Welcome to The Art of Storytelling. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern both (1) your use of theartofstories.org (the "Site") as a visitor, and (2) any coaching, publishing, marketing, or pitching services provided by The Art of Storytelling, LLC ("AOS," "we," "us"). By browsing the Site, you accept Part A below. By booking a discovery call, signing a proposal, or engaging our services, you ("Client") additionally accept Part B.
Part A — Using Our Website
A1. Cookies
The Site uses cookies to help personalize your browsing experience. By using the Site, you consent to required cookies, which are necessary for the Site to function and do not require separate consent. Some pages may also use optional cookies for statistical or marketing purposes, including cookies set by third-party tools we use (such as our email platform or booking calendar) — these are covered by those providers' own privacy practices.
A2. Ownership of Site Content
Unless otherwise stated, AOS and/or its licensors own the intellectual property rights to the text, design, graphics, and other material published on the Site. You may view and access this content for your own personal, non-commercial use. You must not:
Copy, republish, or redistribute material from the Site.
Sell, rent, or sub-license material from the Site.
Reproduce or duplicate material from the Site for commercial purposes.
This section covers the Site's own content (copy, design, graphics). It does not apply to your manuscript, book, or other materials you provide to us as a client — ownership of that work is addressed in Part B, Section 5.
A3. Site Accuracy & Availability
We do not guarantee that information on the Site is complete, accurate, or current, and we don't promise the Site will always be available or up to date. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we exclude all warranties relating to the Site and its use, except where such exclusion isn't permitted — for example, nothing here limits liability for death, personal injury, or fraud.
Part B — Working With Us
This Part applies once you engage AOS for any paid service, including Writing Coaching, Self-Publishing Support, Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing, or Pitching Services.
B1. Services Provided
AOS provides author development services as described on the Site. The specific scope, deliverables, and timeline for each engagement are defined in the proposal, invoice, or agreement provided at the start of a project.
B2. Client Responsibilities
Provide accurate information about your project, goals, and timeline.
Deliver requested materials (manuscripts, feedback, approvals) in a timely manner — delays on your end may extend project timelines accordingly.
Secure any necessary rights or permissions for content you provide to us.
B3. Fees & Payment
Fees for each service are outlined on the Site or in your project proposal. Payment terms, deposits, and refund conditions are governed by our Payment & Refund Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.
B4. Ownership & Intellectual Property
You retain full ownership of your manuscript, book, and any final published work.
For self-publishing engagements, you own your KDP, IngramSpark, and/or Lulu account and retain 100% of your royalties.
Content created specifically for you (social media captions, marketing copy, pitch materials) becomes yours upon final payment.
AOS retains ownership of its proprietary frameworks, templates, processes, and methodology used to deliver services, and may reference completed projects (with your permission) for portfolio and marketing purposes.
B5. No Guarantee of Results
AOS provides strategy, coaching, craft, and outreach expertise, but we cannot guarantee specific outcomes — including but not limited to bookstore placements, festival or speaking acceptances, sales figures, audience growth, or media coverage. Pitching Services in particular involve submitting to third parties whose decisions are outside our control; volume and success of placements vary. Timelines listed on the Site are averages, not guarantees, and are subject to change based on client participation and our current client load.
B6. Confidentiality
We treat unpublished manuscripts and client project details as confidential and will not share them outside the scope of delivering agreed-upon services (for example, submitting your work to bookstores or festivals as part of Pitching Services) without your permission.
B7. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, AOS's total liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the amount paid by the Client for the specific service giving rise to the claim. AOS is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits or lost opportunities. Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability for death, personal injury, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law.
B8. Independent Contractor Relationship
AOS operates as an independent contractor. Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship between AOS and the Client.
B9. Termination
Either party may terminate an engagement in writing. Fees for work completed up to the termination date remain due. See our Payment & Refund Policy for details on deposits and refunds related to termination or cancellation.
Part C — General Terms
C1. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of [STATE — confirm your state of formation or primary operation], without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
C2. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. The "Effective Date" above reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the Site or continued engagement with AOS after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
C3. Contact
Questions about these Terms? Reach us at bookings@theartofstories.org.
The Art of Storytelling, LLC | DC | Maryland | Virginia | bookings@theartofstories.org