top of page
OUR STORY.png

ONCE UPON AN AUTHOR – Terms & Conditions 2025

Visibility Agreement for Independent Authors Issued by Dreamward Studios Ltd, Registered in England and Wales

1. Definitions and Scope

For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”), the following definitions apply:

  • Dreamward Studios Ltd: A company registered in England and Wales that operates the “Once Upon an Author” initiative and offers digital shelf space to authors for promotional purposes. Dreamward Studios Ltd is not a publisher or distributor.

  • Once Upon an Author: A visibility-focused initiative hosted on www.dreamward-studios.com, designed to support independent authors by showcasing their original works in a curated online library through paid subscription plans.

  • Platform: The website www.dreamward-studios.com and its related pages and features, including the digital library where Author profiles and Works are displayed.

  • Author: Any individual who subscribes to a plan offered by Dreamward Studios Ltd and submits content to be displayed on the Platform. The Author retains full ownership and control of their Work.

  • Work: Any original book, story, illustration, or creative content submitted by the Author for the purpose of visibility through the Platform. Dreamward Studios Ltd does not publish, edit, sell, or distribute the Work.

  • Shelf Space: A dedicated section on the Platform assigned to the Author, including a featured image, description, author bio, and external links to purchase or access the Work via third-party services.

  • Subscription Plan: A paid visibility package offered by Dreamward Studios Ltd under the “Once Upon an Author” initiative. Each plan provides a defined level of digital exposure (e.g., type of shelf, position, duration, visibility features) for the Author’s Work. The details of each plan, including pricing and benefits, are outlined on the official Platform and may be updated periodically.

These Terms govern the relationship between Dreamward Studios Ltd and the Author, solely in the context of providing a digital showcase for creative works. By subscribing to a shelf plan and submitting content, the Author agrees to be legally bound by these Terms.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By subscribing to a shelf plan and submitting a Work for display on the Platform, the Author confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in full.

This Agreement is effective from the moment the subscription is completed, and the Author’s content is submitted to Dreamward Studios Ltd through the official form or designated communication channels.

If the Author does not agree to these Terms, they must refrain from subscribing or submitting any content for display on the Platform.

Dreamward Studios Ltd reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or through notices on the Platform. Continued use of the Platform and renewal of a shelf plan after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

3. Author Eligibility and Responsibility

To be eligible to participate in the “Once Upon an Author” initiative, the Author must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age or have explicit written consent from a parent or legal guardian if underage.

  • Provide accurate and truthful personal information, including full legal name, valid contact details, and ownership confirmation of the Work submitted.

  • Be the sole rights holder of the Work, or have obtained full, documented permission to promote the Work using third-party platforms.

By submitting content for display, the Author affirms that:

  • The Work is original and legally theirs, free of third-party claims, plagiarism, or copyright infringement.

  • Any visual or textual material provided (e.g., book cover, synopsis, author bio) is appropriate for public viewing and complies with applicable laws.

  • They accept full legal responsibility for the content shared and any consequences arising from its display on the Platform.

Dreamward Studios Ltd reserves the right to request:

  • Proof of identity and age for verification purposes.

  • Proof of authorship or usage rights in cases where copyright concerns arise.

Failure to provide such documentation upon request may result in the suspension or permanent removal of the Author’s shelf and content from the Platform, without refund.

4. Submission and Publication of Works

Authors who wish to participate in the “Once Upon an Author” initiative must first select and activate a Subscription Plan through the Platform. Once the plan is confirmed and payment is received, the Author must submit the required materials, which typically include:

  • A cover image of the Work (in high-resolution format)

  • A title and brief description of the Work

  • An Author bio and optional author photo

  • External link(s) to purchase, read, or access the Work on third-party platforms (e.g., Amazon, Lulu, personal website)

Dreamward Studios Ltd will create and publish a digital shelf for the Author based on the selected plan. The shelf will remain active for the duration specified in the plan and will include all relevant materials as submitted by the Author.

The Author is responsible for ensuring that:

  • All submitted materials are complete, accurate, and free of errors

  • The provided links are valid, legal, and functioning

  • The content meets the visual and editorial standards outlined by Dreamward Studios Ltd

Dreamward Studios Ltd reserves the right to:

  • Decline any submission that does not meet the required quality or content standards

  • Modify layout or formatting for technical and aesthetic consistency across the Platform (without altering the Author’s content or message)

  • Remove or hide a shelf if the Author breaches these Terms or if the content is found to violate third-party rights or public decency

The Author may request to update or remove their shelf at any time by contacting Dreamward Studios Ltd. No refunds will be issued for early termination unless otherwise stated in the Subscription Plan terms.

 

Subscription Plans

Participation in the “Once Upon an Author” initiative requires the Author to select one of the following Subscription Plans:

  • £2.99 / 1 MONTH
    Perfect for testing the waters or showcasing a single title at a time. Renewable every month, cancel anytime.

