eBook Contract for Imajin Books

Here is a copy of our ebook contract (updated February 2012:


Imajin Books Author Agreement Contract - Ebook

This agreement dated on the ____ day of _________________, 20___, between _______________________________ ("Author") and Imajin Books ("Publisher) represents the purchase of electronic publishing rights to the "Work" known as:
_________________________________________________________________.

A. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

1.     The Author warrants that this Work is original, created by the Author, and that the Author has legal authority to grant the rights in section B.
2.     The Author represents and warrants that the Work is not in the public domain and the Author is the sole owner and copyright holder of the Work.
3.     The Work is free and clear of any charges of copyright infringement or any other charges, including libel. The Work does not infringe upon any rights, including proprietary, statutory law or common law.
4.     The Work is free of any legal and binding publishing contracts by other publishers, including the Author, acting as self-publisher. If it has been previously published in whole or in part by another publisher, the Author has received a letter of rights reversion from the previous publisher and is legally permitted to enter into this agreement.
5.     The Work is not currently available as a free download in full or part anywhere on the Internet, nor is it available in full or part on the Author's website, blog or social networks.
6.     The Author releases Publisher from any responsibilities, fees or legal charges relating to any legal actions, including charges of plagiarism, incurred by the contents of the Work or by the actions of the Author.

B. GRANT

1.     The Author grants the Publisher the right to publish the Work in all worldwide English language electronic book (also known as "e-book", "ebook" or "digital") editions, including enhanced e-books, large print and any future formats/technologies for the duration of the contract term, as well as the following rights granted by the Author:
2.     The right to contract with retailers and distributors, as well as any other retail venue, to sell and/or promote the Work.
3.     The right to sell the Work for a period of five (5) years from the date of signed contract.
4.     The right to have first option to offer an agreement with the Author for continued publication rights to the Work on terms to be mutually agreed upon, once the existing contract term has ended. If an agreement is not reached within sixty (60) days of the expiration of this contract, all rights to the Work automatically revert to the Author.
5.     The right to use the Author's name and image (photos provided by Author) in all marketing or promotion, in print or online.

Author's Initials: ___________                                                                                                               v1201

Page 2 - Imajin Books Author Agreement Contract - Ebook


C. advance and Royalties

1.     The Publisher will pay the Author an advance against future sales of $75.00. This advance will be deducted from the first royalty payment or from subsequent royalties if needed to recoup the full $75 advance.
2.     On copies of English language electronic editions of Work sold worldwide, the Author will receive 50% (fifty percent) of royalty income collected by Publisher from various retailers, including Amazon and any others, now or in the future.
3.     Royalty payments are paid quarterly, approximately 6-8 weeks after quarter ends. Quarter 1: ends last day of March; Quarter 2: ends last day of June; Quarter 3: ends last day of September; Quarter 4: ends last day of December.

D. STATEMENTS

1.     Statements detailing the Author's sales will be issued at the same time as royalty payments and may be sent via email or regular mail, at the Publisher's discretion.

E. MANUSCRIPT AND DELIVERY

1.     The Author agrees to deliver the Work in the form of a Microsoft Word document in its final revised form, abiding by formatting guidelines set by Publisher. If, in the opinion of the Publisher, the Work is unsatisfactory, the Publisher may return the Work to the Author for prompt editing. If the editing is not returned by the Author within twenty-one (21) days, the Publisher may publish the manuscript after editing in house is completed or the Publisher may reject the Work and will not be obligated to publish the Work, in which case this agreement will be deemed terminated and all rights will revert to the Author.

F. EDITING RIGHTS

The Publisher and its agents or employees have the right to edit the Work, including changes, deletions, additions, and reserve the right to change the title of the Work, though the Publisher will do everything to obtain a verbal or written agreement from the Author as to these changes.

G. Other rights, including print

1.     Print and other rights are not being pursued by Publisher at this time.
2.     The Author may pursue print and other subsidiary rights not covered by this contract for this Work.
3.     If a print contract is obtained by another publisher, the Author will notify Imajin Books immediately and the Work will not be considered for print publication.

