Clear boundaries protect creativity.

These Terms of Service outline the terms that govern your use of the Black Ember Press website, purchases made through our online shop, and any publishing or photography services provided by Black Ember Press.

Please read these Terms carefully before using this website or any related services. By accessing or using the website, purchasing products, or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please refrain from using the website or services.

About Black Ember Press

Black Ember Press is an independent publishing house centered on thoughtful, emotionally honest work rooted in humanity and lived experience. Our primary work includes publishing books and related products, along with limited publishing support and occasional photography services.

You must be at least 18 years old to purchase products or engage services, or have the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian if under 18.

Acceptable Use

You agree not to use this website for any unlawful purpose or in any way that disrupts, damages, or interferes with its operation. This includes violating applicable laws, infringing upon intellectual property rights, attempting unauthorized access, or transmitting harmful or malicious software.

Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, content created by or for Black Ember Press and displayed on this website, including text, graphics, logos, designs, photographs, and other original creative materials, is owned by Black Ember Press or used with permission and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

The publication, sale, or promotion of a book through Black Ember Press does not automatically transfer an author's copyright to Black Ember Press. Copyright ownership and publishing rights for individual works are governed by the applicable publishing agreement.

Publishing

Black Ember Press publishes selected works under separate written agreements with authors.

From time to time, Black Ember Press may also provide limited publishing guidance, consulting, editorial coordination, design coordination, or related support. Unless otherwise stated in a written agreement, authors retain ownership of their original manuscripts and intellectual property.

Any publishing relationship, rights granted, royalties, distribution arrangements, production responsibilities, or other material terms will be governed by a separate written agreement when applicable.

Photography

Black Ember Press may occasionally accept select photography projects.

Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, Black Ember Press retains copyright ownership of photographs created through commissioned photography services and grants the client a nonexclusive license for personal, noncommercial use.

Commercial usage, publication, licensing, reproduction, or other uses may require additional written permission or a separate agreement.

Services, Payments, and Cancellations

Availability of publishing support, photography, consultations, or other creative services is not guaranteed.

When services are offered, a deposit, retainer, or full payment may be required before work begins or a date is reserved. Custom projects may require a written quote or agreement.

Unless otherwise stated in writing, deposits and retainers may be nonrefundable once work has begun or time has been reserved.

If Black Ember Press must cancel or reschedule a booked service due to unforeseen circumstances, reasonable efforts will be made to reschedule the service or refund payments applicable to services that cannot be provided.

Additional terms contained in a signed contract or project agreement will control if they differ from these general Terms of Service.

Shop and Product Orders

All orders are subject to availability.

Unless otherwise stated, book, print, digital product, and other merchandise sales are final.

If a physical product arrives damaged or defective, please contact Black Ember Press within 14 days of delivery with your order information and photographs showing the damage or defect so we can determine whether a replacement is appropriate.

Digital products may not be reproduced, distributed, resold, shared, or used commercially without written permission.

Third-Party Links and Services

This website may contain links to third-party websites, retailers, platforms, or services. Black Ember Press is not responsible for the content, availability, privacy practices, policies, or transactions of third-party websites.

This website may also contain affiliate links. Black Ember Press may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through certain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

The website and its content are provided on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Black Ember Press makes no guarantee that the website will always be available, uninterrupted, or error-free.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Black Ember Press shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising from your use of the website, products, or services.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or limit rights or liabilities that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Oregon, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Changes to These Terms

Black Ember Press may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our business, services, legal obligations, or website practices.

Material changes will become effective when posted or on the effective date identified in the updated Terms.

Contact

Questions regarding these Terms may be directed to:

Black Ember Press
info@blackemberpress.com

Last updated: August 2026