Polished Publishing Group (PPG) Work-Made-for-Hire Publishing Agreement v12
Updated on August 13, 2026
1. Parties
1.1. This is a Work-Made-for-Hire Publishing Agreement (“AGREEMENT”) between Polished Publishing Group (“PPG”) of Calgary, Alberta, CANADA, and the author(s) (“SELF-PUBLISHER”) of the book title(s) (“TITLE”) listed below, combined with any additional documents or notices provided here pursuant to Section 23.
1.2. This Work-Made-for-Hire Publishing Agreement, together with the below digital signature form, constitutes the Entire Agreement (“AGREEMENT”) between SELF-PUBLISHER and PPG.
1.3. The AGREEMENT supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written between SELF-PUBLISHER and PPG.
1.4. No modification of this AGREEMENT shall be in effect unless published by PPG on this webpage or otherwise provided by PPG in an official PDF format pursuant to Section 23: https://polishedpublishinggroup.com/ppg-work-made-for-hire-publishing-agreement/.
2. SELF-PUBLISHER Copyright Ownership
2.1. PPG, together with its various contracted project stakeholders such as ghostwriters, copy writers, editors, illustrators, graphic designers, indexers, proofreaders, videographers, voiceover artists, publicists, et cetera (“VENDORS”), is an independent contractor. All concepts, ideas, copy, sketches, artwork, electronic files, and any other materials (“WORK”) created by PPG and VENDORS related to this AGREEMENT are being created for use by SELF-PUBLISHER and will become the sole property of SELF-PUBLISHER upon 100% completion of the publishing process and receipt of SELF-PUBLISHER’s final signed approval of WORK pursuant to Section 23.
2.2. These rights extend to the use of this WORK in all of SELF-PUBLISHER’s marketing materials, any printable (e.g., paperback, hardcover) versions of TITLE plus all subsequent digital (e.g., various ebook formats, audiobooks, et cetera) versions (“VERSION” or “VERSIONS”) of TITLE as specified in the PPG invoice associated with this AGREEMENT and according to the distribution choice selected by the SELF-PUBLISHER on this form.
2.3. PPG and VENDORS may display the WORK related to this TITLE in their portfolios or on their websites as is, without any alterations, so long as SELF-PUBLISHER is acknowledged as the copyright owner.
3. Working and Finished File Storage
3.1. SELF-PUBLISHER will receive all working and finished files related to TITLE only upon sending PPG the final signed approval of WORK pursuant to Section 23. SELF-PUBLISHER agrees to retain a copy of these files and is responsible to supply them to PPG if future modifications are required. PPG will not retain a copy of these files following publication.
4. Commencement of Work
4.1. 100% Prepayment, File Submission, and Signature Execution: All WORK related to TITLE will commence upon PPG’s receipt of one hundred percent (100%) prepayment, all files required to complete the WORK (e.g., interior text and back cover copy in Microsoft Word .docx format, graphics in high resolution .jpg, .tiff, or .png format, and a validly executed copy of this AGREEMENT pursuant to Section 23. SELF-PUBLISHER may validly execute these agreements through one of the following methods:
4.1.1 Online Submission: By filling out all required fields in the online form below and pressing the “SUBMIT” button, which constitutes a binding digital signature.
4.1.2 Printed, Hand-Signed, and Emailed Copy: By printing a copy of this AGREEMENT, filling out all required fields, signing it by hand, scanning the document as one continuous .PDF file pursuant to Section 28.1.1, naming the file pursuant to Section 28.1.2, and sending it as an attachment to PPG via email pursuant to Section 23, which constitutes a binding written signature.
4.1.3 Downloaded, Digitally-Signed, and Emailed Copy: By downloading a copy of both this AGREEMENT, filling out all required fields, applying a legally binding digital, electronic, or typed signature, saving the document as one continuous .PDF file pursuant to Section 28.1.1, naming the file pursuant to Section 28.1.2, and sending it as an attachment to PPG via email pursuant to Section 23, which constitutes a binding written signature.
4.2 Non-refundable Portions of Prepayment: SELF-PUBLISHER has seven (7) calendar days to cancel this AGREEMENT and receive one hundred percent (100%) of the prepayment back. From calendar day eight (8) forward, PPG reserves the right to withhold thirty percent (30%) of that prepayment. Any work that has already been completed by any PPG VENDORS up to the point of cancellation or AGREEMENT termination is automatically non-refundable. Any remaining refund will be calculated based on the percentage (%) of services already rendered, as determined by the verifiable milestones or deliverables completed at the time of contract cancellation or termination.