  • £15.99 / 6 MONTHS
    Ideal for authors who want consistent visibility and time to build a reader base. Includes all features of the library listing with a one-time payment for half a year.

  • £29.99 / 12 MONTHS
    Best value for authors planning to stay long-term. Full visibility for an entire year, with access to future benefits like curated promotions and featured spots.

  • £4.99 ADD-ON / WEEKLY (upon request)
    Gain extra visibility by featuring your book in one of the limited banner spaces on our homepage. Perfect for new launches or seasonal promotions. Availability is limited and works on a reservation basis.

 

Author Bonus: Once you've published three or more books in the DreamWard Library, you'll receive a free Author Page, a personalized space that gathers all your stories in one beautifully designed hub.

 

All subscriptions are non-recurring by default. There is no automatic renewal unless explicitly requested by the Author in writing. Once a subscription period ends, the Author’s shelf will be removed from the library unless a renewal is processed in advance.

A notification email will be sent one week prior to the subscription’s expiration date to allow time for renewal or changes.

5. Intellectual Property and Licensing

All intellectual property rights in the submitted Work, including but not limited to copyrights, moral rights, trademarks, and related materials, remain entirely with the Author.

By submitting content and activating a Subscription Plan, the Author grants Dreamward Studios Ltd a non-exclusive, royalty-free, revocable, and worldwide license to:

  • Display the Work’s cover, title, description, and associated promotional materials on the Platform.

  • Feature the Author’s name, biography, and external links for promotional purposes.

  • Use images, excerpts, or promotional summaries of the Work in Dreamward Studios’ social media, newsletters, or internal showcases solely to promote the Author’s shelf on the Platform.

This license is limited to the duration of the Author’s active subscription and shall automatically expire upon the removal of the Work from the Platform or upon cancellation of the shelf by either party.

Dreamward Studios Ltd does not claim ownership of the Work and will not sell, publish, reproduce, or alter the content of the Work itself in any form.

The Author retains full control over the distribution, pricing, editing, and availability of the Work through all external platforms.

 

Responsibility for Third-Party Rights
The Author is solely responsible for ensuring that all submitted content is free from third-party claims. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Texts, images, or illustrations protected by copyright.

  • Characters, concepts, or artwork from other creators or franchises.

  • Music, audio, or branding elements not originally owned or properly licensed by the Author.

By agreeing to these Terms, the Author agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dreamward Studios Ltd from any legal claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the unauthorized use of protected content.

 

If the Author believes their rights have been violated by another party using the Platform, they are encouraged to report it immediately to: info@dreamward-studios.com.

6. Content Standards and Prohibited Material

To maintain a safe, inclusive, and professional environment, all content submitted by Authors must comply with the following standards. Dreamward Studios Ltd reserves the right to reject, remove, or request changes to any material that, in its sole judgment, violates these guidelines.

Permitted Content

Authors may submit original works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, illustrated books, or other creative projects, provided they are appropriate for public display and align with the values of Dreamward Studios Ltd.

The following types of content are encouraged:

  • Children's books, fantasy, fiction, poetry, and self-published novels.

  • Educational or inspirational content.

  • Illustrated books and artistic projects.

  • Multicultural, inclusive, and imaginative storytelling.

Prohibited Content

The following content is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate rejection or removal from the Platform without refund:

  • Plagiarized content or works that significantly copy or imitate existing works without permission.

  • Hate speech, racism, sexism, homophobia, or any discriminatory content.

  • Explicit sexual content or pornography, including imagery or detailed adult themes.

  • Graphic violence, abuse, or glorification of self-harm.

  • Religious or political propaganda, especially if inflammatory or polarizing.

  • Misleading, false, or fraudulent claims, including impersonation or misrepresentation.

  • Spam or promotional material unrelated to the Work being featured.

Dreamward Studios Ltd reserves the right to evaluate content contextually. Works with sensitive themes may be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially if handled with care and narrative purpose.

7. Removal, Expiration, and Account Closure

Expiration of Subscription Plans

Each Subscription Plan is valid for the duration explicitly stated at the time of purchase (e.g., 1 month, 6 months, or 12 months). All plans are non-recurring by default, meaning there will be no automatic renewal unless explicitly requested in writing by the Author.

  • One week before the expiration date, the Author will receive a reminder via email.

  • If the subscription is not renewed by the expiration date, the Author’s shelf will be automatically removed from the Platform without further notice.

  • The Author may re-subscribe at any time to reinstate their shelf, subject to availability and current pricing.

Author-Initiated Removal

The Author may request removal of their shelf at any time by contacting Dreamward Studios Ltd via email. Removal will be processed within 5 working days. No refunds will be issued for early termination unless otherwise stated in the specific plan.

Dreamward-Initiated Removal

Dreamward Studios Ltd reserves the right to remove any shelf or block access to the Platform if:

  • The Author violates these Terms.

  • Submitted content is found to breach legal or ethical standards.

  • The Author fails to provide requested verification documents.

