Terms & Conditions

THE GOLDEN GATE COLLEGIUM

Shared World Participation Terms & Conditions

A Fables & Filth Hybrid Publishing Project

1. Overview & Scope

1.1

Fables & Filth (“F&F”) operates as a hybrid publishing house and is the coordinating entity for The Golden Gate Collegium shared world paranormal romance series (the “Series”).

1.2

These Terms & Conditions (“Agreement”) govern the participation of each contributing author (“Author”) in The Golden Gate Collegium shared world project, including but not limited to the use of shared intellectual property, world lore, characters, locations, branding, cover design, and distribution.

1.3

By submitting an interest form, accepting a Series slot, or otherwise participating in The Golden Gate Collegium, the Author acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement, as well as any supplemental guidelines referenced herein, including the World Bible, content guidelines, formatting/style requirements, and distribution policies.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of this Agreement:

• “F&F” means Fables & Filth and its designated administrators.

• “Series” means The Golden Gate Collegium shared world paranormal romance series.

• “Book” means the individual work written by an Author for the Series.

• “World Bible” means the canon documentation outlining the Collegium’s history, rules, locations, magic systems, NPCs, and timelines.

• “NPCs” means shared non-player characters available to all Series Authors.

• “Author IP” means original characters, plot, and elements created solely by the Author, excluding Shared IP.

• “Shared IP” means the Series title, world concept, lore, locations, NPCs, academy institutions, logos, visual branding, and other elements designated by F&F as shared.

• “Hybrid Publishing” means a publishing model in which certain services (including cover design, world coordination, and centralized marketing) are handled by F&F while Authors retain significant creative and publishing control depending on distribution choice.

3. Participation & Selection

3.1

Completion of the Interest Form expresses interest only and does not guarantee a slot in the Series.

3.2

F&F reserves the right to:

• Select Authors based on fit, availability, scheduling, and overall Series needs

• Request revisions or decline concepts that conflict with canon or planned storylines

• Cap the total number of participating Authors

3.3

Once an Author has been formally offered and has accepted a slot (including an approved concept and tentative release window), this Agreement becomes binding.

4. Financial Terms & Fees

4.1 Cover Design Fee

• Each Author is required to pay a USD $50.00 (or equivalent) non-refundable cover design fee.

• Covers for The Golden Gate Collegium are custom-designed to reflect each Book’s specific couple, supernatural focus, and aesthetic—not pre-made templates.

This fee covers:

• A Series-consistent but character-specific custom cover design

• Alignment with Golden Gate Collegium branding and visual identity

• Title and Author name integration

Failure to remit payment by the stated deadline may result in removal from the project.

4.2 Additional Services

• Editing, proofreading, formatting, advertising, and optional promotional services are not included in the cover fee unless otherwise stated in writing.

• Any optional paid services offered by F&F will be clearly documented with scope and pricing.

5. Author Responsibilities

5.1 Book Concept & Approval

The Author is responsible for:

• Submitting a concept aligned with the Golden Gate Collegium world

• Providing a synopsis, trope list, and character overview for approval

F&F may request reasonable revisions to maintain Series cohesion.

5.2 Editing

The Author is fully responsible for:

• Developmental, line, copy, and proof editing

• Ensuring the manuscript meets professional publishing standards

F&F may flag canon or continuity issues but does not provide line-level editing unless separately contracted.

5.3 Formatting

The Author is required to:

• Adhere to standard paranormal romance formatting practices, including industry-accepted front and back matter conventions

• Follow the Series formatting/style guide provided by F&F

• Ensure all files are retailer-compliant and professionally formatted

Deviations must be approved in writing.

5.4 World & Canon Compliance

The Author agrees to:

• Follow all world rules outlined in the World Bible

• Submit questions if canon clarity is needed

• Make reasonable revisions requested to resolve conflicts

The Author may not:

• Permanently kill or fundamentally alter another Author’s main characters without written permission

• Destroy or irreversibly alter core Shared IP elements (e.g., Golden Gate Collegium itself, governing accords, or major institutions) without approval

6. Shared World Guidelines

6.1 Use of Shared IP

F&F grants the Author a limited, non-exclusive, revocable license to use Shared IP solely within their Book as part of the Series.

6.2 Author IP

The Author retains ownership of their Author IP. By participating, the Author grants F&F a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use the Book’s title, cover, and blurb for Series marketing and promotion.

6.3 Cross-Use by Other Authors

Significant use of another Author’s characters or settings requires permission. Minor references and background cameos are generally permitted.

7. Content & Heat Guidelines

Books must be:

• Adult paranormal romance

• Romance-forward with a guaranteed HEA or solid HFN

• Open-door intimacy (within platform guidelines)

Prohibited content includes sexualized minors, incest, non-consensual sexual acts, bestiality (non-sapient), or hate-based content.

Dark themes are permitted with appropriate content warnings.

8. Deadlines, Word Count & Schedule

• Recommended length: 60,000–90,000 words

• Minimum length: 50,000 words, unless otherwise approved

Failure to meet deadlines without communication may result in rescheduling or removal.

9. Communication & Conduct

A private group chat will be provided for Series coordination. Professional, respectful conduct is required at all times.

10. Distribution & Publishing Models

Authors may choose between:

Option A – Author-Led Distribution

(Self-Publishing)

• Author retains 100% of royalties

• Must use Series branding and provided cover

• Must adhere to pricing guidelines

• Required to run ads for 30 days post-release

Option B – F&F-Led Distribution

(Hybrid Publishing)

• Royalties split 70% Author / 30% F&F after costs

• Quarterly royalty payments

• F&F manages distribution, ads, and metadata

Rights reversion requires 90 days’ notice.

11. Marketing & Branding

F&F provides:

• Series branding and logo

• Centralized promotion opportunities

Authors are expected to actively promote their Book.

12. Warranties & Indemnities

The Author warrants originality, legality, and rights ownership. The Author agrees to indemnify F&F against claims arising from breach.

13. Termination

F&F may terminate participation for material breach, quality issues, or misconduct. Licenses to Shared IP are revoked upon termination.