(1) The portal is divided into two areas: an e-book shop for the individual sale of all books and a subscription area (subscription pool) specifically for series and serials.
(2) Primarily, each book is included in our shop as an ePub download. This explicitly includes self-contained single volumes (standalones).
(3) If the author indicates during submission that the work is a series or serial, it will additionally be offered in the series subscription, provided the genre and qualitative execution match the platform’s orientation.
(1) Minimum number for series: Every project registered as a series or serial for the subscription must reach a minimum number of 2 (two) parts to be published in order to be listed in the subscription area according to the contract. Cancellation before reaching these 2 mandatory parts is not permitted. This rule does not apply to single volumes in the e-book shop.
(2) Publication rhythm (series/serials): The publication rhythm for series can be determined individually by the author.
(3) Word count: The word count is a recommendation.
(4) File format & Cover: The author provides the platform operator with the data exclusively in ePub format. The ePub files must strictly be transmitted without any DRM copy protection. The attached cover must have an aspect ratio of 5:8.
(5) Imprint: Every work must strictly be equipped with a valid imprint (legal notice).
(6) The submission of all episodes/volumes as well as all required metadata must be done exclusively via the official submission form without exception.
(7) VG Wort: For series parts in the subscription and individual parts, reading samples can be equipped with VG-Wort pixels for the public space via our system. This requires specifying the pixels in the submission form.
(1) The platform operator does not provide any publishing services (such as editing, proofreading, or typesetting). The author is fully and solely responsible for the content, linguistic, and technical quality (ePub creation) of their work.
(2) After submission, the platform operator only conducts a check to see if the information is complete and whether the work fits the portal qualitatively and thematically.
(1) The delivery and distribution of content take place exclusively digitally via the platform operator’s portal.
(2) In the regular e-book shop, sales take place as an ePub download.
(3) In the subscription area, text output is exclusively via the platform operator’s copy-protected e-reader to protect intellectual property without exception.
(1) The author grants the platform operator the non-exclusive right, for the duration of online placement, to make the work accessible for download via the e-book shop and (for series) via the protected e-reader within the subscription model.
(2) Translations & Audiobooks by Partners: The platform’s offer to have translations or audiobook versions produced by its own creative partners (platform translators or audiobook narrators) applies exclusively to the subscription platform and does not extend to sales in the shop. The remuneration of these partners is without pre-financing on the basis of a 50% revenue share of the platform-internal base amount of the work in the subscription pool.
(3) Commitment of Creative Partners: If a translator or narrator has committed to a season, the creation continues bindingly for this declared season until it is completed.
(4) Creative Partner Protection upon Termination: If the author terminates the agreement, the affected translations/audiobooks remain exclusively accessible in the subscription until the creative partner has amortized their work effort (minimum turnover) or the partner agrees to the deletion in writing. Payment to the author is made continuously until discontinuation.
(1) Separation of Models: The author’s remuneration is divided into the e-book store (individual sales) and the subscription pool (series). Both models run entirely independent of each other financially.
(2) E-Book Store (Individual Sales): If a sale of single copies occurs in the shop, the remuneration for the author is 70% of the net retail price of the e-book.
(3) Subscription Pool: To determine the fee in the subscription model, 50% of the net revenue of all income from subscriptions flows into a central remuneration pool. (Deduction of a flat rate from gross revenue for taxes; KSK and payment fees are borne by the platform). This pool is divided proportionally in value among all approved works that are actively available during the billing period.
(4) If a third-party translation or an audiobook version exists for a work in the subscription area, the share of the remuneration pool attributable to this work is split in a 50/50 ratio between the author and the creative partner.
(5) Payout: The royalty statement is issued monthly on the 15th day of the following month. The royalty is paid out as soon as a minimum amount of 20.00 EUR is reached. The platform operator is entitled to directly withhold and remit any applicable taxes (e.g., withholding tax) if required by law.
(Note: Applies to series & serials)
(1) This agreement applies to the entire submitted series.
(2) The End of the Series: When the series is completely finished, the story must come to a satisfying conclusion. All major plot threads must be resolved. An open ending/cliffhanger in the very last volume is not allowed. (Cliffhangers are desired in between.)
(3) The platform will review the final manuscript within 14 days. In case of unauthorized cliffhangers at the end, there is a 14-day period for correction.
(4) Season Structure: The author plans their works from 5 volumes in content-based seasons. An end or pause in translations after one season does not affect the original publication.
(5) In the event of writer’s block, the platform and community are happy to help.
(6) Warnings and Deadlines:
- Level 1: In case of delays to the agreed rhythm, the platform sets a deadline of at least 14 days.
- Level 2: If this deadline passes, a final deadline of 7 days follows (announcement of compensation payment).
- Level 3: Letting the final deadline pass is a severe breach of contract.
(7) Compensation Payment: If the author unjustifiably cancels an ongoing series or refuses to make improvements, they shall pay an expense and compensation fee of 250.00 EUR to the platform (except in hardship cases, see § 9).
(1) This agreement is concluded for an indefinite period. It can be terminated by either party with a notice period of 4 weeks.
(2) Online Obligation after Termination: This provision applies exclusively to series and serials in the subscription area, not to the placement of e-books for sale in the shop: A series in the subscription can only be taken completely offline if it has been fully completed and the very last episode has been continuously accessible online to customers for at least 3 months after its publication.
(1) In the event of death or a severe illness permanently hindering continuation, the platform operator must be notified as soon as possible to coordinate the next steps.
(2) In the event of death, the claims from § 6 pass to the heirs. The compensation payment is excluded in cases of hardship.
(1) The author expressly assures that they are the sole author and do not infringe on the rights of third parties.
(2) In the event of claims by third parties, the author indemnifies the platform from all costs and legal defense costs.
(1) The platform assumes no liability for the content of the works. The author is solely responsible for this (including the imprint).
(2) The platform’s liability for technical failures is limited to intent and gross negligence.
