Terms of Service
Welcome to FotoFables! Here is the lowdown on how we collaborate with authors and creators. Fair terms, clear boundaries, and no tricky fine print.
1. Introduction & The Creative Pact
By teaming up with FotoFables for book illustration, formatting, character development, or editorial assistance, you agree to these mutual terms. We promise to bring our top creative game, and you promise to be an active, communicative partner throughout the journey.
2. You Own Your Story (100% Intellectual Property)
Let’s make this crystal clear: your manuscript, story concepts, character lore, and world-building remain 100% your property. Once invoices for commissioned illustrations are settled in full, the exclusive worldwide commercial publishing rights to the custom artwork belong to you.
3. Custom Project Proposals & Scope
Every book is unique. Before we put stylus to screen, we provide a clear project brief detailing page count, trim size, illustration complexity, and timeline so everyone is on the exact same page.
4. Milestone-Based Workflow
We break book projects into sensible, stress-free creative phases: Character Concepts ➔ Storyboard Thumbnails ➔ Rough Sketches ➔ Color & Lighting ➔ Final Formatting & Pre-press.
5. Fair Revision Rounds (No Endless Loops)
Each milestone includes dedicated feedback rounds. We make sure you love the rough sketches before we jump into color. Major structural changes requested after a phase has been formally approved may incur extra coffee-powered studio time.
6. Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Surprises
We despise surprise bills. All package quotes cover the agreed deliverables. If you decide midway to add 4 extra double-page spreads or a glitter foil cover wrap, we’ll quote it upfront before doing the work.
7. Payment Milestones
Payments are structured in milestones (typically an initial deposit to lock your studio slot, followed by milestone progress payments, and final balance prior to delivery of print-ready high-res files).
8. Print-Ready & Digital File Deliverables
We deliver industry-standard CMYK 300+ DPI PDF files ready for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press, or offset printers, plus high-res digital PNGs and formatted eBook files if ordered.
9. Author Content Responsibilities
You confirm that the manuscript and reference ideas you provide do not infringe on someone else's copyrighted work or trademarks. (Meaning: don't ask us to draw Mickey Mouse wearing Nike sneakers without Disney's written blessing!).
10. Proofreading & Text Finalization
While our eagle-eyed team does pre-flight checks, final text verification rests with the author. We recommend a final read-through of formatted proofs before hitting the big red 'Print 1,000 Copies' button.
11. Timelines & Mutual Collaboration
We pride ourselves on meeting publishing launch dates. Timelines stay on track when client feedback is received within our agreed review windows (usually 3–5 business days).
12. Cancellation & Kill Fees
Life happens! If you must pause or cancel a project unexpectedly, you only pay for the milestones completed up to that date. Deposits are non-refundable to cover reserved studio scheduling.
13. Studio Portfolio & Accreditations
FotoFables and the assigned artist retain the right to showcase finished published illustrations in our professional portfolio, award submissions, and social showcases to celebrate the work, always linking to your book!
14. Copyright Page Illustrator Credit
Standard publishing etiquette applies: a small credit line on the copyright page or title page stating *"Illustrated by FotoFables"* or your assigned artist gives our creative wizards well-earned love.
15. Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure
We guard your unpublished manuscripts with fierce loyalty. All work-in-progress materials remain strictly confidential until you are ready to reveal your book to the world.
16. Zero Tolerance for AI Slop or Theft
Every piece of artwork crafted at FotoFables is made by real, living, passionate artists with digital pens, brushes, and raw creative imagination. We do not generate cheap generic AI slop for your dream book.
17. Printer Tolerances & Color Shifts
We calibrate all art to strict CMYK standards. However, physical paper stock (matte vs. glossy) and printer machines can produce slight variance. We always suggest ordering a single printed proof copy first.
18. Friendly Dispute Resolution
If a disagreement arises, we believe in sitting down like reasonable humans for an honest video chat to find a win-win solution before getting lawyers involved.
19. Limitation of Studio Liability
We work our socks off to make your book visually breathtaking, but we cannot guarantee commercial bestseller status or specific unit sales, as market reception depends on many factors.
20. Governing Guidelines & Updates
These terms are governed by standard international commercial copyright practices. We may update these terms occasionally as publishing technology evolves.
21. Got Questions? Let's Talk!
Ready to bring your book to life or want clarification on any term? Drop an email to our creative director at: [email protected]. Let’s make something magical!