Terms of Service

Chapter Chronicles is a digital publishing platform that enables authors to publish serial novels, monetize their content through subscription-based memberships, and engage with their audience. Our mission is to empower authors and provide readers with access to exclusive serialized content. Below are our Terms of Service (“Terms”), which govern your use of the Chapter Chronicles platform. Please read them carefully. Summaries are provided above each section for convenience but are not legally binding. The full text of each section governs our relationship.

1. Acceptance of Terms

Summary: By using Chapter Chronicles, you agree to these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and all applicable laws.

These Terms of Service constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Chapter Chronicles LLC (“Chapter Chronicles,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using the Chapter Chronicles platform (including our website, mobile applications, APIs, and related services, collectively the “Platform”), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.

These Terms apply to all users of the Platform, including Authors (those who create and publish content), Subscribers (those who purchase access to content), and visitors. Additional terms may apply to specific services or features, which will be presented to you at the time of use.

2. Definitions

Summary: Key terms used throughout these Terms are defined here.

3. Eligibility and Account Requirements

Summary: You must be at least 13 years old to use the Platform, and at least 18 to become an Author or Subscriber. You are responsible for your account security.

3.1 Age Requirements

You must be at least 13 years of age to create an account or use the Platform. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have the permission and supervision of a parent or legal guardian to use the Platform. You may not use the Platform if you are under 13 years of age, in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

To become an Author and publish content for sale, or to become a Subscriber and purchase Memberships, you must be at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher).

3.2 Account Registration and Security

When you create an account, you must provide accurate, current, and complete information. You agree to update your information promptly if it changes. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to or use of your account.

You may not: (a) use another person's account without permission; (b) create multiple accounts to evade enforcement actions; (c) sell, trade, or transfer your account to another person; or (d) use automated means to create accounts.

3.3 Verification

We may require you to verify your identity or provide additional information before you can access certain features, particularly those involving payments. Authors must complete identity verification through our payment processor (Stripe) before receiving payouts.

4. Platform Description

Summary: Chapter Chronicles is a B2B2C platform connecting Authors with Subscribers through subscription-based content.

Chapter Chronicles is a digital publishing and membership platform that enables Authors to publish serialized fiction, create subscription tiers (Memberships), and monetize their work. Subscribers can discover Stories, subscribe to their favorite Authors, and access exclusive gated Chapters. The Platform provides tools for content management, payment processing, analytics, and community engagement.

We act as an intermediary platform, facilitating transactions between Authors and Subscribers. We do not pre-screen User Content, but we reserve the right to review, monitor, remove, or restrict access to any content that violates these Terms or applicable laws.

5. Prohibited Conduct and Content

Summary: You must comply with our policies and applicable laws. Certain content and conduct are prohibited. Mature content is allowed with restrictions (see Adult and Mature Content Policy).

You are responsible for all activities conducted through your account. You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:

Violations of these Terms may result in immediate suspension or termination of your account, removal of content, withholding of funds, and/or legal action. We reserve the right to investigate violations and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.

5.3 Adult and Mature Content Policy

Chapter Chronicles is a fiction platform that allows mature content, including sexual themes, violence, and adult language, provided it complies with our payment processor policies and applicable laws.

Allowed Mature Content

Authors may publish fiction containing:

All mature content must be properly tagged with content warnings by the Author (see Section 6.8).

Prohibited Content

The following types of content are strictly prohibited:

Content Moderation and Enforcement

We reserve the right to review flagged content and remove or restrict access to content that violates this policy or our payment processor's (Stripe) acceptable use policies. Content may be removed if it jeopardizes our payment processing relationships or violates applicable laws.

Authors who repeatedly violate this policy may have their accounts suspended or terminated, and may forfeit pending payouts. We may also report illegal content (such as CSAM) to law enforcement authorities as required by law.

Age Verification

Subscribers acknowledge that they are at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in their jurisdiction) when accessing content tagged as “Mature” or “18+.” Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring minors' use of the Platform.

6. Author Terms

Summary: Authors create content, manage Memberships, and receive payouts. Specific terms apply to payments, fees, taxes, and content restrictions.

