Awesome Indies Book Awards

Legal

1. Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Awesome Indies Book Awards (“AIBA”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy.

Information We Collect

We may collect:

  • Name and contact details (e.g., email address)
  • Book submission details
  • Correspondence sent to us
  • Mailing list subscription data (via third-party providers such as Mailchimp)

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Process submissions and communicate with authors and assessors
  • Manage mailing lists and send updates
  • Maintain records of submissions and awards
  • Improve our processes and services

Data Sharing

We do not sell or trade your personal information.

We may share limited information:

  • With assessors (only what is necessary for assessment)
  • With service providers (e.g., email platforms)
  • When required by law

Your personal details will not be shared publicly without your consent.

Data Storage

Data may be stored using third-party platforms (e.g., email providers, cloud storage). We take reasonable steps to ensure your information is handled securely.

Email Communications

If you subscribe to our mailing list:

  • You may receive updates, announcements, and promotional content
  • You can unsubscribe at any time using the link provided

Cookies

Our website may use basic cookies for functionality and analytics.

Your Rights

You may request:

  • Access to your personal data
  • Correction or deletion of your data

Please contact us via the website for such requests.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Continued use of the site indicates acceptance of any changes.

2. Terms of Service

Terms of Service

By using this website or submitting to AIBA, you agree to the following terms:

Nature of the Platform

AIBA is an independent, volunteer-led, non-commercial initiative. It is not a registered charity, business, or formal organisation.

Eligibility

Submissions must:

  • Be self-published or independently published
  • Be submitted in accordance with AIBA guidelines

We reserve the right to accept or decline any submission.

Assessments

  • Assessments are editorial in nature
  • They evaluate writing quality, not personal preference
  • Assessors are not required to provide detailed feedback

No Guarantee of Approval

Submission does not guarantee:

  • Approval
  • Feedback
  • Review
  • Timing of assessment

No Fees

AIBA does not charge submission fees.

Conduct

Users agree not to:

  • Send abusive, defamatory, or inappropriate communications
  • Attempt to interfere with site operations

We reserve the right to ignore or block inappropriate correspondence.

Intellectual Property

Authors retain full rights to their work.

By submitting, you grant AIBA permission to:

  • Display book details on the website
  • Promote approved works

Modifications

We may modify these terms at any time.

3. Disclaimer

Disclaimer

General Information

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only.

No Guarantees

AIBA makes no guarantees regarding:

  • Approval outcomes
  • Commercial success of any book
  • Accuracy or completeness of third-party information

Third-Party Services

We may list or reference:

  • Editors
  • Assessors
  • External organisations

These are:

  • Independent of AIBA
  • Not endorsed unless explicitly stated

Users engage with third parties at their own risk.

Assessments

Assessments:

  • Reflect the professional opinion of assessors
  • Are not definitive judgments of a book’s value

Limitation of Liability

AIBA is not liable for:

  • Any loss arising from use of the website or participation in the awards
  • Outcomes of submissions
  • Engagement with third-party services

4. General Awards Terms and Conditions

Awards Terms and Conditions

Submission Process

  • Submissions are accepted during designated periods
  • Submission does not guarantee assessment

Assessment

  • Books are assessed by qualified volunteer assessors
  • Additional assessments may be conducted at AIBA’s discretion

Approval Criteria

Books must meet AIBA’s standards in:

  • Editing and proofreading
  • Structure and storytelling
  • Writing quality
  • Presentation

Seal of Excellence

  • Reserved for outstanding works
  • May involve additional evaluation

No Resubmissions

Resubmissions of book copies for reassessment are not accepted, even if errors have been corrected.

Backlog and Timing

Due to limited assessor availability:

  • Assessments may take time
  • Some submissions may not be assessed

Star Ratings

Approved books may be assigned a star rating for consistency and visibility.

Publication of Results

Approved books:

  • May be listed on the AIBA website
  • May be promoted via mailing lists and other channels

Use of AIBA Badge

Authors may:

  • Use AIBA badges for approved books
  • Use them in marketing materials

Badges must not be used:

  • For unapproved works
  • In a misleading manner

Assessors and Conflicts of Interest

  • Assessors must declare conflicts of interest
  • They must not assess books where such conflicts exist

Independent Services

Assessors may offer independent services:

  • These are separate from AIBA
  • They do not influence outcomes

Changes to Awards Structure

AIBA reserves the right to:

  • Modify processes
  • Update criteria
  • Change submission procedures

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