Terms of service

PAYMENTS

Deposit:

A non-refundable 50% retainer of the final project cost is due upon scheduling unless a previous agreement has been established between the Client and Bitter Sage Designs. Final files will not be sent until payment is complete. Failure to submit the required deposit will result in the Client’s booking date not being secured, and Bitter Sage Designs reserves the right to allocate the booking slot to another client.

Final Payment:

The outstanding balance is to be settled prior to the delivery of the finalized project and must be paid within 72 hours of approving the final cover file. Failure to meet this deadline will incur a fee of $50. However, notifying Bitter Sage Designs in advance of any anticipated delay will exempt the Client from incurring this fee. Compensation in the form of the balance being paid is still applicable in the event the Client determines they will not be using the finalized file.

Payment of deposit by the Client acknowledges understanding of Bitter Sage Design’s deposit policy. Bitter Sage Designs withholds the right to wave the deposit prior to work starting, however, the Client will be invoiced for the fill balance amount and compensation for the completed work regardless of usage will be required.

Rush Orders:

While Bitter Sage Designs provides expedited services, acceptance of rush orders is at the discretion of the design team. Rush orders, including covers and branding, incur additional fees of $50 for a one-week rush and $100 for a one-day rush.

PREMADES

Sales of pre-made designs are considered final, and no refunds or exchanges will be entertained after the invoice is settled. A payment window of 24 hours is provided upon invoice issuance; failure to remit payment within this timeframe will result in the item being made available for purchase by others. Additionally, completion of an information form is required, and the generation of all final files is expected to be completed within 1-2 weeks upon submission of the required details.

PROOFS

Bitter Sage Designs will provide a single proof, unless alternative arrangements have been discussed and agreed upon prior to the commencement of the project.

CANCELLATION

The Client may cancel the agreed upon project at any time. Canceling the agreed upon project will not result in a deposit refund. However, if work has already begun on the project, the remaining balance becomes due. If the project has been paid in full in advance, the remainder of the final cost after the deposit will be refunded to the Client. Canceling the agreed upon project, the Client acknowledges Bitter Sage Designs will retain all created material and work.

REVISIONS

Bitter Sage Designs offers three standard revisions for each project. A fourth revision may be accommodated if time permits. Any revisions made thereafter will be incurred with a revision fee. If the created project is no longer be revisable, any remainder balance the Client may have will be due at this time. Following the paid balance, all created work/project will be sent to the Client. Each revision has an expected 72 hour turnaround time not including weekends and holidays. Revisions include minor alterations to color, font, placement, and verbiage. Any revisions including larger elements is considered a complete rework. If this is required the Client acknowledges additional time and fees may apply to the project.

BOOK COVER ATTRIBUTION

Bitter Sage Designs requires cover design credit to appear in one of two locations in the Client’s book.

1. Copyright page

2. On the back of the cover

Attribution should appear as either of the following:

Cover Design by Silver @ Bitter Sage Designs

Cover Design by Bee @ Bitter Sage Designs

Additionally, Bitter Sage Designs request to be tagged/mentioned in all social media posts or PR company blast.

Facebook & Instagram: @BitterSageDesigns

ATTRIBUTION EXCEPTION

Bitter Sage Designs retains the right to request not to be attributed to any final projects. This request will be made by email.

REVISIONS AFTER APPROVAL

The client acknowledges that only Bitter Sage Designs is authorized to modify the cover. Any alterations made by parties other than Bitter Sage Designs are not permitted. Furthermore, the client comprehends that additional fees may be incurred for alterations made post-approval and/or after the delivery of final files. Charges for changes after the final files have been transmitted will commence at $50 and may escalate based on the quantity of files/changes requiring modification. This option for alterations is valid for a period of six months from the date of the original final file delivery.

DESIGN SERVICES

Prices are subject to modification at any time without prior notice. The confirmed price is guaranteed only upon receipt of the retainer.

AI USAGE

Bitter Sage Designs exclusively refrains from utilizing AI-generated imagery. Although inadvertent errors may occur, and reputable platforms might not consistently label AI accurately, we diligently strive to prevent such oversights. In the event that an unintentional mistake involves the use of an artificially generated image in our design, we are committed to rectifying the situation promptly. We will take corrective action by modifying the cover to remove any inadvertently included AI-generated elements. Recognizing the inevitability of occasional accidents and acknowledging our human fallibility, we assure our clients that we will take the necessary steps to rectify any such occurrences promptly and professionally.

PSD FILES FOR AUDIO OR OTHERWISE

Bitter Sage Designs provides PSD files for audio and other purposes, especially for publishers upon request. Clients have the option to purchase an audio cover add-on or a flat JPEG file of the audio cover. The PSD files represent Bitter Sage Designs' work in a layered format, and any images created by Bitter Sage Designs are not allowed to be manipulated in any form. However, clients have the opportunity to seek permission to recreate the series or images for their use in case they no longer wish to engage Bitter Sage Designs as their designer. Bitter Sage Designs retains the professional discretion to decline requests, and such decisions may be made without the necessity of providing a detailed explanation.

BITTER SAGE DESIGNS PHOTO

The selected image is exclusive to this particular project, with Bitter Sage Designs retaining complete rights to the photo. It is acknowledged that other authors or designers may potentially use identical or similar images/models, and Bitter Sage Designs cannot be held accountable for the presence of similar imagery on other book covers.