6.1 Author Accounts and Content Creation

Authors can create an author profile, publish Stories and Chapters, create Membership tiers with monthly subscription pricing, and interact with Subscribers through comments and announcements. Authors are solely responsible for all content they upload and represent that they have all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions to publish such content on the Platform.

6.2 Memberships and Access Control

Authors may create one or more Membership tiers, each with a monthly subscription price. Authors control which Chapters are public (free) and which are gated (require an active Membership). Authors are responsible for delivering the content and benefits promised to Subscribers.

Authors must honor active Memberships and may not remove access to previously published content for existing Subscribers unless that content violates these Terms or applicable laws.

6.3 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through Stripe, our third-party payment processor. Authors must create and maintain a Stripe Connect account to receive payouts. By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by Stripe's Services Agreement and Stripe Connect Account Agreement, as may be modified by Stripe from time to time.

Chapter Chronicles collects payments from Subscribers on behalf of Authors. We are not responsible for payment processing errors, failures, or disputes, which are handled by Stripe in accordance with their terms.

6.4 Platform Fees and Revenue Share

Chapter Chronicles charges a simple, all-inclusive platform fee:

Platform Fee: 6% of gross subscription revenue + $0.50 per transaction

This platform fee is all-inclusive. We handle all payment processing costs (Stripe fees) on your behalf. There are no additional deductions from your earnings for payment processing.

How it works: Authors set their own subscription prices. For each subscription, we deduct 6% of the subscription amount plus $0.50, and you receive the remainder.

Additional fees: Standard Stripe Connect payout fees may apply when transferring funds from your Stripe Connect account to your bank account (typically free for US bank accounts; fees may apply for international or instant payouts). These payout fees are separate from the platform fee and are charged by Stripe, not Chapter Chronicles.

All fees are subject to change with 30 days' advance notice. Current fee schedules are available in your Author Dashboard.

6.5 Payouts and Payout Schedule

Payouts are processed by Stripe according to their standard payout schedule (typically 2-7 business days after a transaction, depending on your bank and location). We do not control Stripe's payout timing.

We may delay, withhold, or reverse payouts if: (a) we suspect fraud, illegal activity, or Terms violations; (b) we receive chargebacks or refund requests; (c) your account has a negative balance due to chargebacks or refunds; (d) we are required to do so by law or court order; or (e) your Stripe Connect account is not in good standing.

Authors are responsible for any negative balance resulting from chargebacks, refunds, or fee adjustments. We may deduct negative balances from future earnings or pursue collection.

6.6 Taxes and Tax Reporting

Sales Tax (Chapter Chronicles' Responsibility): Chapter Chronicles operates as a marketplace facilitator and is responsible for collecting, filing, and remitting all applicable sales tax, VAT, and GST on subscription transactions. Authors do not need to register for sales tax, collect sales tax from subscribers, or file sales tax returns for revenue earned through the Platform.

Income Tax (Author Responsibility): Authors are solely responsible for determining and paying all income taxes applicable to their earnings from the Platform, including income tax, self-employment tax, and any other taxes required in their jurisdiction. The revenue you receive has already had the platform fee deducted (subscription price - 6% - $0.50).

For US-based Authors, we will issue IRS Form 1099-K (through Stripe) if you meet the reporting threshold ($600+ in annual earnings). You are responsible for providing accurate tax information (W-9 form for US persons, W-8BEN for non-US persons) through your Stripe Connect account.

6.7 Content Restrictions and Author Obligations

In addition to the general Prohibited Conduct and Adult Content Policy provisions (Section 5), Authors must ensure their content complies with all applicable laws and payment processor policies. Authors are required to:

Authors must promptly respond to copyright infringement notices (DMCA takedown requests), content reports, and disputes from Subscribers. Repeated infringement may result in account termination under our DMCA repeat infringer policy (see Section 9). Failure to comply with content policies may result in content removal, account suspension, or forfeiture of payouts.

