The writer retains full rights to their original work with the following restrictions:

1. The story remains exclusively available through The Sculpted Word (“Site”) for at least 6 months after publication.

2. Serialized stories remain exclusive for at least 6 months after publication of the final chapter. All novellas and novels will be serialized for original publication.

3. The decision to exercise non-exclusive rights after 6 months must be submitted in writing before publishing the story on another platform. 

4. Royalties: Writers get paid monthly on the 9th of each month for the previous month.

• Readers’ Gallery Digital format - 70% based on net sales (exclusive rights)

• Readers’ Gallery Digital format - 50% based on net sales (non-exclusive rights)

5. The writer agrees to modify or allow the publisher to modify story content for quality control.

6. For serialized stories, the writer establishes a reasonable posting schedule with the publisher (1 to 3 chapters per week) and agrees to provide chapters at least 3 days before the scheduled posting. The writer, not the publisher, is responsible for refund requests if they fail to complete the story. The publisher requires a full synopsis or plot outline for all in-progress stories before agreeing to start serialization.

7. The publisher determines which stories will be published as print-on-demand paperbacks following the completion of serialized posting. Only exclusive stories will be considered.

8. The writer has the privilege of participating in the Authors' Table blog and interacting with their readers in the blog's Comment section and the Facebook group, The Reader's Gallery.

9. The writer has the right to request that a story be unpublished. However, the publisher requires this request 90 days before the story is removed from the site. It will remain available to customers who purchased the right to read it before the request until the removal date which will be announced. No new digital purchases of the story will be allowed upon receipt of said request.

10. Previously Published Work: Proof that work is non-exclusive and available to publish on-site. Published with non-exclusive rights and royalty rate.

Links to Printed Works:

Author’s bio can contain offsite direct links to author’s unrelated printed works. Printed books available through Amazon with 4 or more stars will be featured in Cover to Cover section.