5. AGREEMENT Publishing and Distribution Term (PPG Account Distribution Only)
5.1. If SELF-PUBLISHER selects the 40% royalty option at the bottom of this AGREEMENT, the rights granted to PPG to store, use, transmit, and distribute the finished files of TITLE pursuant to Sections 10.1 and 11 shall extend for the duration of the distribution license specified in the corresponding PPG invoice.
5.1.1. For new projects (two-year license): The AGREEMENT publishing and distribution term grants PPG a two-year license for new projects, pursuant to Sections 10.1 and 11, and begins upon completion of WORK and PPG’s receipt of SELF-PUBLISHER’s final signed approval of WORK pursuant to Sections 3 and 23.
5.1.2. For revised projects (one-year or two-year license): The AGREEMENT publishing and distribution term grants PPG either a one-year or two-year license for revised projects, pursuant to Sections 10.1 and 11, and begins upon completion of WORK and PPG’s receipt of SELF-PUBLISHER’s final signed approval of WORK pursuant to Sections 3 and 23.
5.1.3. For straight renewals without revisions (one-year or two-year license): The AGREEMENT publishing and distribution term grants PPG either a one-year or two-year license for straight renewals without revisions, pursuant to Sections 10.1 and 11, and begins on the date SELF-PUBLISHER purchases a distribution license renewal from PPG pursuant to Section 23.
6. Post-Publication AGREEMENT Renewal or Termination by SELF-PUBLISHER
6.1. If SELF-PUBLISHER chooses to use PPG’s DISTRIBUTORS pursuant to Section 10.1, PPG will contact SELF-PUBLISHER via email with thirty (30) days’ notice of the end of the AGREEMENT term. SELF-PUBLISHER can renew the AGREEMENT by purchasing a distribution license renewal for an additional one-year or two-year term before the end of the thirty (30) days’ notice.
6.2. If no distribution license renewal is purchased by the deadline date, which is thirty (30) days from the date of the email notice transmission, SELF-PUBLISHER’s TITLE will be removed from PPG’s distribution list and the rights of PPG, pursuant to Sections 10.1 and 11, will discontinue. In this event, PPG shall pay all accrued royalty income due to SELF-PUBLISHER at the next scheduled payment time pursuant to Section 15.
6.3. If SELF-PUBLISHER wishes to purchase a distribution license renewal that was previously discontinued by PPG, it will be necessary for SELF-PUBLISHER to re-purchase the license renewal and pay the file resubmission fee to PPG. In this instance, SELF-PUBLISHER is responsible to supply TITLE’s print-ready files to PPG and will, in turn, be sent a .PDF proof of TITLE’s cover and interior for final approval. The new term will begin on the date SELF-PUBLISHER provides final signed approval of the print-ready files for TITLE to PPG in writing pursuant to Section 23.
7. Pre- and Post-Publication AGREEMENT Termination by PPG
7.1. PPG reserves the right to terminate this AGREEMENT at any time, effective immediately upon forwarding written notice to SELF-PUBLISHER pursuant to Section 23, if, in PPG’s judgment, TITLE may subject PPG to the risk of litigation and/or other adverse commercial consequences, or if PPG discovers that SELF-PUBLISHER has committed a material breach or misrepresentation of any of the warranties pursuant to Section 20. PPG may also terminate this AGREEMENT if SELF-PUBLISHER commits a material breach of any other term of this AGREEMENT and fails to remedy such non-compliance within ten (10) calendar days of receiving written notice from PPG pursuant to Section 23.
7.1.1 Pre-Publication Termination: If such notice is given prior to publication of TITLE, then PPG will refund all amounts paid by SELF-PUBLISHER to PPG, less any costs incurred for services already provided, pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 4.2, and neither party will have any further obligations to the other except for SELF-PUBLISHER’s warranty and indemnification, pursuant to Sections 20 and 21.
7.1.2 Post-Publication Termination: If such notice is given following publication of TITLE, PPG will provide thirty (30) days advance written notice to SELF-PUBLISHER, at which point the rights of PPG, pursuant to Sections 10.1 and 11, shall discontinue. In this event, PPG shall pay all accrued royalty income due to SELF-PUBLISHER at the next scheduled payment time pursuant to Section 15.1, and neither party will have any further obligations to the other except for SELF-PUBLISHER’s warranty and indemnification, pursuant to Sections 20 and 21.
