Terms & Conditions

THE MIDNIGHT DISTRICT

Shared World Participation Terms & Conditions

A Fables & Filth Hybrid Publishing Project

1. Overview & Scope

1.1 Fables & Filth operates as a hybrid publishing house and is the coordinating entity for The Midnight District shared world paranormal romance series (the “Series”).

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

1.3 By submitting the interest form, accepting a Series slot, or otherwise participating in The Midnight District, the Author acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement, as well as any supplemental guidelines referenced herein (the “World Bible,” content guidelines, style sheet, and distribution policy).

2. Definitions

For the purposes of this Agreement:

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

• “Series” means The Midnight District shared world paranormal romance series.

• “Book” means the individual work written by an Author under this project.

• “World Bible” means the lore and canon document(s) provided by F&F outlining the world rules, history, locations, NPCs, magic systems, and Series guidelines.

• “NPCs” means shared non-player characters made available for use by all Series Authors.

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

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

• “Hybrid Publishing” means a model in which certain services (such as cover design, world coordination, and central marketing) are handled by F&F while the Author retains significant creative control and, depending on distribution choice, varying degrees of publishing control and royalty shares.

3. Participation & Selection

3.1 Completing 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, scheduling, and project needs.

• Reassign or decline concepts that conflict with world rules or existing Series plans.

• Cap the total number of participating Authors.

3.3 Once an Author has been officially offered and accepted a slot (including a book concept and tentative release window), this Agreement becomes binding between the Author and F&F.

4. Financial Terms & Fees

4.1 Cover Design Fee

• The Author is liable for a USD $25.00 (or equivalent) non-refundable fee for the cover design for their Book in The Midnight District.

• This fee covers:

  • A Series-consistent cover design (using the shared art direction chosen by F&F).

  • Basic customization with the Book’s title and Author name.

• Payment terms and due dates will be provided upon acceptance of the Author into the Series. Failure to pay the cover fee may result in the Author’s removal from the project.

4.2 Additional Services

• Editing, formatting, and any optional extras (e.g., paid advertising, additional graphics, interior print design, etc.) are not included in the cover fee and remain the Author’s responsibility, unless otherwise agreed in separate written agreements.

• Where F&F offers optional paid services (e.g., formatting, promo), those will be documented separately with clear pricing and scope.

5. Author Responsibilities

5.1 Book Selection & Concept

• The Author is responsible for:

  • Selecting or pitching a Book concept that fits within The Midnight District world.

  • Submitting a short synopsis and trope/character overview for approval.

• F&F reserves the right to request reasonable revisions to the concept to maintain Series cohesion.

5.2 Editing

• The Author is fully responsible for:

  • Developmental, line, copy, and proof editing of their Book.

  • Ensuring the final manuscript is of professional quality.

• F&F may offer feedback on world/canon issues but is not obligated to provide structural or line-level editing.

5.3 Formatting

• The Author is responsible for:

  • Formatting the eBook and, if applicable, print editions to match the agreed Series standards, including:

    • Front/back matter conventions.

    • Series logo placement and Series name.

    • Font choices and style where specified.

• A style sheet / formatting guide will be provided. Authors must follow it unless specific deviations are agreed in writing.

5.4 World & Canon Compliance

• The Author agrees to:

  • Adhere to the world rules, magic systems, locations, NPC usage guidelines, and timelines outlined in the World Bible.

  • Submit questions to F&F if unsure about canon.

  • Make reasonable revisions requested by F&F to address canon conflicts, duplications, or contradictions.

• The Author may not:

  • Permanently kill, maim, or fundamentally alter another Author’s main characters without explicit, prior written permission.

  • Destroy or irreversibly alter key locations, institutions, or world pillars defined as part of the Shared IP (e.g., The Midnight District itself, the Midnight Accord, key shared landmarks) without F&F’s prior written approval.

6. Shared World Guidelines

6.1 Use of Shared IP

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

• This includes approved:

  • Locations

  • NPCs

  • Factions

  • Lore elements

  • Series branding and logos (as provided).