H. Copyright

1.     The Author holds the copyright to this Work and should file at any copyright office in the country of their residence. This is highly recommended but optional; copyright is legally in effect the moment an Author writes any work.

Author's Initials: ___________                                                                                                               v1201

Page 3 - Imajin Books Author Agreement Contract - Ebook

I. BOOK COVER DESIGN AND BOOK TITLE

1.     The Publisher reserves the right to change the title of the Work, after discussing the reasons for this change with the Author.
2.     All book covers are created by Imajin Books or by its employees or contracted graphic designers, and the Publisher will have final say on the cover, although the Author will be consulted on the design and will have input.
3.     Book covers remain the property of the Publisher. Jpg copies of the cover will be provided via email attachments to the Author from the Publisher or cover designer.
4.     The Author is granted the right to use the book covers provided by the Publisher, without alteration other than resizing.
5.     If this agreement is terminated, the rights to the book cover and all elements of its design remains with the Publisher and the cover may not be used by the Author with any other publisher or via self-publishing means.
6.     If the Author would like to purchase the cover, that can be discussed upon termination of this contract.

J. PUBLICATION

1.     The Publisher agrees to publish and commence distribution of said Work in digital or electronic format within twelve (12) months of delivery of the Author's final manuscript, unless prevented by circumstances beyond the Publisher's control, or unless otherwise agreed with the Author. In the event the Publisher fails to publish and distribute the Work by said date, the Author shall have the option to terminate this agreement upon seven days notice from the Author to the Publisher, and all rights hereunder shall revert to the Author.

K. Copyright infringement

1.     In the event of a third-party infringement of the rights granted under this agreement to the Publisher, the Author shall have the right to sue jointly with Publisher for the infringement and share in any recovery compensation, after deducting all expenses associated with bringing the lawsuit to court.


L. BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY

1.     If a petition of bankruptcy is filed by or against the Publisher, or if it is judged insolvent by any court, or if the Publisher should liquidate or close its business for any reason, this agreement shall terminate immediately without notice and all rights granted shall revert to the Author. Every effort will be made by the Publisher to withdraw ebook from publishing/retail venues in a timely manner, and any royalties collected for this Work will be paid to the Author within six (6) months of collection from retailers. 

Author's Initials: ___________                                                                                                               v1201


Page 4 - Imajin Books Author Agreement Contract - Ebook

M. MARKETING & PROMOTION

  1. The Author agrees to market and promote his/her book extensively during the first year of publication, including blogging and using social networks. The Author will use all promotional materials the Publisher supplies, including book covers, trailers, promotional ads etc on authors' websites and blogs. At times the Publisher will advise or evaluate the Author's marketing efforts and will offer possible solutions to improve the Author's sales; the Author will maintain a professional work ethic and adjust marketing efforts according to Publisher's suggestions. The Publisher will at no time demand the Author pay for any kind of promotion, but may at times suggest opportunities. (Note: As with any business venture, authors should expect to invest money into their business.)

This contract constitutes the entire agreement between the Author and Publisher. It may only be altered or amended when agreed upon and signed by both parties.

Please Print Clearly:

Author's Legal* Name: ___________________________________________________________

Street Address: _________________________________________________________________

City, Province/State: _____________________________________________________________

Country: ______________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _________________________________________________________________

Email Address (Correspondence): ___________________________________________________

Agent's Name: __________________________________________________________________

Email Address (PayPal - agent or author): ____________________________________________

Pen Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

Author's Legal* Signature:____________________________________________________________


Authorized by: ______________________________________________ Publisher, Imajin Books


New ebook and trade paperbacks

The month of February was a busy one for Imajin Books. Not only did we send out offers for publication to some well-deserved writers, we also released three titles in ebook or trade paperback editions.

Check out our newest titles:

CHILDREN OF THE FOG
a novel by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Fiction: Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Paranormal, Ghost Story
Ebook - First Edition with Bonus Content

YOU HAVE 10 SECONDS TO MAKE A DECISION:
Let A Kidnapper Take Your Child, Or Watch Your Son Die.
Choose!