8. ISBNs & Barcodes
8.1. If SELF-PUBLISHER is producing TITLE for commercial use, then an ISBN is mandatory for all VERSIONS and a barcode is mandatory for printable (e.g., paperback, hardcover) VERSIONS. It is necessary, by law, to have a separate ISBN and corresponding barcode for each format, binding, and VERSION of TITLE.
8.2. PPG will order the ISBN(s) and barcode(s) on SELF-PUBLISHER’s behalf from the country in which SELF-PUBLISHER resides when applicable (and when possible). SELF-PUBLISHER must provide a physical street address to PPG for the ISBN application. PPG will supply SELF-PUBLISHER’s full address and contact information on TITLE’s ISBN application form to ensure the ISBN is linked to the true copyright owner of TITLE.
8.3. If any of SELF-PUBLISHER’s contact information changes following this application, it is SELF-PUBLISHER’s responsibility to notify their nation’s ISBN provider of the change. The ISBN number(s) for TITLE will appear on both the copyright page and back cover for paperbacks and most hardcovers, and on the copyright page alone with other VERSIONS. The corresponding bar code will appear on the cover of all paperbacks and most hardcovers.
9. PPG Logos
9.1. SELF-PUBLISHER hereby grants PPG the right to print PPG logos on TITLE’s back cover, spine, copyright page, and/or any other related promotional materials designed by PPG’s VENDORS for TITLE.
10. Storage, Use, and Transmittal of TITLE’s Finished Files
10.1. SELF-PUBLISHER has two choices regarding the storage, use, and transmittal of TITLE’s finished files, pursuant to Section 3, and has indicated that choice at the bottom of this form:
10.1.1. PPG’s Right to Store, Use, and Transmit Finished Files of TITLE VERSIONS: For each VERSION of TITLE being produced for commercial use, SELF-PUBLISHER hereby grants to PPG and its third-party distribution platforms and partners (“DISTRIBUTOR” or “DISTRIBUTORS,” which includes but is not limited to Ingram Content Group, Amazon, Kobo, ACX, and E-Sentral) the right to store, use, and transmit the finished files for TITLE, as required, and to facilitate the publishing, promotion, printing, distribution, and sales processes worldwide for all VERSIONS of TITLE. SELF-PUBLISHER will earn 40% royalties on these VERSIONS pursuant to Section 14.1.1.
10.1.2. SELF-PUBLISHER’s Right to Receive Finished Files of TITLE VERSIONS: For each VERSION of TITLE being produced for commercial use where distribution occurs directly through SELF-PUBLISHER’s own accounts, PPG will deliver the finished and working files to SELF-PUBLISHER upon completion of the publishing process pursuant to Section 3. SELF-PUBLISHER is entirely responsible for uploading these files to their personal online profile pages (e.g., IngramSpark, Amazon, Kobo, ACX) without PPG’s assistance. SELF-PUBLISHER will earn 100% royalties on these VERSIONS pursuant to Section 14.1.2.
11. Non-Exclusive Worldwide Distribution License in the English Language
11.1. If SELF-PUBLISHER chooses to use PPG’s DISTRIBUTORS pursuant to Section 10.1: For each VERSION of TITLE being produced for commercial use, SELF-PUBLISHER hereby grants to PPG a non-exclusive, worldwide distribution license in the English language for the term specified in the PPG invoice associated with this AGREEMENT, pursuant to Section 5. This license grants PPG the right to publish, promote, print, distribute, and sell TITLE through DISTRIBUTOR’s various distribution channels for the purposes of profit. SELF-PUBLISHER also grants to PPG the right to make an author biography, back-cover copy, and/or excerpts from TITLE viewable on PPG’s website/blog and/or through DISTRIBUTOR’s various distribution channels to facilitate sales.
11.2. SELF-PUBLISHER understands that TITLE sales through PPG’s DISTRIBUTORS cannot be guaranteed. SELF-PUBLISHER also understands that not every VERSION of TITLE will be distributable through PPG’s DISTRIBUTORS, in which case alternatives will be discussed and other solutions will be offered.
12. Minimum and Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)
12.1. TITLE’s retail price will be based on many variables from trim size to page count to VERSION. Therefore, PPG will supply SELF-PUBLISHER with a pricing schedule that contains both the absolute minimum and MSRP for TITLE toward the end of the publishing process (once all necessary details are known).