6.2 Use of Author IP

• The Author retains ownership of their Author IP (their primary characters, plot, and unique elements).

• By participating in the Series, the Author grants F&F a non-exclusive, worldwide license to:

  • Use the Book and its title, cover, and blurb for Series marketing and promotion.

  • Refer to or briefly cameo the Author’s characters or locations in other promotional materials (e.g., group banners, maps, world descriptions), with reasonable attribution.

6.3 Cross-Use by Other Authors

• If another Author wishes to significantly feature or develop your character(s) or unique setting, they must:

  • Obtain your permission first (preferably in writing).

  • Follow any limitations you mutually agree upon.

• Light mentions, background nods, or easter-egg level references are generally allowed as part of the shared-world experience, provided they are respectful and non-derogatory.

7. Content & Heat Guidelines

7.1 Genre & Heat

• Books must be:

  • Adult paranormal romance (romance-focused with a HEA or solid HFN).

  • Open-door / on-page intimacy (exact level of explicitness at Author discretion, within platform and legal guidelines).

7.2 Prohibited Content

• No sexualized content involving:

  • Minors (under 18)

  • Incest

  • Bestiality (non-sapient creatures)

  • Non-consensual sexual acts

  • Genuine/serious glorification of sexual violence

• No hate speech or content that promotes discrimination or real-world violence against protected groups.

7.3 Sensitive Themes & Content Warnings

• Dark themes (e.g., violence, trauma, addiction, abusive pasts, etc.) are permitted but must be:

  • Handled thoughtfully.

  • Clearly disclosed via content warnings on retailer pages or author websites.

• Authors must comply with content rules of any platforms they use (KDP, Kobo, etc.).

8. Deadlines, Word Count & Schedule

8.1 Word Count

• Recommended length per Book: 60,000 – 90,000 words.

• Minimum length: 50,000 words, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

8.2 Timeline

• Each Author will be assigned a tentative release month to fit the overall Series schedule.

• A typical schedule (example) may include:

  • Concept approval: at least 8 months before release.

  • Full first draft due: at least 4 months before release.

  • Revised, edited manuscript due: at least 2 months before release.

  • Final formatted files due: at least 6–8 weeks before release.

8.3 Missed Deadlines

• If the Author is unable to meet agreed deadlines, they must notify F&F as soon as possible.

• F&F reserves the right to:

  • Move the Author to a later slot, or

  • Remove the Book from the Series schedule if delays are excessive or unresolved.

9. Communication & Support

9.1 Group Chat

• A group chat will be available for The Midnight District Authors via the Smutwood Book Club Discord server.

• This space is intended for:

  • World questions

  • Crossovers

  • Schedule updates

  • Peer support and brainstorming.

9.2 Alternative Contact

• If you do not use Discord, please reach out to F&F at admin@fables-and-filth.com to arrange an alternative communication method.

9.3 Professional Conduct

• Authors agree to:

  • Communicate respectfully with F&F and other Authors.

  • Keep confidential any internal discussions deemed private or sensitive.

• Harassment, abusive behavior, or repeated bad-faith communication may result in removal from the project.

10. Distribution & Publishing Models

Each Author must select one primary distribution method for their Book:

10.1 Option A – Author-Led Distribution (Self-Publishing Model)

Under this model:

1. The Author is the Publisher of Record and:

   • Uploads and manages their Book on their own accounts (e.g., Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, IngramSpark, etc.).

   • Sets pricing (within any agreed Series guidelines).

   • Pays all platform and printing costs directly.

2. The Author retains 100% of royalties paid by retailers and distributors.

3. The Author agrees to:

   • Use the agreed Series name (“The Midnight District”) and branding in metadata and book description.

   • Use the Series-provided cover (with title/author name added) without unauthorized alteration to the Series branding.

   • All ARCs and early copies must be distributed through Fables & Filth and cannot be personally hosted or managed by the author.

   • Keep the Book available for sale for a reasonable period (e.g., at least 12 months after release), unless otherwise agreed.

   • Run ads for the novel for a 30 day period upon release.