Release date: February 26, 2011



DIVINE INTERVENTION
a novel by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Fiction: Paranormal, Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Trade paperback - Second Edition with Bonus Content & New Cover

CFBI Agent Jasmine McLellan leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist―a murderer who has already taken the lives of three innocent people.

Release date: February 25, 2011

Available at Amazon and Createspace


LANCELOT'S LADY
a novel by Cherish D'Angelo


Fiction: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Contemporary
Trade paperback

A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

Release date: February 15, 2011

Available at Amazon and Createspace


Welcome to our new Research & Marketing Assistant, Melissa

Imajin Books is pleased to welcome Melissa aboard as our new Research & Marketing Assistant.

Melissa will be working on marketing research and promotional initiatives that will assist and benefit our authors. She'll be working directly with the publisher and at times with our authors. Her spirited enthusiasm for her job makes Melissa a welcome team member.

Reviewers needed!

Imajin Books is looking for freelance book reviewers who are interested in reading and reviewing ebooks by our authors. Reviewers can request a title from already published books or ARCs of upcoming releases.
  • Book reviewers should write well and not give away all the plot points in their reviews. 
  • Book reviewers must post their reviews to Amazon.com.
  • Along with posting to Amazon, reviewers may also post reviews to Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Sony Store, or any other site that features our books.
  • Reviewers may also post their reviews to their own websites or blogs.
  • We encourage and appreciate reviewers who also post their reviews on their Facebook, Myspace and Twitter  accounts.
  • We appreciate reviewers who post reviews within 2 weeks of receiving an ebook from us.
  • We do not pay reviewers, nor compensate them in any other way, and we ask for honest reviews. If you review one of our books, please email us with links to the website on which your review appears.
  • We reserve the right to refuse a review request at any time.
To request one of our ebooks to review, email us at imajinbooks@shaw.ca, with REVIEW REQUEST in the subject line plus the title of the ebook you'd like to review. In the email, please confirm your intention to post your review to Amazon.com, and list anywhere else you think you'll post to.

Some of our ebooks may have limited review copies available, so first come, first served. :-)

At a later date, we may create a list of preferred reviewers.

How to get noticed by Imajin Books: Be the Visible Man/Woman-Writer

Since one of our goals at Imajin Books is to find writers who are well prepared to market their works, there are a few things a writer can do before querying us to get our attention, and one of those key things is: BE VISIBLE. Don't be the Invisible Man/Woman-Writer!

If we can't find you online, how will your readers find you? What? You thought you could wait until your book was published before setting up a website, blog, social networks etc? Really? Do you realize it takes some time for your website/blog to be indexed in search engines in order to be found when people search for you?

You are INVISIBLE if...
  • You have no website.
  • You have no blog.
  • You have no Twitter account.
  • You aren't tweeting on your Twitter account.
  • You have no Facebook or MySpace page.
  • If you type your writer name into any search bar and your links don't show up on the first page.
You are transparent (partially visible) if...
  • You have a website but haven't updated it in a year.
  • You have a blog but only post once a month, if that.
  • You have a Twitter account and your last post was over a month ago.
  • You have Facebook and/or Myspace pages but they're only for family.
  • You search for your name in a search engine bar and only a couple of links show up on the first, second or third page.
You are VISIBLE if...
  • You have a website and you update it once a month or as needed.
  • You have a blog (either separate or integrated into your site) and you post once a week or more on average.
  • You have a Twitter account and tweet at least once a week, plus connect with others.
  • You have separate Facebook and/or MySpace pages for your writer side and use these mainly for marketing/promoting and writing related endeavors.
  • You search for your name and links to everything about you are the majority listed on the first three pages, plus you have links ten pages deep.
If you query us and you aren't visible, why should we wait? Fact is, if you query us and you don't at least have a blog that you post to regularly, we either won't consider your submission or we'll put you at the bottom of the pile. Trust me, that's NOT where you want to be.

Tip: Give publishers and acquisition editors what they want, what they ask for.