12.2. SELF-PUBLISHER has the authority to approve the MSRP or change it to a different amount. The amount SELF-PUBLISHER chooses must be equal to or greater than the absolute minimum being recommended by PPG. The price chosen by SELF-PUBLISHER is the MSRP that will be provided to DISTRIBUTOR.
12.3. It is PPG’s policy to refrain from printing any prices on book covers: to allow SELF-PUBLISHER the flexibility to offer different pricing at different events; so books being sold in another country can display the pricing in that country’s currency; and, because wholesalers/retailers reserve the right to set their own prices for the products/services they offer.
13. Distribution Channels and Wholesaler/Retailer Individual Practices
13.1. Automatic Distribution Channel: SELF-PUBLISHER understands that PPG cannot determine the individual practices of any DISTRIBUTORS, nor the wholesalers and retailers within their distribution channels. Each one maintains the right to determine whether TITLE will show as “in stock” and what portion (if any) of the promotional content PPG supplies will appear on their websites and/or in their own marketing. DISTRIBUTORS (and their wholesalers and retailers) reserve the right to set their own prices for the products and services they offer regardless of MSRP.
13.2. Alternative Distribution Channels: In the event one or more VERSIONS of TITLE cannot be distributed through PPG’s DISTRIBUTORS due to being a unique trim size or layout (or for any other reason), PPG will recommend an alternative in the quote/proposal sent to SELF-PUBLISHER. This alternative distribution term will be agreed upon in writing pursuant to Section 23. (Click here to review the standard book trim sizes approved by most paperback/hardback DISTRIBUTORS.)
14. Royalties
14.1. SELF-PUBLISHER has two choices regarding royalties earned on the sale of TITLE VERSIONS:
14.1.1. 40% Royalties: SELF-PUBLISHER will receive royalties from PPG, in CAD funds, for all VERSIONS of TITLE distributed through DISTRIBUTOR’s various distribution channels under PPG’s corporate accounts (such as Ingram’s Lightning Source, Amazon, Kobo, or other managed platforms). Royalties are calculated as a percentage of TITLE’s sale price (“sale price” is the MSRP less any discounts given by the respective retailers/wholesalers). The percentage paid to SELF-PUBLISHER is 40% of the amount received by PPG from DISTRIBUTOR. Royalties will not be paid to SELF-PUBLISHER on copies of DISTRIBUTOR VERSIONS of TITLE purchased and sold direct by SELF-PUBLISHER pursuant to Section 16.
14.1.2. 100% Royalties: If SELF-PUBLISHER wishes to earn 100% royalties on any or all VERSIONS of TITLE (including paperback, hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats), then SELF-PUBLISHER must create their own personal accounts directly with the platforms or distribution channels of their choice (such as IngramSpark, Amazon KDP, Kobo, E-Sentral, and/or ACX) and manage the upload processes independently without PPG’s assistance. Upon receiving the approved, finished files from PPG pursuant to Section 10.1.2, SELF-PUBLISHER will then earn and retain 100% royalties for each VERSION of TITLE distributed directly through their personal accounts.
15. Royalty Payment Schedule and Reporting
15.1. PPG shall make two royalty payments per year to SELF-PUBLISHER if earned: the first in May; the second in November. PPG will only make royalty payments that are equal to or greater than twenty-five CAD dollars ($25). If the royalty amount due is less than twenty-five CAD dollars ($25), the balance will be held back until the next scheduled payment time. (Exception to rule: upon termination of this AGREEMENT, PPG shall pay all accrued royalty income due to SELF-PUBLISHER, regardless of the amount, at the next scheduled payment time.)
15.2. PPG will send out royalty/sales reports to SELF-PUBLISHER twice per year: the first in May; the second in November. These reports will only be sent if there are sales of more than twenty-five CAD dollars ($25) to report.
16. SELF-PUBLISHER Book Purchases
16.1. If SELF-PUBLISHER chooses to use PPG’s DISTRIBUTORS pursuant to Section 10.1: SELF-PUBLISHER reserves the right to purchase copies of TITLE from PPG at a fifty-five per cent (55%) wholesaler discount (calculated as a percentage of TITLE’s MSRP) by contacting PPG by email pursuant to Section 23. (Please indicate “Order Request for SELF-PUBLISHER Copies of TITLE, ISBN” in the subject line of this email to expedite this process.)