   • List the book under the pricing guidelines by F&F:

     • $2.99 USD (eBook)

     • $27.99 USD (Paperback)

4. F&F may:

   • Feature the Book for sale on the F&F website and social media.

   • Use the cover, blurb, and title in marketing materials.

   • Sell copies under a separate consignment/wholesale arrangement, where the author is responsible for distribution.

10.2 Option B – Fables & Filth-Led Distribution (Hybrid Publishing Model)

Under this model:

1. F&F is the Publisher of Record and:

   • Uploads and manages the Book on its own retailer and distributor accounts.

   • Sets or recommends pricing in consultation with the Author.

   • Handles distribution logistics (eBook, print).

   • Runs ads for the book at no cost to the author.

   • Handles marketing graphics and content, providing copies to the author.

2. Royalties & Fees

   • Retailers pay Gross Royalties to F&F.

   • F&F will calculate Net Royalties as:

     Net Royalties = Gross Royalties – (platform fees, retailer commissions, print costs, transaction fees, agreed advertising spend specific to that Book)

   • Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Net Royalties will be split as follows:

     • 70% to the Author, 30% to F&F

   • Royalty payments to Authors will be made on a quarterly basis (or as otherwise specified), subject to minimum payout thresholds and the timing of receipts from retailers.

3. The Author agrees to:

   • Provide all final files (edited manuscript, front/back matter, any necessary metadata) by the agreed deadlines.

   • Allow F&F to make minor adjustments to metadata, categories, keywords, and pricing strategy as needed for Series cohesion and market performance.

4. Reversion of Rights (F&F Distribution Model)

   • If the Author wishes to withdraw from the F&F-led distribution model:

     • The Author must provide at least 90 days’ written notice.

     • F&F will:

       • Begin de-listing the Book from its distribution channels within that period.

       • Provide a final royalty statement for sales made up to the effective date of termination.

       • Repay any paid advertising that reflected their novel.

   • After termination is effective, the Author may not re-upload and self-publish the Book independently without written acceptance by the F&F team.

11. Marketing & Branding

11.1 Series Branding

• F&F will provide:

  • The Series title and logo.

  • A consistent cover branding style for The Midnight District.

• Authors may not alter the Series logo or branding elements without prior written approval.

11.2 Author Marketing

• Each Author is encouraged (and expected) to:

  • Promote their Book through their own platforms (newsletter, social media, etc.).

  • Participate in group promotions where possible (e.g., cover reveals, countdowns, shared giveaways).

11.3 F&F Marketing

• F&F may run:

  • Joint promos

  • Bundled advertising

  • Festival tie-ins (e.g., Fables & Filth festivals)

• Participation will be encouraged but not always mandatory; some campaigns may have additional buy-ins or requirements which will be clearly explained in advance.

12. Warranties & Indemnities

12.1 The Author warrants that:

• The Book is their original work and does not infringe any copyright, trademark, or other rights of any third party.

• The Book does not contain defamatory, unlawful, or otherwise illegal material.

• The Author has full power to enter this Agreement and grant the rights described herein.

12.2 The Author agrees to indemnify and hold F&F harmless from any claims, losses, or damages arising out of a breach of these warranties, except where such loss is directly caused by F&F’s actions outside the scope of this Agreement.

13. Termination

13.1 F&F may terminate the Author’s participation in the Series if:

• The Author materially breaches this Agreement and fails to remedy the breach within a reasonable time after written notice.

• The Book fails to meet minimum quality, content, or canon standards after reasonable opportunities for revision.

• The Author engages in harassing, abusive, or harmful conduct within the project community.

13.2 Upon termination:

• Any license to Shared IP for future new works under the Series is revoked.

• Previously published versions of the Book may remain available under the agreed distribution model until properly de-listed or rights are reverted, as per Section 10.

14. Miscellaneous

14.1 Independent Contractors Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, partnership, or joint venture relationship between F&F and the Author. The Author participates as an independent contractor.

14.2 Amendments F&F may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time. Authors will be notified of substantial changes and may be asked to reconfirm acceptance.

14.3 Entire Agreement This Agreement, along with the World Bible and any written addenda regarding distribution or paid services, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties for this Series.