if the manuscript contains explicit hate speech, promotes illegal activities, or violates community standards.
• Formatting Adjustments: The Publisher may make technical formatting adjustments required for printing and distribution platforms.
• Marketing Usage: The Publisher may use the book's cover image, Author's name, and synopsis for promotional purposes.

6. Timelines & Distribution Protocol

• Standard publication turnaround is guaranteed at 15–30 business days from the receipt of the final approved manuscript and full payment.
• APUBS will list the Author's book on partner platforms for global reach. The Author acknowledges that retail platforms maintain independent control over final pricing.

7. Content Warranty & Indemnification

• The Author warrants that the submitted work is entirely original and does not infringe upon any third-party rights.
• The Author agrees to fully indemnify and hold harmless APUBS from any legal claims arising from the content of the book.

8. Cancellation & Exit Clause

• Pre-Production Exit: If the Author cancels before any work has begun, a full refund will be issued minus gateway processing fees.
• In-Production Exit: Once work has commenced, the payment becomes non-refundable to cover expended labor costs.
• Post-Publication Exit: The Author may withdraw their book from distribution at any time with 30-day written notice.

9. Governing Law

• This agreement is governed by the laws of India. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of competent courts in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.