How to get noticed by Imajin Books: Hook, Line & Sinker

Our goal at Imajin Books is to find original stories with unique characters and exciting plots told in the best possible way by authors who are well prepared to market their works. And there are ways that a writer can get our attention. Today we'll address the dreaded query. There is probably no single word in a writer's world that illicit such chills and terror as "query".

Use the Hook, Line & Sinker Method!

Hook:

If you want us (or any publisher) to read your query, you must hook us in the first paragraph, preferably with the FIRST sentence. If you've been writing for a while, you've probably heard that the first sentence of a novel is vital in hooking a reader. So is the first sentence of your query. Acquisition editors and publishers are readers too. Your first sentence/paragraph should tell us something about the story or something about YOU, something that will make us want to know more. Something that will make us ask YOU questions.

Example of a bad hook:

I've written a fictional novel. It is about a woman searching for her mother, who gave her up at birth, and their reunion. My friends have all said it's well written, so I think you'll really like it.

Example of a good hook:

As an adopted teenager, I always wondered what it would be like to search for my birth-mother, find her and reunite with her, and in my novel A Mother's Gift, I explore such a tumultuous journey between nineteen-year-old Kaitlyn and her birth-mother Magda. Though not a memoir, I use my own longings and experiences to create an emotional journey that will touch the hearts of every reader.

Line:

An expert fisherman casts his line in hopes that he's given it just enough distance--not too little, not too much--and then he reels it in, hoping the action will attract attention of passing fish. Just as a fisherman casts a line with precision, a writer must create the query letter and cast it with precision. Writers must present their queries in ways that will make a publisher sit up and take notice. Don't forget, many of them are wading through the endless virtual slushpile. Yours HAS to stand out.

Ways to stand out: 

Use the hook; keep the query short but entertaining and cast out only enough information to gain their interest; remember that in the end it's the story that's key--not your 3 page biography; and do your homework (research) so that you know you're sending your query to the right person and the right publisher. If we're not looking for nonfiction, don't send us nonfiction.

Sinker: 

Most publishers will ask to see a synopsis and sample, either up front or in reply to your query. Some publishers prefer the "old-style" synopsis (3-20 pages that summarize the entire main plot of the story, including main characters, main conflicts and resolution). At Imajin Books, we're looking for a synopsis written like back cover text you'd find on the back of a novel. Write a stunning synopsis/description for us and include it in your first query and you'll have a better chance at grabbing our attention. And it gives us the opportunity to see how well you've researched back cover text, how well you can write it and whether you have an instinct for marketing. Send samples to publishers only per their guidelines.

Synopsis & Sample Tips: 

Study the back cover text of popular novels in your genre and formulate your back cover text/synopsis accordingly. If the majority of books in your genre use a 4 paragraph summary on the back cover, write a 4 paragraph summary for your book. Do not plagiarize material found on other authors' books, but do imitate style, flow or organization to create your best synopsis.

Give the publisher what they ask for, nothing more, nothing less. If we ask for a 5 page sample, we want your first 5 pages. Don't send us 10 pages from the middle of your novel just because you think it's a better scene.

Finally, writers who yearn to become successful published authors must believe in their own skills and creative abilities. If a career as an author is what you want, don't let a simple thing like a "query" get in your way. You must be persistent and dedicated. If your query is not initiating replies from agents or publishers, re-write it. If your sample does not result in a request for the full manuscript, re-write it. If your novel does not get an offer of publication, edit, edit, edit. If you want to be an author, BE one! Never give up!

Dare to Dream...and Dream BIG!

Divine Intervention is re-released with new cover & bonus content

DIVINE INTERVENTION
a novel by Cheryl Kaye Tardif


Fiction: Paranormal, Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Ebook - Second Edition with Bonus Content & New Cover

CFBI Agent Jasmine McLellan leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist―a murderer who has already taken the lives of three innocent people.

Release date: January 31, 2011

Available at Amazon Kindle Store and soon at other ebook retailers. A new trade paperback edition will be released soon too.

Imajin Books is OPEN for submissions until February 15th

The search is on! Imajin Books is looking for quality fiction!

