Effective Date: 04/01/2025

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the author services and bookstore platform provided by Focus On Words, Inc. ("Company," "we," "our," or "us"). By accessing or using our services, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms in full. If you do not agree, do not use Focus On Words.

1. Introduction to the Service

Focus On Words is an all-in-one publishing and sales platform built for independent authors. We provide tools to build your author website, list and distribute your books, manage fulfillment, and connect directly with readers. As part of this, we operate an independent bookstore featuring books exclusively from authors on our platform.

2. Account Registration

To use Focus On Words, you must create an account with accurate, up-to-date information. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your login credentials and for all activity under your account.

3. Author Rights and Ownership

You retain full ownership and copyright of all content, books, media, and intellectual property you submit to Focus On Words. You grant us a limited, non-exclusive license to use your materials solely for the purpose of delivering services you have opted into, including storefront creation, order fulfillment, marketing, and digital distribution.

You may delete your account or cancel any payment plans at any time by using your account dashboard or contacting us at support@focusonwords.com.

4. Sales, Royalties, and Fulfillment

Authors selling through Focus On Words receive the following net revenue splits:

• 90% of net revenue if on a Pro (paid) plan

• 85% of net revenue if on the Free plan

Payouts are processed within 7 calendar days of completed sales.

Authors may fulfill orders in one of three ways:

1. Fulfillment by Focus On Words via print-on-demand, BookFunnel or warehouse.

2. Direct fulfillment by the author.

3. A hybrid model coordinated with our team.

Authors have the full right to decide how each format of their book is fulfilled.

5. Book Return Policy

In the event that a customer requests a return, Focus On Words will work with the author to resolve the situation. We will handle communication with the customer and advocate for the author in any dispute. If the order was fulfilled by us, we will manage the return logistics. If the author fulfilled the order directly, we will still provide support and help mediate the process to protect the integrity of the sale.

6. Publishing Services

We offer publishing support for authors looking to fully release their book through our platform. This includes ISBN assignment, print-ready file formatting, custom cover design, distribution setup, and a sales strategy. If you are interested in publishing through us, reach out with details about your book and we will explore the opportunity together.

7. Ebook and Audiobook Distribution

If you choose Focus On Words for ebook and audiobook distribution, your files will be delivered to readers through Book Funnel. We ensure digital access is user-friendly and safe. You may also be provided tools such as landing pages, email signup forms, or promotional delivery links as part of your account.

8. Access and Use of the Services

Focus On Words grants you a personal, limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable right to use the Services while your account is active and your payment obligations are met. These services may include distributing ebooks and audiobooks, managing sales, hosting landing pages or email signups, and conducting promotional activities.

You agree to use the Services lawfully and in compliance with these Terms. You represent and warrant that:

• You are of legal age to enter into a binding agreement

• You have the authority to enter into and comply with these Terms

• You are not barred from using the Services under any applicable law

• You will provide and maintain accurate information

• You will maintain the security of your password

• You are responsible for all activity on your account

• You will not use the Services to violate the rights of any party or any laws

• You will not introduce viruses, overload systems, scrape content, or bypass security

• You will not reverse engineer, duplicate, or misuse any aspect of the Service

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access for violations of any of the above.

9. Communications from Focus On Words

By creating an account, you consent to receive newsletters and informational emails from Focus On Words. Where required by law, we will obtain your consent for marketing-related communication. You may opt out by clicking "unsubscribe" in any email. Note that administrative communications about your account may still be sent even if you opt out of marketing messages.

10. Your Content

Our Services allow you to post, link, store, share, and make available certain materials, including books ("Content"). You are solely responsible for the Content you post or share.

By submitting Content, you warrant that:

• You own or have the right to use the Content

• The Content does not infringe on others’ rights

• The Content is not defamatory, illegal, or fraudulent

You retain full rights to your Content and are responsible for protecting those rights. Focus On Words assumes no liability for any user-submitted Content and may remove Content or restrict accounts that violate these Terms.

11. Copyright Policy

We respect intellectual property rights. It is our policy to respond to claims that Content posted on the Service infringes on the copyright or intellectual property rights of others.

If you are a copyright owner or authorized agent and believe your copyrighted work has been used in a way that constitutes infringement, email your claim to support@focusonwords.com with the subject “Copyright Infringement.” Include a detailed description of the alleged infringement.

Misrepresentation of infringement may result in liability for damages, including costs and legal fees.

12. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Focus On Words and our directors, members, employees, partners, agents, suppliers, and affiliates ("Focus On Words Indemnitees") from and against any and all damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Service

• Your violation of these Terms or our privacy policy

• Content you post, upload, or distribute

• Your violation of any rights of a third party or applicable law

13. Privacy and Data Use

We do not scrape, resell, or misuse author or reader data. Your data is used only to deliver services you’ve opted into. You may opt out of non-essential data sharing by contacting support@focusonwords.com.

Please see our Privacy Policy for full details.

14. Platform Access and Uptime

We strive for reliable access and typically respond to support or content requests within 48 to 72 hours. Downtime for maintenance or unforeseen issues may occur and will be addressed promptly.

15. Disclaimers

Focus On Words is provided "as is" and "as available." We make no warranties about the platform’s performance, uptime, or guaranteed success in sales, readership, or revenue.

16. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Focus On Words is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from use of the platform, including lost profits, missed opportunities, or system outages.

17. Modifications

We may revise these Terms at any time. If material changes occur, we will notify you. Continued use of the Service after changes means you accept the updated Terms.

18. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

19. Contact

For questions, feedback, or legal concerns, contact us at support@focusonwords.com

By using Focus On Words, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.