CLIENT AGREEMENT/ACKNOWLEDGMENT BOOK COVER/GRAPHIC DESIGN

Please read these terms and conditions before agreeing to work with Melissa Doughty - Mel D. Designs - Melissa M. Doughty  LLC, from this point further referred to as designer.  Payment of the deposit is considered agreement to these terms.  All graphic designs will be created collaboratively and all stated terms apply to all graphics designed. 

DESIGNER RESPONSIBILITIES
Designer will provided a cover file/s based on KDP measurements unless otherwise requested in writing by the client.   One printing company is included with each cover package and a fee may incur if additional printing companies are requested. The designer will work collaboratively with the client to create the book cover design.  The cover will be unique, however human error may occur.  If elements are disputed post final approval by the client due to similarities to another author's cover, the designer will amend at no cost to the client.  All custom packages include FOUR review rounds prior to final approval of images and/or cover file.  If changes are wanted after final approval or the FOUR rounds have been exhausted a fee will incur.  Fees will start at $50 and be based on scope of work.
  When premade covers are offered, they include TWO review rounds for font/word changes ONLY.  If changes are wanted after final approval or the TWO rounds have been exhausted a fee will incur.  Fees will start at $50 and be based on scope of work.  If the client wants more than font changes on a premade cover, that cover then becomes a custom cover and fees and custom cover stipulations will then apply.

 Other Marketing Graphics will also be completed collaboratively and have TWO revision rounds.  If changes are wanted after final approval or the TWO rounds have been exhausted a fee will incur. Fees will start at $25 and be based on scope of work.

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CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

 The client is responsible for validating proper rights,  permissions, license, or other pertinent publishing information when images are provided to the designer.  Client is responsible for proofing the design provided by the designer.  Because of this, the designer will NOT be held financially or legally responsible for any problems or costs when using the design provided.  The client is responsible for providing the book size, final page count, print form, page type, and blurb to the designer.  The client must also provide proper measurements or sizing requirements for each additional item in the package if the item is to be used outside of KDP requirements.  The client has the right to review the cover design during all design stages,  have final approval of the cover content, and offer any suggestions, concerns, or alterations.

CONFIDENTIALITY

 All client and designer’s personal information is considered confidential.  The designer and or client may mention working with one another by name on social media unless otherwise requested in writing.  

OWNERSHIP

Upon final payment to the designer,  the designer grants the client a reproduction license to use the final cover design and package items (PDF, JPEG, PNG or any other publishing format ONLY) for the book cover and associated promotional materials. All  package items, except the title page, may only be used for promotional marketing.  The client may not sell the design in any form or use it other than previously stated.  The designer does not provide any source files or the original PSD/AI/SVG files. If source files are needed they are assessed on a case by case basis and will incur additional fees.  The designer agrees that they are the sole creator/designer of the book cover and has obtained the proper license/rights to use all images.  The client understands that they will make NO alterations to the book cover file once the final draft is paid for and submitted to the client.  If the client wishes to have alterations made to the cover the client must contact the designer to have those changes made. There may be additional costs necessary to complete any alterations.  The cost of cover/graphic design includes the standard license for the images and is limited to a print run of 500,000 units.   The client will need to pay the designer (invoiced by the designer to the client) the current published price of an Extended License if the print run exceeds 500,000.  The designer holds ownership of all design draft materials, even if the client pays time invested/deposit.  If the client wishes to use certain cover elements not included in an offered package or otherwise discussed with the designer, written permissions must be obtained from the designer and a fee may incur. If the client wishes to work with another designer to complete a book series, written permission must be obtained from the designer and is at the designer's discretion.  

If a client hires Mel D. Designs to complete a series or utilize elements created by

another designer proper written permissions will be required

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ATTRIBUTION/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The client agrees to include the following on the book cover, copyright page, and/or in the acknowlegements of the ebook and/or paperback or hardcover:  Cover Design by Melissa Doughty - Mel D. Designs

In the ebook melissadoughty.com may be added but is not required.

The client agrees to give designer attribution in publicly released cover reveal graphics.

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PAYMENT

​All prices are in USD.  

For custom covers:  Payment will be made via invoice sent by the designer to the client with a provided email address.  A 50% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit must be paid prior to work being started on the cover design or graphic design.   This deposit is based on the final package price and is considered part of the total payment due.  For other graphics, non-refundable will be a case by case basis and agreed upon between client and designer.  The final invoice will be sent out after the client approval of design.  Unless at the 6-month mark, if the project is not yet complete but work has been done, final payment will be required for the progress made.  NO files will be delivered to the client before the final payment is received by the designer.  

For premade covers:  Payment will be paid in full up front and is non-refundable or exchangeable.  An invoice will be sent by the designer to the client with a provided email address.  At time of payment a date will be in writing for when the designer must provide the final cover to the client.  However, if a date is not known it is the client's responsibility to contact the designer at least two weeks prior to needing cover completion. 

Images or fonts listed as premium or those that need to be specifically purchased from sites or artists may incur additional fees, which vary depending on the resource. The cost of any extras will be communicated in writing prior to use and will be the client’s responsibility to purchase and show proofs.  Proper communication will be made between client and designer about images and fonts used.  The designer will not use premium items without prior written consent from the client.

 Payments are due to the designer within 14 days of the final invoice being sent to the client.  Unless more than a 14 day notification of invoice has been sent to the client, in that instance the payment is due upon receipt.  Reminder notification will automatically be sent to the client from the payment portal. A 5% late fee will be applied for each week payment it not remitted.  An additional $100 USD will be charged after 90 days.

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PROJECT COMPLETION

The designer requires at least two weeks to design a concept.  If the client needs a rush order, final product delivered before two weeks, a fee of $75 will be applied to the invoice for a "rush order".  The designer will provide the final files no later than the agreed date.  Unless the designer makes adequate and or multiple attempts to communicate in writing with the client and the client is unresponsive.  The designer will not be held liable in any way for the missed deadline.  Also, if there is an unforeseeable event.  These events include, but are not limited to, disease, loss of a close family member, natural disasters, etc.  The designer will communicate in writing to the client if an unforeseeable event occurs as soon as it is safe to do so.  If the designer is at fault and fails to communicate or not provide the completed project within two weeks after the agreed deadline the client may terminate the project via writing and receive a full refund.  The designer is not held responsible financially or otherwise.

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PUBLIC REVEAL OF COVERS, GRAPHICS AND DRAFTS

The designer is allowed to display the client’s final cover in their portfolio and on internet sites.  The designer will wait until after the client has first revealed material.  The client has six months to reveal the cover and or graphics  to the public.  At that time if the client has yet to share the designs the designer has the right to add cover or graphics to their portfolio and or publish on social media sites.  The designer may use any discarded or rough draft designs with proper alterations in other cover designs or graphics.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Custom Covers/Graphics:  The client or the designer may cancel BEFORE or AFTER  the design process begins, and must communicate in writing.  If work has not been started no further client payments are required.  If work has started final payment will be required.  The designer will not cancel unless all communication with the client has been exhausted.  It will be the client's responsibility to make necessary payments depending on the work that has been completed by the designer.
 

Premade Covers:  No Cancellations & No Exchanges- All purchases are paid in full upfront and are non-refundable.

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Melissa M.Doughty LLC - Melissa Doughty - Mel D. Designs reserves the rights to modify prices and these terms and conditions at any time with no warning, so please review them frequently.  Changes will take effect immediately upon their posting.