16.2. PPG will produce an invoice upon receipt of SELF-PUBLISHER’s order request and send it to SELF-PUBLISHER via email. Shipping charges will apply. Upon receipt of SELF-PUBLISHER’s one hundred percent (100%) prepayment of the corresponding invoice, PPG will process the request. TITLE will be printed and shipped directly to SELF-PUBLISHER from DISTRIBUTOR; however, all printing and shipping timelines are determined solely by DISTRIBUTOR and cannot be guaranteed by PPG.
16.3. Alternatively, because SELF-PUBLISHER is the copyright owner of TITLE and retains all working and finished files, SELF-PUBLISHER is encouraged and reserves the right to have copies of TITLE printed by a local or alternative printer of their choice by supplying TITLE’s print-ready files directly to that provider, instead.
17. Publishing Timelines and Services
17.1. PPG will provide SELF-PUBLISHER with a detailed project timeline when the WORK commences pursuant to Section 4.1 (click here to view a sample project timeline). Timelines are estimated based on PPG’s receipt of trouble-free files from SELF-PUBLISHER, pursuant to Section 28, coupled with timely responses to all communications (e.g. emails, phone calls) and requests, pursuant to Section 27.
18. Mandatory Copy Editing, Design/Layout, and Proofreading through PPG
18.1. SELF-PUBLISHER must have all DISTRIBUTOR VERSIONS of TITLE professionally copy edited, graphically designed, and proofread by vetted PPG VENDORS. (Where applicable, non-fiction books must have indexes completed by a vetted PPG indexer.)
18.2. SELF-PUBLISHER has the right to accept or reject any portion of any suggestions made by PPG VENDORS with regard to TITLE; however, once the VENDORS’ services have commenced, no refund shall apply.
18.3. PPG reserves the right to refuse to publish a book that, in PPG’s judgment, has not been properly edited/proofread (i.e. in cases where all or most recommended edits have been rejected by SELF-PUBLISHER). If PPG refuses to publish TITLE for this reason, after receiving funds from SELF-PUBLISHER, then PPG will provide a refund pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 4.2, and neither party will have any further obligations to the other except for SELF-PUBLISHER’s warranty and indemnification, pursuant to Sections 20 and 21.
19. Author Proofing Rounds
19.1. The graphic design portion of PPG’s publishing process, for each VERSION of TITLE, includes two author proofing rounds that allow for up to five (5) changes to the cover and up to fifty (50) changes to the interior per round. Any additional author proofing rounds requested by SELF-PUBLISHER throughout the process are chargeable, as per PPG’s rates and fees, and must be prepaid in order to be completed. If SELF-PUBLISHER includes more than the allotted five (5) changes to the cover and fifty (50) changes to the interior per proofing round, then it will be considered more than one proofing round.
19.2. Regardless of the submission method selected below, SELF-PUBLISHER must list all requested changes in strict chronological order as they appear in the book and adhere to all established proofing limits. SELF-PUBLISHER may choose one of the following two options to submit feedback:
19.2.1. Option A: Proofing Directly on a PDF: If SELF-PUBLISHER utilizes the paid version of Adobe Acrobat, changes may be provided directly on the graphic designer’s PDF. For interior changes, the “Comment” and “Markup” tools must be used to indicate up to 50 minor typographical changes. For cover changes, “Sticky Notes” must be used to mark up to five basic structural changes. All changes must be explicitly numbered (e.g., “Author Change #1,” “Publisher Error #1.”). If a change is a Publisher Error, it must be labeled as such to ensure it is corrected free of charge and not counted against the round limits. All files submitted under this option must comply with PPG’s mandatory file naming convention, pursuant to Section 28.
19.2.2. Option B: Using the Word (.doc) eProof Form: If SELF-PUBLISHER does not utilize the paid version of Adobe Acrobat, changes must be marked on the supplied eProof form. For interior changes, SELF-PUBLISHER must use the table to specify the Page #, Paragraph #, and Line #, clearly stating the “Old” text and the “New” text. For cover changes, the dedicated Cover section must be used to specify the section (Front, Back, or Spine), paragraph, and the specific line or graphic to be adjusted. If a change is a Publisher Error, SELF-PUBLISHER must print an “X” in the “Publisher Error” column to ensure it does not count against the round limits. All files submitted under this option must comply with PPG’s mandatory file naming convention, pursuant to Section 28.
