Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of coaching and editorial services (“Services”) provided by Elaine O’Neill (“I,” “me,” or “Elaine”), the Non‑Fiction Book Coach. By enrolling in any Service, you agree to follow and be bound by these Terms.

1. Services Overview

I offer the following services:

  • 12‑Week Book Idea to Manuscript Programme

  • Individual Coaching & Editorial Support

  • Structural editing and developmental feedback on non‑fiction manuscripts

Detailed descriptions of each option are available on the Services page of my website.

2. Fees & Payment

All fees are payable in full before the service begins.

3. Refunds & Cancellations

12‑Week Programme and Developmental Review: All payments are non-refundable once the service starts.

1:1 Coaching sessions: Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the session begins may be eligible for a partial refund (minus admin fees); once started, no refunds apply.

If you need to cancel before the start date, please notify me promptly.

4. Session Scheduling & Rescheduling

Sessions are booked at mutually agreed times.

1:1 Coaching sessions: You may reschedule a session with at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice, or no-shows, will be forfeited.

12-Week Programme: Only one session of the six 1:1 calls can be rescheduled. This is to ensure completion within the 12-week timeframe and to maintain accountability of work delivery. Any other non-attendance will result in forfeiting of the session.

All sessions must be used within their booked timeframe unless otherwise arranged.

5. Deliverables & Deadlines

For the 12‑Week Programme:

  • You will receive a schedule outlining chapter deadlines and session dates.

  • You commit to submitting chapters on time; light feedback will be provided as you go.

  • After all chapters are received, I will perform a full developmental edit on the complete manuscript draft.

For other Services:

Deliverables and timelines will be detailed in your email confirmation.

6. Client & Coach Commitments

You agree to:

  • Attend scheduled sessions punctually and prepared

  • Commit to meeting deadlines and completing work between sessions

  • Act on feedback and invest effort into your manuscript

I agree to:

  • Provide constructive, honest feedback aligned with your voice and goals

  • Guide you in structure, strategy, motivation, and accountability

  • Keep all personal information and manuscript content confidential

7. Intellectual Property

You retain all rights and ownership of the material you create.

I will not repurpose, share, or distribute your work, in whole or part, without your explicit written consent.

8. Confidentiality & Privacy

All coaching sessions, written exchanges, and manuscript content remain confidential. Your personal information is handled in accordance with GDPR and other applicable laws. For my full privacy policy, please refer to the link in the website footer.

9. Liability & Disclaimer

This is a coaching and editorial service; it does not guarantee publication, representation, or commercial success.

I am not responsible for your decisions or the outcomes of your publishing journey.

You are responsible for independently verifying any advice, especially regarding agents, publishers, or legal matters.

10. Dispute Resolution

Both parties commit to respectful, open communication to resolve any issues.

If necessary, disputes will first be addressed through mediation prior to any legal action.

11. Changes to Terms

I reserve the right to update these Terms at any time.

Significant changes affecting existing clients will be communicated in writing, with the option to continue under the revised Terms or conclude services under the prior version.

Contact & Acceptance

By booking any service you indicate your agreement to these Terms.

Please review them carefully and ask any questions before enrolling.