Terms and Conditions

Introduction

Welcome to Gulf Book Publishers. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website and services. By accessing our website, using our services, or engaging with us in any way, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use our website or services.

We provide professional book publishing services to authors across the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Our services include editing, formatting, cover design, publishing, distribution, marketing, and other related services. These terms apply to all users, visitors, authors, and clients of Gulf Book Publishers.

1. DEFINITIONS

In these Terms and Conditions, the following terms have the meanings set out below:

• “Agreement” means these Terms and Conditions and any other documents incorporated by reference.
• “Author” means any person or entity that submits a manuscript to us for publishing services.
• “Content” means any text, images, graphics, manuscripts, photographs, or other material you submit to us.
• “GCC” means the Gulf Cooperation Council countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
• “Services” means any publishing, editing, formatting, design, distribution, marketing, or other services we provide.
• “Website” means our website located at https://gulfbookspublishers.com and any subdomains.
• “We,” “Us,” “Our” means Gulf Book Publishers.
• “You,” “Your” means the user, visitor, or client using our website or services.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions. You represent that you are at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into this Agreement.

If you are using our services on behalf of an organization or entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind that organization to these terms. You are responsible for ensuring that all users of your account comply with these terms.

3. OUR SERVICES

We offer a comprehensive range of book publishing services including:

• PUBLISHING SERVICES
  • Manuscript evaluation and assessment
  • Professional editing and proofreading
  • Book formatting for print and eBook
  • Custom cover design
  • ISBN registration and assignment
  • eBook conversion and formatting
  • Print-on-demand publishing
  • Distribution to multiple platforms
  • Marketing and promotional services
  • Author website development
• SERVICE TERMS
  • All services are provided on a contractual basis as agreed between the parties.
  • Service fees are outlined in your Statement of Work or Proposal.
  • We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason.
  • We may update or modify our services from time to time.

4. USER OBLIGATIONS

When using our website and services, you agree to comply with the following obligations:

• YOU MUST
  • Provide accurate and complete information about yourself and your manuscript.
  • Respond promptly to our inquiries and requests for information.
  • Review and approve materials, proofs, and final files in a timely manner.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials.
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in your country.
• YOU MUST NOT
  • Submit content that is unlawful, defamatory, obscene, or infringing on third-party rights.
  • Copy, reproduce, or distribute our content without permission.
  • Use our website or services for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose.
  • Interfere with or disrupt the operation of our website.
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or data.

5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

• YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
  • You retain full ownership of your manuscript and all intellectual property rights.
  • You grant us a non-exclusive license to use your content for the purpose of providing our services.
  • You warrant that you own or have the rights to all content you submit to us.
• OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
  • Our website content, including text, images, graphics, logos, and designs, is our intellectual property.
  • You may not reproduce, modify, or distribute our content without our permission.
  • All custom designs, including covers and formatting, are licensed to you for your book.
• MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION
  When you submit a manuscript to us, you confirm that:
  • You are the owner of the manuscript or have the necessary rights to use it.
  • Your manuscript does not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights.
  • Your manuscript is not defamatory, obscene, or illegal.
  • Your manuscript does not contain any content that violates applicable laws.
  • You have obtained any necessary permissions or licenses for content used.

We reserve the right to reject any manuscript that we believe violates these terms. We may require documentation to verify ownership or permissions.

7. FEES AND PAYMENTS

• FEE STRUCTURE
  • All fees are outlined in your Statement of Work or Proposal.
  • Fees are calculated based on the selected services.
  • We provide transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
  • All fees are quoted in UAE Dirhams (AED) unless otherwise stated.
• PAYMENT TERMS
  • Payment is due in advance of services unless otherwise agreed in writing.
  • We accept payments through bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal.
  • Payment plans may be available for certain services.
  • Late payments may result in service delays or suspension.
• REFUNDS
  • Refunds are handled in accordance with our Refund Policy.
  • Services completed in good faith are non-refundable.
  • Refund requests must be submitted in writing.
  • We will process refunds within a reasonable timeframe.

8. PROJECT TIMELINE AND DELIVERABLES

• TIMELINE
  • We provide estimated timelines for service delivery.
  • Timelines are estimates and may vary based on the complexity of the project.
  • Delays may occur due to factors beyond our control.
  • We will notify you promptly of any delays.
• DELIVERABLES
  • Deliverables are outlined in your Statement of Work or Proposal.
  • You will be given the opportunity to review and approve deliverables.
  • Final approval shall be deemed as acceptance of the deliverables.
  • Revisions are subject to the terms of your service agreement.