19.3. SELF-PUBLISHER must select only one of the two approved proofing options (Option A or Option B) at the commencement of the review phase and must utilize that chosen method consistently throughout the entire proofing process. Final signed approval must be provided strictly in accordance with the protocols established for that selected method: either directly on the PDF by indicating “This book cover is approved as is.” on the cover and “This book interior is approved as is.” on the first page of the interior; or within the applicable box on the last page of the Word eProof form. Only upon PPG’s receipt of this final signed approval will all working and finished files be delivered to SELF-PUBLISHER, pursuant to Section 3.
20. SELF-PUBLISHER Warranty
20.1. SELF-PUBLISHER warrants the following to PPG:
20.1.1. SELF-PUBLISHER is the author and sole owner of TITLE’s interior and cover copyright;
20.1.2. SELF-PUBLISHER is either the sole owner of the copyright of all associated cover/interior graphics, data tables, charts, or diagrams supplied by SELF-PUBLISHER to PPG for TITLE or has secured written permission to use the same in TITLE; where raw data or facts have been extracted from published studies to create new, original tables or narrative summaries, SELF-PUBLISHER warrants that such representations do not infringe upon the original publishers’ copyrights. SELF-PUBLISHER accepts sole responsibility for acquiring and verifying these rights. PPG relies entirely upon the accuracy of SELF-PUBLISHER’s representations and is under no obligation to independently verify, audit, or investigate the validity of any such permissions or rights. The absence of a request by PPG for physical copies of permissions, or the failure of SELF-PUBLISHER to provide them, does not shift liability to PPG, and SELF-PUBLISHER remains solely liable for any infringement;
20.1.3. This AGREEMENT does not conflict with any other arrangements, understandings, and/or agreements between SELF-PUBLISHER and another individual or entity;
20.1.4. TITLE is not already in the public domain and is entirely original except for portions therein for which the copyright owners are credited and/or legal permissions have been secured where necessary;
20.1.5. TITLE and its rights are free of liens, claims, interests, and/or other rights of any kind;
20.1.6. TITLE, as submitted to PPG, does not and will not violate or infringe upon any other personal or proprietary rights, including, without limitation, copyrights, trademark rights, trade secret rights, contract rights, privacy rights, and/or publicity rights of other individuals or entities;
20.1.7. TITLE is not defamatory, or obscene, or illegal in any way, and its contents will not cause harm to any reader, user, and/or other individual or entity;
20.1.8. all information submitted to PPG by SELF-PUBLISHER is accurate, complete, and verifiable including, without limitation, that any and all biographical information and claims, such as claims regarding intellectual property (e.g., awarded patents, pending patent applications, or proprietary methodologies) are entirely truthful. SELF-PUBLISHER acknowledges that PPG executes this agreement in strict reliance upon SELF-PUBLISHER’s word without independent verification. SELF-PUBLISHER agrees that any misrepresentation or unverified claim regarding such statuses constitutes a severe material breach of this warranty, granting PPG the right to terminate the agreement instantly without penalty and withhold any non-refundable fees.
21. SELF-PUBLISHER Indemnification
21.1. SELF-PUBLISHER agrees to indemnify and hold safe from harm PPG, VENDORS, and DISTRIBUTORS from and against any losses (including lost profits), decrees, judgments, settlements, damages, liabilities, expenses, and/or awards (including, and without limitation, any reasonable attorney fees and/or court costs) arising from or connected to a breach or alleged breach of any items listed in the SELF-PUBLISHER warranty set forth in Section 20.
21.2. SELF-PUBLISHER’s warranty and indemnification, pursuant to Sections 20 and 21, shall survive termination of this AGREEMENT.
22. Limitation of Liability
22.1. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, PPG shall not be liable to SELF-PUBLISHER for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages (including, but not limited to, loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities) arising out of or related to this AGREEMENT. Except for obligations under Section 31 (Confidentiality Agreement), PPG’s total aggregate liability under this AGREEMENT for any and all claims shall be strictly limited to the total net amount actually received by PPG from SELF-PUBLISHER for services under the corresponding PPG invoice.
23. Notices
23.1. Any notices from SELF-PUBLISHER to initiate, terminate, and/or communicate about this AGREEMENT can be sent to PPG from SELF-PUBLISHER via any of the email address(es) listed on this AGREEMENT and by virtue of purchases made to PPG. All such notices will be deemed sent on the date of transmission.