We are now accepting submissions until February 15th, 2011.

Imajin Books is looking for novels in various genres, including YA, romance, mystery, thrillers, horror. At this time we are not looking for science fiction, but may consider your work if it's a crossover genre with one of the above.

Please visit our Submission Guidelines page for more information.

Submissions

We are OPEN for submissions AFTER September 15, 2011

Please follow these submission guidelines carefully and check here for updated guidelines when submitting new manuscripts. Do NOT query us if you are not interested in giving us your ebook rights for a period of 5 years minimum. Paperback editions are optional and discussed with authors who prove successful with marketing their ebooks. Do not query us if you are NOT already set up on Twitter, Facebook and a blog, and using them regularly--even if you don't have a book published. Do NOT query us if you aren't willing to promote your book online.

THIS FALL WE ARE LOOKING SPECIFICALLY FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Authors who have published at least 1 novel.


1. Young Adult Adventure/Suspense/Paranormal
2. Mystery/Suspense
3. Vampire (with a unique hook)/Paranormal
4. Horror

Please do not send us anything other than these genres at this time. Thank you.

Submission guidelines:

1. We accept email submissions only; please address emails/queries to Cheryl Tardif.
2. Your query should include a brief bio, writing background and publishing history. It should also clearly state the genre of your novel, the word count, pen name if used. List the social networks you're on and links to blog and/or website. Tell us about your novel in three sentences. Hook us! But keep the email portion short--one page if printed.
3. We accept manuscripts from 50,000 words to 150,000 words.
4. We accept Microsoft Word documents 2003-2007 and PDF files only.
5. Send us a query email and attach a sample of the first 5 chapters, along with a 5 paragraph synopsis attachment that reads like back cover text.
6. Please allow 4 weeks before sending us a second email or reminder.
7. Multiple submissions are fine -- until we offer you a contract.
8. We DO accept previously published or self-published works as long as you can prove you now hold the rights and have a letter of rights reversion from your past publisher.
9. If you don't have an agent, that is fine with us. We prefer not dealing with agents as our contract is simple, fair and not usually negotiable.
10. NO GRAPHIC SEXUALITY SCENES, INCEST SCENES OR RAPE SCENES. "Romance sex" is acceptable; alluding to abuse is fine; rape scenes not graphically described may be fine if it adds to the story. WE DO NOT PUBLISH EROTICA or LGBT.
11. If we have taken the time to give you any feedback on a work and then invite you to send us something new, make sure you take the time to address those same concerns within the new work. We all have bad writing habits.

Formatting guidelines:

1. Send samples SINGLE spaced only, preferably a MS Word doc.
2. Do not use tabs. Use settings under Paragraph formatting to indent paragraphs.
3. Times or Times New Roman fonts only, including title. Don't switch fonts.
4. Use italics where necessary and bold for title, author and chapter headings; no old school formatting with these please.
5. Use 1-2 line spaces for scene breaks.
6. Do not add spaces after paragraphs.
7. Do not use strange symbols or uncommon formatting or punctuation. Double quotations for dialogue.
8. No graphics. We do not normally publish books with illustrations.

What are we looking for?

1. Quality, professional writing.
2. A novel that has seen solid editing (by you and at least 2 others, such as fellow writers, friends, English teachers etc). If your book needs rewriting and a lot of substantive editing, it won't pass our vetting system. Yes, we do have our own editors and yes, they do edit the books we accept. Just don't send us sloppy work. If you want to be published and read, be professional and send us your BEST work.
3. Unique plots, voices, characters, concepts and situations.
4. Passion in the writing and in the author's efforts to promote him/her work/self.
5. Internet savvy writers. If you have a website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Goodreads, Shelfari accounts, you'll move to the top half of submissions. If you use these networks regularly, you'll move to the head of the line. We expect our authors to use Twitter, Facebook and a blog, at the very least.
6. If you know Cheryl Tardif from a social network, you'll move to the top of the TBR pile. If you don't know me, get to know me. You know what they say: it's not what you know; it's WHO you know. :-)

Email queries to imajinbooks@shaw.ca