The photo is strictly restricted from being sold, reused, or utilized outside the specified context, except for book-related printing, reproductions, and similar purposes. Its usage is permitted for paperback and ebook promotion as well as online promotional activities, but it cannot be employed for resale items other than the eBook and print book. Should the client wish to create additional sale items featuring this photo, the acquisition of extended rights is necessary.

Any usage of the photo on other printed works by alternate designers requires explicit discussion and agreement. Bitter Sage Designs maintains sole rights to the specified photo. In all circumstances, no alterations to the image are permitted without the prior permission of Bitter Sage Designs.

COPYRIGHT AND OWNERSHIP

Except for the retained rights described in the paragraph(s) below, all services and all material Bitter Sage Designs produces on your behalf will become your property upon full payment of our invoices.

Book Cover Ownership:

The Client is granted exclusive rights to use the final book cover design such a PDF, JPEG, or other publishing-ready formats for their book and/or e-book cover and associated promotional materials.

The Client understands that they may not alter the final cover design in any way outside of size changes for printing or digital display. If the Client desires any alterations, they will consult Bitter Sage Designs. If Bitter Sage Designs does not approve the changes the Client has made to the original book cover, Bitter Sage Designs retains the to request the Client not to attribute the, with the altered book cover.

The Client acknowledges Bitter Sage Designs maintains all creative rights to the original design. All original designs including concept, layout, image placement, and fonts are not to be recreated by another person. The Client may request an exception to this policy in the event of extenuating circumstances. Bitter Sage Designs retains the right to decline this request.

Graphic Teasers and Digital Designs Ownership:

The Client understands that they may not alter the final graphic/digital design in any way outside of size changes without consulting Bitter Sage Designs for approval. If Bitter Sage Designs does not approve the changes the Client has made to the graphic/digital design, Bitter Sage Designs retains the right to request the Client not to attribute them with the altered graphic/digital design.

The Client may not share project proofs outside of their self of Bitter Sage Designs. Unused proofs may be reworked for future projects. Bitter Sage Designs maintains design integrity at all times.

BITTER SAGE DESIGNS RETAINS THE RIGHTS TO

Use Work produced for the Client as part of its portfolio materials in both its online and offline portfolios; add your firm to our client list; and use your work in design competitions, publications, exhibitions, or other promotional purposes.

Any material or ideas prepared or submitted to you that you choose not to produce or for which you have not paid our invoices, within 30 days of submission to you, will remain Bitter Sage Designs property (regardless of whether the physical embodiment of creative work is in your possession in the form of copy, artwork, plates, recordings, films, tapes, etc.) and may be submitted to other clients for their use, provided that such submission or use does not involve the release of any confidential information regarding your business or methods of operation.

LIABILITY

Bitter Sage Designs disclaims any liability for damages, encompassing but not limited to the loss of revenue, profits, business, reputation, or data, arising from or in connection with our graphic design services. Bitter Sage Designs shall not be held responsible for any claims, losses, or injuries resulting from errors or inaccuracies on our website or in our clients' written documents once the cover has received approval.

In the event that Bitter Sage Designs requires an extended timeframe to complete the project beyond the initially indicated timeline, such as due to a family emergency or an act of nature, the Client will be promptly notified via email. Both parties will collaborate to establish a mutually agreeable new project completion date. Should the client wish to explore alternative solutions, Bitter Sage Designs is open to engaging in discussions to address any concerns or preferences.

CODE OF FAIR PRACTICE

Bitter Sage Designs acknowledges, to the best of its knowledge, that the work produced is an original creation and has not been previously published, or consent to use has been duly obtained. The work does not contain any scandalous, libelous, or unlawful material. The Client and/or any other parties are prohibited from utilizing Bitter Sage Designs products in any manner that might infringe upon the rights of others.

CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Client is fully responsible for proofing the book cover design provided by Bitter Sage Designs. Bitter Sage Designs highly suggests requesting an author proof from the printer/publisher of choice before official publishing or ordering of print copies. Bitter Sage Designs will not be responsible for financial or legal issues such as cost, fees, or expenses incurred by the Client as a result of using the book cover design.

If the Client provides materials subject to intellectual property rights by a third-party, the Client will secure the appropriate rights to use the materials before directing Bitter Sage Designs to incorporate them into their project. Bitter Sage Design reserves the right to request a copy of the secured right. Should any intellectual property dispute arise involving materials the Client provides, they assume full legal and financial responsibility.

Bitter Sage Designs is not responsible for contacting the Client prior to the scheduled appointment time. Once the appointment date has been discussed with the Client and confirmed by Bitter Sage Designs, the Client is responsible for maintaining the appointment. The Client acknowledges Bitter Sage Designs is not responsible for missed deadlines or appointments and rescheduling is subject to time available.

PLEASE NOTE THAT PAYMENT OF THE DEPOSIT OR FULL AMOUNT SIGNIFIES THE CLIENT’S UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF BITTER SAGE DESIGNS’ POLICIES AND CONDITIONS. FURTHERMORE, BY ACKNOWLEDGING THIS CONTRACT, THE CLIENT EXPRESSLY AGREES TO ABSOLVE BITTER SAGE DESIGNS ENTIRELY FROM ANY LIABILITY, INCLUSIVE OF FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS.