Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: April 1, 2026

Welcome to The Blk Shelf (“we,” “our,” or “us”). By accessing or using our website, services, or submitting content for listing, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use this site.

1. PURPOSE OF THE PLATFORM

The Blk Shelf is a curated platform dedicated to amplifying and showcasing indie authors, with a primary focus on highlighting Black voices, stories, and perspectives.

Submission to or inclusion on the platform does not guarantee acceptance or continued placement.

2. ELIGIBILITY

By using this site or submitting content, you represent that:

  • You are at least 18 years old
  • You have the legal authority to enter into this agreement
  • You own or have the rights to submit and promote the content provided

3. SUBMISSIONS & LISTINGS

Authors may submit books and related information for consideration. By submitting, you agree that:

  • All information provided is accurate and truthful
  • You own or have permission to use all submitted content (including images, descriptions, and links)
  • Submission does not guarantee approval or publication on the platform

We reserve the right to approve, decline, or request modifications to any submission at our discretion.

4. CONTENT OWNERSHIP & LICENSE

You retain ownership of your content. However, by submitting to The Blk Shelf, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:

  • Display your book, images, and descriptions on our platform
  • Promote your work through our website, social media, and marketing materials

This license remains in effect for as long as your content is listed on the platform.

5. CONTENT STANDARDS

All submissions must align with our platform’s mission and standards. Content must not:

  • Infringe on any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights
  • Contain unlawful material
  • Promote hate, violence, or harmful behavior
  • Include misleading, deceptive, or false information

We reserve the right to determine whether content meets these standards.

6. CONTENT REMOVAL POLICY

We reserve the right to remove any book, author profile, or listing at any time, with or without notice, for reasons including but not limited to:

  • Misalignment with our platform’s mission, values, or audience focus
  • Submission of false, misleading, or incomplete information
  • Alleged or confirmed violations of intellectual property rights
  • Content that is harmful, offensive, promotes hate, or encourages violence
  • Violations of our community standards or user guidelines
  • Failure to meet or maintain quality or formatting standards
  • Inactive, outdated, or inaccessible listings
  • Legal or compliance requirements, including valid takedown requests
  • Breach of payment terms or submission agreements (if applicable)

We maintain full discretion in determining whether content meets our standards and aligns with our platform’s purpose.

7. FEES & PAYMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

If The Blk Shelf charges fees for listings or promotional services:

  • All fees will be clearly disclosed prior to purchase
  • Payments are non-refundable unless otherwise stated
  • Failure to comply with payment terms may result in removal of listings

8. NO GUARANTEE OF RESULTS

We do not guarantee:

  • Book sales
  • Visibility levels
  • Reader engagement
  • Placement duration

The Blk Shelf serves as a promotional platform, not a sales or distribution guarantee.

9. USER CONDUCT

You agree not to:

  • Use the platform for unlawful purposes
  • Attempt to disrupt or interfere with site functionality
  • Harass, abuse, or harm other users or contributors
  • Submit spam, fraudulent, or malicious content

10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (SITE CONTENT)

All content on The Blk Shelf website (excluding submitted author content), including branding, design, logos, and written material, is the property of The Blk Shelf and may not be copied, reproduced, or used without permission.

11. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our site may include links to third-party websites (e.g., Amazon, author websites). We are not responsible for:

  • The content of those sites
  • Transactions made on external platforms
  • Any damages or issues resulting from third-party use

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Blk Shelf shall not be liable for:

  • Any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Loss of revenue, profits, or data
  • Issues arising from the use or inability to use the platform

Use of the site is at your own risk.

13. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Blk Shelf and its partners from any claims, damages, or legal disputes arising from:

  • Your submitted content
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your infringement of any rights of a third party

14. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of the platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of those changes.

15. TERMINATION

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access to the platform at our discretion, without notice, for violations of these Terms.

16. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the United States

17. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact:

The Blk Shelf
theblkshelfbooks@gmail.com
https://www.theblkshelf.com