23.2. Any notices from SELF-PUBLISHER to initiate, terminate, and/or communicate about this AGREEMENT that are sent to PPG from a foreign email address not listed on this AGREEMENT will be considered null and void, and will be ignored/deleted by PPG.
23.3. PPG’s telephone number and email addresses will be all listed on the PPG invoice that corresponds with this AGREEMENT. Any notices from PPG to initiate, terminate, alter, and/or communicate about this AGREEMENT will be sent to SELF-PUBLISHER from one of these email addresses. All such notices will be deemed sent on the date of transmission.
23.4. Any notices from PPG to initiate, terminate, and/or communicate about this AGREEMENT that are sent to SELF-PUBLISHER from a foreign email address not listed on the PPG invoice that corresponds with this AGREEMENT should be considered null and void, and should be ignored/deleted by SELF-PUBLISHER.
23.5. PPG and SELF-PUBLISHER are both responsible to maintain evidence showing the successful transmission and receipt of notices.
24. Copyright Infringement
24.1. If, during the term of this AGREEMENT, the copyright of TITLE is infringed upon in any way, SELF-PUBLISHER may commence action for copyright infringement at SELF-PUBLISHER’s sole expense. All recoveries made from such a litigation shall go to SELF-PUBLISHER as the copyright owner of TITLE. PPG will not commence any such action on SELF-PUBLISHER’s behalf, nor will PPG contribute to any legal expenses related to such a litigation.
25. Non-returnable and Non-refundable
25.1. Automatic Policy
All copies of TITLE that are sold through DISTRIBUTOR will automatically be marked as non-returnable and non-refundable unless otherwise specified by SELF-PUBLISHER pursuant to Section 23.
25.2. SELF-PUBLISHER reserves the right to act as a personal distributor for copies of TITLE purchased pursuant to Section 16, and to offer returnable, refundable, and/or consignment options to potential buyers of these copies at SELF-PUBLISHER’s sole discretion.
25.3. SELF-PUBLISHER Chooses Returnability: If SELF-PUBLISHER chooses to mark TITLE as returnable for traditional bookstores, SELF-PUBLISHER also accepts all possible liabilities and losses against royalties as a result. (You may wish to click here to download and read an ebook explaining the pros and cons of returnability before choosing this option, but it is not mandatory to this AGREEMENT.)
26. Amendments
26.1. PPG reserves the right to amend any portion of this AGREEMENT at any time, without notice. Any such modification shall be considered in effect once it is updated pursuant to Section 1.4. The PPG Work-Made-for-Hire Publishing Agreement version number and date will be changed each time an amendment is made.
26.2. SELF-PUBLISHER and PPG are bound to the terms of the AGREEMENT version number under which SELF-PUBLISHER initiated or renewed an AGREEMENT with PPG. SELF-PUBLISHER and PPG are responsible to maintain evidence of the applicable binding AGREEMENT. In the absence of such evidence, SELF-PUBLISHER and PPG agree to be bound to the most recent AGREEMENT pursuant to Section 1.4.
27. Commitment, Accessibility, and Deadlines
27.1. SELF-PUBLISHER commits to remaining active, accessible, and responsive throughout the project lifecycle. SELF-PUBLISHER understands that this is a collaborative process from beginning to end and agrees that all project stakeholders must meet their respective deadlines by completing all tasks and sending deliverables to PPG by 12:00 PM (NOON) Calgary time on the designated deadline date, pursuant to Section 23. PPG acknowledges that schedule adjustments may occasionally occur due to unforeseen variables and agrees to implement necessary measures to minimize and mitigate such fluctuations.
27.2. Project operations run on a seven (7) calendar days per week schedule. SELF-PUBLISHER explicitly acknowledges that deadlines may fall on weekends or statutory holidays and agrees to manage personal scheduling accordingly. PPG shall adjust scheduling during major holiday seasons (e.g., Christmas) to ensure no project deadlines fall within those observed periods.
28. Compliant File Formats and PPG File Naming Convention
28.1. SELF-PUBLISHER agrees to comply with the following production requirements as required by PPG for the timely processing of this AGREEMENT:
28.1.1. Compliant File Formats: SELF-PUBLISHER must comply with all requested file formats for submitted materials and must exclusively work with the most recent version of each production file, unless explicitly specified otherwise by PPG in writing pursuant to Section 23.
