Nobody reads terms of service. So here's the short version first, in words that mean what they say — and the longer version underneath if you want it.
A custom-written, professionally printed book about a specific person and a specific vehicle, created from the photos and information you provide. It's a one-off gift item, made to order.
It is fiction. I take real details and build an original story around them. Things will happen in the book that did not happen in life. That's the product.
When you submit photos, names, memories, or any other material, you're telling me three things:
The photo thing catches people out, so I want to be clear about it. A professional photographer usually owns the copyright in the photos they took, even the ones of your own wedding. Same for a shot someone else took at a car show. If you're not sure you have the right to a photo, don't send it — or ask the photographer first.
If a rights problem comes up later because of material you sent me, that's on you, not on me.
You keep everything you send. Your photos stay yours. Your memories stay yours. Giving me permission to use them in your book doesn't hand them over.
I own the copyright in the words I write. I wrote them, so they're mine — same as any author owns what they write.
You own the physical copy you paid for, and you can do whatever you like with it. Keep it, give it away, read it aloud at Thanksgiving, leave it on the shelf in the garage.
What you can't do is reprint it commercially, sell copies, or publish it yourself. If you want it published, that's the add-on in section 5, and I handle it.
I want this stated plainly so nobody is surprised later.
Buying a custom book does not entitle you to any payment, royalty, commission, or share of revenue — now or ever. Not from the book, not from the business, not from anything that comes after.
Same goes for the person the book is about. Being the subject of a story doesn't create a financial stake in it.
If it helps to hear it out loud: these books are printed one at a time for one family. Even with the Amazon add-on, a book about your husband and his truck will be bought by people who know him and almost nobody else. There is no windfall here to divide. You're buying a keepsake, and I'm making a living writing them.
Optional, for an extra fee. Your custom book gets a real Amazon listing, so family and friends can order their own copies for years without going through me each time.
Two conditions, and neither is negotiable:
If the subject says no, or changes their mind before publication, I refund the add-on fee and you still get your private copy. No argument, no hard feelings.
Published books stay listed at my discretion. I may take a title down at any time, and I'll do so on request from the subject.
The no-royalties rule in section 4 applies to published books too. Any sales revenue is mine, as the author and publisher. That's what the add-on fee buys: the work of publishing, not a share of it.
You read the full story before anything is printed. If a name is wrong, a detail is off, or a joke doesn't land, tell me and I'll fix it. Nothing goes to the printer until you say go.
Plan on roughly three weeks from the day I have your photos and details to the day it arrives. Holidays get busy — order early. If you're up against a hard date, ask me first and I'll tell you honestly whether I can make it.
Payment is taken before writing begins. Because every book is written from scratch for one person, here's how cancellation works:
I'll turn down a job, and refund you, if the material is defamatory, harassing, hateful, invades someone's privacy, or is meant to humiliate the person it's about. These books are supposed to be a kindness.
I also won't write a book about someone who has asked me not to.
I use what you send to make your book, and I don't sell it or hand it to anyone else. Photos and details are kept while your order is active and for a reasonable period after, in case you want another copy. Ask me to delete your materials and I will.
Printing and shipping are handled by a print-on-demand partner, so your delivery address goes to them for that purpose.
I'll do my best work on every book, but I can't promise a specific reaction from the person receiving it. My liability is limited to what you paid.
These terms may change. The version in effect is the one on this page on the day you order.
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York.
Ask before you order rather than wonder after. hello@mikeredline.com