THE HEATHENS BOOK NOOK
Policies & Guidelines
AUTHOR SERVICES FOR AMBITIOUS STORYTELLERS
This page brings together our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and a public copy of our Service Agreement, in full so you know exactly what you're agreeing to before you ever book a slot. Personal and financial details have been removed from the Service Agreement copy shown here; the version you sign will include your own details and ours.
These Terms & Conditions apply to all services booked through The Heathens Book Nook ("we", "us", "our"). By booking a service, you ("the client", "the author") agree to the terms below.
1. Services Provided
We provide manuscript feedback and author support services, including Beta Reading, ARC Read & Report, and Content Services, as described on our Services page. Specific genre expertise is set out per service provider, see the Reports & Testimonials page for report structure and specialisms.
2. Pricing & Payment
All prices are listed on our Services page and are calculated by manuscript word count. Bundle discounts apply where stated.
No work will begin until cleared payment has been received in full.
Payment is made by bank transfer, using the details provided in your Service Agreement.
Prices are correct at time of booking; any change in scope (e.g. manuscript word count increasing after booking) may result in a revised invoice.
3. Booking & Start Dates
Start dates are booked via our online calendar and require a minimum of 7 days' notice.
Booking a start date does not confirm your slot. A signed Service Agreement is required to confirm any booking.
The Service Agreement is sent automatically upon booking and must be completed and returned within 48 hours, or the slot will be released for other clients.
4. Turnaround Times
Typical turnaround times are as follows, and begin from your confirmed start date, not your booking date:
Beta Reading: 2 weeks (this includes a buffer, we would rather deliver early than risk under-delivering)
ARC Read & Report: 3 days
Content Services: 7 days
For Full Package bookings, Beta Reading is completed first, with ARC and Content Services slots booked closer to your release date, once your manuscript is finalised.
5. Cancellations & Refunds
Cancelled with more than 48 hours' notice before work commences: full refund.
Cancelled within 48 hours of work commencing, or after work has begun: 50% refund.
Cancelled after your report has been completed and delivered: no refund.
6. Manuscript Confidentiality & Retention
Your manuscript is treated as strictly confidential and is not shared, published, or discussed publicly without your permission.
Manuscript files are deleted within 90 days of your report being delivered.
Your manuscript remains entirely your own intellectual property at all times.
7. Intellectual Property
Your manuscript, and all rights to it, remain yours. The report we deliver including its structure, formatting, and our written feedback is created by The Heathens Book Nook. You're welcome to use quotes, ratings, and content from your report for your own marketing purposes; the report template and branding itself remain the intellectual property of The Heathens Book Nook.
8. ARC & Review Compliance
We do not accept payment, free products, or gifts in exchange for reviews. Our ARC Read & Report is a paid, private feedback service, not a public review. If you'd also like us to join your ARC team as a free, genuine reader, this is arranged separately and follows standard disclosed-review practice, with no payment involved. We do not conduct a free ARC review for any client who has purchased our ARC Read & Report service.
9. Promotional Features
Our optional "Working With This Week" social feature (part of Content Services) sharing your name, book, and the service we're providing is entirely opt-in. It does not include any review, rating, or opinion on your book, and you may decline it at any time.
10. Liability
Our feedback reflects the genuine, subjective opinion of the reader who produced it. We do not guarantee commercial outcomes, sales, or reception from other readers, retailers, or platforms. Our liability in connection with any service is limited to the fees you paid for that service, and we are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss.
11. Complaints & Governing Law
If you have a concern about a service you've received, please contact us directly in the first instance so we can address it. These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
12. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be reflected on this page with an updated date.
This policy explains how The Heathens Book Nook collects, uses, and protects your personal data, in line with UK GDPR.
1. Who We Are
The Heathens Book Nook is operated by Emma Carey-Phillips, based in Suffolk, UK. For any data protection queries, contact us via the details on our Contact page.
2. What We Collect
Your name and email address, when you make an enquiry or booking
Your manuscript and related book details (title, genre, word count), for the purpose of delivering your service
Payment reference details relating to bank transfer (we do not store card details)
Basic website usage data, where applicable
3. How We Use It
To deliver the service you've booked and communicate with you about it
To process and confirm payment
To feature you in optional promotional content, only where you've opted in
We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data on the basis of contract (to deliver the service you've booked), consent (for optional features like promotional content), and legitimate interest (basic site operation).
5. Manuscript Handling & Retention
Your manuscript is treated as strictly confidential. Manuscript files are deleted within 90 days of your service(s) being delivered.
6. Third Parties & Processors
We use Google Workspace (Calendar, Forms, Drive) to manage bookings, agreements, and file storage, and Etsy to manage our shop. These providers process data on our behalf under their own security and privacy standards.
7. Data Security
Your data is held within Google Workspace, with access limited to The Heathens Book Nook. We take reasonable steps to keep your information secure.
8. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data, to restrict or object to processing, and to data portability. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe your data has been mishandled.
9. Age & Suitability
Our services are intended for adult authors (18+) and are not directed at children.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected on this page with an updated date.
Both the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy above reflect current practice at time of writing. Policies and platform requirements can change — if anything here feels unclear or out of date, please get in touch.
This is a copy of the Service Agreement every client completes before work begins, shown here in full for transparency. Personal and financial details have been removed from this public version.
Services Purchased
Beta Reading
ARC Read & Report
Content Services
Full Package (Beta Reading first, with ARC/Content booked closer to release)
Turnaround Times (for reference)
Beta Reading: 2 weeks
ARC Read & Report: 3 days
Content Services: 7 days
Payment
No work will begin until cleared payment has been received in full. Bank transfer details are provided directly to clients within their individual Service Agreement.
Terms Acknowledged by the Client
I have read and agree to The Heathens Book Nook's Terms & Conditions
I understand this Agreement must be signed and returned within 48 hours of booking, or my slot will be released
Tick to opt in to being featured in "Working With This Week" social content (name, book title, and service type only, with you tagged in the social media post. No review or rating)
Signature
Full name (typed as signature) and date — completed individually by each client.