  • There are credible reports of fraud, impersonation, or intellectual property violations.

In such cases, Dreamward Studios Ltd may remove the Author’s shelf without refund and without prior notice, if deemed necessary to protect the integrity of the Platform and its community.

Account Closure

Dreamward Studios Ltd does not require account creation for basic shelf listings. However, if future features involve login credentials or personal dashboards, the Author may request full account deletion at any time in accordance with the Platform’s privacy policy.

8. Payments, Refunds, and Billing

All Subscription Plans and Add-On services must be paid in full at the time of registration via the secure payment methods available on the Platform. Prices are listed in GBP (£) and may be subject to VAT or applicable sales taxes based on the Author’s location.

Payment Terms

  • Payment is processed securely through Dreamward Studios Ltd’s chosen payment provider.

  • An invoice or receipt will be issued automatically upon successful transaction.

  • By purchasing a plan, the Author agrees to the displayed pricing and duration at the time of checkout.

Refund Policy

Due to the nature of the service (digital visibility and promotion), all payments are non-refundable once the shelf has been published on the Platform.

Refunds will only be considered under the following conditions:

  • The Author has paid for a plan, but the shelf has not yet been published or activated.

  • Dreamward Studios Ltd is unable to fulfil the agreed-upon shelf space due to technical or internal issues.

  • A submission is rejected before activation and no service has been delivered.

All refund requests must be submitted in writing to info@dreamward-studios.com within 7 days of the payment date. Approved refunds will be processed within 10 working days.

Add-On Promotions

Add-on visibility services (e.g., homepage banner placements) are optional and require pre-booking based on availability. Once confirmed, these services are non-refundable unless Dreamward Studios Ltd cancels the reservation.

Billing Errors

In case of billing errors, duplicate charges, or incorrect amounts, the Author must contact Dreamward Studios Ltd within 14 days of the transaction for review and resolution.

9. Privacy and Data Protection

Dreamward Studios Ltd is committed to protecting the personal data of all Authors in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and other applicable privacy laws.

Data Collected

By subscribing to a plan and submitting materials for display on the Platform, the Author agrees to the collection and processing of the following data:

  • Full name and contact information (email address, optional author photo)

  • Book details and promotional materials (cover image, description, links)

  • Billing details and payment confirmation (processed via secure third-party systems)

  • Optional data such as biography, social media links, and external URLs

Dreamward Studios Ltd does not store payment card details. All financial transactions are securely handled by certified third-party providers.

Purpose of Data Use

Personal data is collected and used solely for the following purposes:

  • To create and manage the Author’s shelf on the Platform

  • To communicate updates, billing reminders, and service notifications

  • To provide customer support or handle legal/contractual obligations

  • To promote the Author’s shelf within the limits of the license granted (see Section 5)

Dreamward Studios Ltd will never sell or share personal data with third parties for commercial gain.

Data Storage and Security

All personal data is stored on secure servers with access restricted to authorized personnel only. Dreamward implements technical and organizational measures to protect data from loss, misuse, or unauthorized access.

Data Retention

Author data will be retained:

  • For the duration of the active shelf subscription

  • For up to 12 months after removal for administrative and legal purposes (unless deletion is requested earlier)

Rights of the Author

The Author has the right to:

  • Access, correct, or delete their personal data at any time

  • Object to specific data uses

  • Request a copy of all stored data (“data portability”)

  • Withdraw consent and request full account deletion

Requests must be submitted in writing to: info@dreamward-studios.com

10. Limitation of Liability and Final Provisions

Limitation of Liability

Dreamward Studios Ltd provides the Platform and related services “as is” and does not guarantee uninterrupted access, flawless functionality, or specific results in terms of visibility, readership, or sales.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Dreamward Studios Ltd shall not be held liable for:

  • Any loss of profit, sales, or exposure resulting from technical issues, service interruptions, or failure of external platforms.

  • Unauthorized third-party use, reproduction, or distribution of the Author’s Work outside the Platform.

  • Any disputes between Authors and third parties, including readers, publishers, or other creators.

  • Errors or inaccuracies in the Author’s submitted content or broken links beyond DreamWard’s control.

DreamWard Studios Ltd’s total liability for any claim shall in no event exceed the amount paid by the Author for the Subscription Plan associated with the issue in question.

Force Majeure

Dreamward Studios Ltd shall not be liable for delays or failure to perform its obligations under these Terms due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of nature, government restrictions, technical failures, cyberattacks, or force majeure circumstances.

Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the Author and Dreamward Studios Ltd concerning participation in the “Once Upon an Author” initiative and supersede any prior verbal or written communications.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in London, UK.

Severability

If any clause within these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, the remainder of the Terms shall remain in full force and effect.

Contact and Support

For any questions, clarifications, or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, authors are welcome to contact us directly at: info@dreamward-studios.com

Simone Mangoni
Founder & Director
Dreamward Studios Ltd
www.dreamward-studios.com
info@dreamward-studios.com

Date: 25-06-2025

bottom of page