9. REVISIONS AND APPROVAL

• REVISION PROCESS
  • Revisions are included as specified in your service package.
  • Additional revisions may incur additional fees.
  • Revision requests must be submitted within the agreed timeframe.
  • We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate revision requests.
• APPROVAL PROCESS
  • You are responsible for reviewing and approving all materials.
  • Final approval must be provided before publication.
  • Once you approve, no further changes can be made without additional fees.
  • Misprints or errors after approval are not our responsibility.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

We take confidentiality seriously and protect your information as follows:

• Your manuscript and personal information are kept confidential.
• We do not share your information with third parties except as necessary to provide services.
• We implement reasonable security measures to protect your data.
• Confidentiality obligations survive the termination of this Agreement.
• EXCEPTIONS
  • Information that is already in the public domain.
  • Information required to be disclosed by law.
  • Information disclosed with your consent.

11. MARKETING AND PROMOTION

By engaging our services, you grant us permission to:

• Use your book cover and approved extracts for promotional purposes.
• Include your book in our catalogue and portfolio.
• Feature your book on our website and social media channels.
• Use your name and author biography for marketing purposes.

You may opt out of certain promotional activities by notifying us in writing. We respect your preferences regarding the use of your materials.

12. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

Our website and services are provided “as is” without any warranties of any kind:

• We do not guarantee that our services will meet your specific expectations.
• We do not guarantee that your book will achieve commercial success.
• We do not guarantee that our website will be error-free or uninterrupted.
• We do not guarantee that your book will not be rejected by distribution platforms.

We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the quality, accuracy, or reliability of our services. You use our services at your own risk.

13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
• Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you for services.
• We are not responsible for any claims arising from your manuscript content.
• We are not responsible for any damages resulting from third-party platforms.
• EXCEPTIONS
  • Liability for fraud or gross negligence.
  • Liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence.
  • Liability cannot be limited by applicable law.

14. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Gulf Book Publishers from any claims, losses, or damages arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms and Conditions.
• Your manuscript violating the rights of any third party.
• Your content being unlawful, defamatory, or infringing.
• Your use of our services in violation of applicable laws.

We reserve the right to control the defense of any matter for which you are required to indemnify us. You agree to cooperate with us in defending such claims.

15. TERMINATION

• TERMINATION BY EITHER PARTY
  • Either party may terminate this Agreement by written notice.
  • Termination may be for convenience or for breach of terms.
  • Termination does not relieve you of payment obligations for services rendered.
• TERMINATION FOR BREACH
  • We may terminate immediately if you breach these terms.
  • You may terminate if we materially breach our obligations.
  • The breaching party will have a reasonable cure period.
• EFFECTS OF TERMINATION
  • You are responsible for services already completed.
  • Confidentiality obligations survive termination.
  • Intellectual property rights remain with the respective owners.

16. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates. Any disputes arising under these terms shall be resolved as follows:

• Governing Law: The laws of the UAE shall govern this Agreement.
• Jurisdiction: The courts of Dubai shall have exclusive jurisdiction.
• Dispute Resolution: We encourage informal resolution before legal action.

We comply with applicable laws in all GCC countries. For authors outside the UAE, these terms still apply.

17. FORCE MAJEURE

Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform obligations due to events beyond reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters and acts of God
• War, terrorism, and civil unrest
• Pandemics and public health emergencies
• Government regulations and restrictions
• Strikes, labor disputes, and power outages

In such cases, performance obligations are suspended for the duration of the force majeure event. Both parties shall use reasonable efforts to resume performance.

18. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. These links are provided for your convenience only. We do not endorse or control third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or terms. You access third-party websites at your own risk.

19. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

We respect your privacy and handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By using our website and services, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in our Privacy Policy. We comply with applicable data protection laws in the GCC.

20. CHANGES TO TERMS

We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or website notice. Your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. We encourage you to review these terms periodically.

21. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be replaced with a valid provision that achieves the intended purpose.

22. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between you and Gulf Book Publishers. They supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and communications. No representations or statements outside this Agreement are binding.

23. ASSIGNMENT

You may not assign your rights or obligations under this Agreement without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations to an affiliate or successor entity without your consent. Assignment does not relieve the assigning party of its obligations.

24. WAIVER

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of such provision. Waiver of any breach does not constitute waiver of any subsequent breach. All waivers must be in writing and signed by the waiving party.

25. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

26. ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to making our website and services accessible to all users. If you have any accessibility needs or encounter any barriers, please contact us. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your needs.