28.1.2. PPG File Naming Convention: Due to the high volume of communication and file transmissions exchanged among SELF-PUBLISHER, PPG, and VENDORS, uniform nomenclature is critical to maintain strict organizational control, prevent version confusion, ensure all digital assets remain easily searchable by all project stakeholders, and stay on deadline. Accordingly, SELF-PUBLISHER agrees to strictly follow the PPG File Naming Convention for all WORK-related files.
29. No Waiver of Compliance
29.1. The failure by PPG to insist upon the strict performance of any term, covenant, or condition of this AGREEMENT, or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, shall not constitute a waiver of any such breach or of such term, covenant, or condition. No waiver of any breach shall affect or alter this AGREEMENT, but each and every term, covenant, and condition of this AGREEMENT shall continue in full force and effect with respect to any other then-existing or subsequent breach thereof. Any waiver of a provision must be made expressly in writing pursuant to Section 23.
30. Governing Law
30.1. In the event of litigation between PPG and SELF-PUBLISHER, all parties agree that the Law of the Province of business registration of PPG shall apply and all parties shall consent to the jurisdiction of said Province’s courts: Alberta, CANADA.
31. Confidentiality Agreement
31.1. Definition and Duty of Confidentiality: PPG acknowledges that in the course of managing and executing the WORK under this AGREEMENT, PPG and its contracted VENDORS will receive from SELF-PUBLISHER, or create on behalf of SELF-PUBLISHER, confidential information regarding TITLE and the WORK. PPG agrees to maintain all such information in strict confidence and to bind its VENDORS to equivalent obligations. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, SELF-PUBLISHER’s legal name, pseudonym, personal contact information, intellectual property (including copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and proprietary concepts), draft manuscripts, financial details, and any additional items specifically designated in writing as confidential.
31.2. Exclusions and Survival: Confidential information does not include information that is or becomes standard industry knowledge, enters the public domain through no wrongful act of PPG or its VENDORS, is lawfully acquired from a third party with the right to disclose it, or is expressly approved in writing for public disclosure (including marketing, metadata, and portfolio distribution pursuant to Sections 2 and 11). The obligations under this Section 31 shall survive the expiration or termination of this AGREEMENT.
32. Assignment and Subcontracting
32.1. SELF-PUBLISHER shall not transfer, assign, or delegate any rights or obligations under this AGREEMENT to any other individual or entity without the prior written consent of PPG pursuant to Section 23. PPG reserves the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this AGREEMENT to its affiliated companies, successors, or vetted VENDORS to execute services under this AGREEMENT.
33. General Provisions (Severability, Force Majeure, & Third-Party Rights)
33.1. Severability: If any provision of this AGREEMENT is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this AGREEMENT shall remain in full force and effect.
33.2. Force Majeure: Neither PPG nor SELF-PUBLISHER shall be held liable for failure or delay in performing contractual duties caused by events beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, acts of God, war, pandemic, government actions, or severe system outages. The affected party must notify the other in writing pursuant to Section 23 as soon as reasonably practical.
33.3. Third-Party Rights: Except for DISTRIBUTORS and VENDORS explicitly named in this AGREEMENT, nothing in this AGREEMENT is intended to grant any rights, remedies, or enforcement powers to any third-party individual or entity.
34. Binding Signature
34.1. Pressing the “SUBMIT” button on the online form, or applying a handwritten or digital signature to a downloaded .PDF copy of this AGREEMENT and transmitting it via email pursuant to Section 23, constitutes SELF-PUBLISHER’s binding agreement to these terms.
34.2. This act confirms that SELF-PUBLISHER:
34.2.1. Has read and understood the AGREEMENT and consents to all the terms listed therein;
34.2.2. Has sent, or will send within five (5) business days, prepayment to PPG for all related services;
34.2.3. Has indicated (typed) or written all necessary information on the form; and
34.2.4. Confirms that all information provided to PPG for the purpose of this AGREEMENT is accurate, complete, and legally valid.
Pursuant to section 4.1, SELF-PUBLISHER may download a copy of this agreement in PDF format here: Polished Publishing Group (PPG) Work-Made-for-Hire Publishing Agreement v12.0 August 13, 2026. Alternatively, VENDOR can fill out the online form below.
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Work-Made-for-Hire Publishing Agreement
Work-Made-for-Hire Publishing Agreement