6.8 Cover Images and Public-Facing Content

All cover images, author profile pictures, banners, story descriptions, and other public-facing content must be appropriate for general audiences and safe for work (SFW). Public-facing content must be free of:

Cover art for mature stories may hint at themes appropriate to the genre (e.g., shirtless figures for romance, weapons for fantasy) but must not depict explicit sexual content, full nudity, or graphic violence. Cover images should be comparable to what would be acceptable on a bookstore shelf or mainstream e-commerce site.

Violations of this policy may result in cover images being removed or stories being delisted from public discovery until compliant artwork is provided.

7. Subscriber Terms

Summary: Subscribers purchase Memberships to access exclusive content. Subscriptions renew automatically, and specific refund and cancellation policies apply.

7.1 Memberships and Subscriptions

Subscribers may purchase Memberships to access gated content from Authors. Memberships are subscription-based and renew automatically each month on the anniversary of your initial purchase, unless canceled before the renewal date.

By purchasing a Membership, you authorize Chapter Chronicles (through Stripe) to charge your payment method on a recurring monthly basis. You are responsible for maintaining current payment information. If your payment method fails, we may suspend your Membership until payment is received.

7.2 Cancellation and Refunds

You may cancel your Membership at any time through your account settings. Cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing cycle. You will retain access to gated content until the end of the paid period. We do not provide prorated refunds for partial months.

Refund Policy: All Membership purchases are generally final and non-refundable, except in the following circumstances:

Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of the charge and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to refuse refund requests that do not meet these criteria or that we determine to be abusive.

7.3 Content Access and Restrictions

Your Membership grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and view gated content for your personal, non-commercial use only. You may not:

Authors retain all rights to their content. If an Author removes content or terminates their account, you may lose access to that content, and no refund will be provided unless required by Section 7.2.

8. Intellectual Property

Summary: Authors retain ownership of their content. The Platform owns its software and branding. Users grant us a limited license to operate the Platform.

8.1 User Content Ownership

You retain all ownership rights to User Content you upload to the Platform. You represent and warrant that you own or have all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions to upload and publish your User Content, and that your User Content does not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights.

8.2 License Grant to Chapter Chronicles

By uploading User Content to the Platform, you grant Chapter Chronicles a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, display, perform, and create derivative works from your User Content solely for the purposes of:

This license terminates when you delete your User Content or close your account, except to the extent we are required to retain copies for legal compliance or backup purposes.

8.3 Platform Content Ownership

The Platform itself, including all software, text, graphics, logos, trademarks, service marks, and other content provided by Chapter Chronicles (collectively, “Platform Content”), is owned by Chapter Chronicles and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or reverse engineer any Platform Content without our express written permission.

8.4 AI Training and Content Protection

Chapter Chronicles respects the intellectual property and creative rights of authors. We are committed to protecting your content from unauthorized use for artificial intelligence training purposes.

No AI Training on Author Content

Chapter Chronicles does NOT use User Content (including stories, chapters, and other creative works created by authors) to train artificial intelligence models, large language models (LLMs), machine learning algorithms, or similar technologies. The license you grant us in Section 8.2 explicitly excludes the right to use your creative content for AI training purposes.

Your stories and creative works belong to you, and we will not sell, license, or provide your content to third parties for AI training without your explicit consent.

AI Bot Protection

To protect author content from unauthorized scraping by AI training bots, we implement the following measures:

Please note that public chapters (those marked as free/public by authors) may be indexed by search engines and may be accessible to web crawlers that do not respect robots.txt directives. We recommend keeping premium content gated to maximize protection.

Platform Data and Analytics

While we do not use your creative content for AI training, we may use non-creative platform data (such as aggregated analytics, usage patterns, and performance metrics) to improve our Services through machine learning techniques. This does not include your stories, chapters, or creative writing.

8.5 Feedback and Suggestions

If you provide us with feedback, suggestions, or ideas about the Platform, you grant us an unrestricted, perpetual, irrevocable license to use, modify, and incorporate such feedback without compensation or attribution to you.

9. DMCA and Copyright Infringement

Summary: We comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). We will remove infringing content and may terminate repeat infringers.

9.1 DMCA Compliance

Chapter Chronicles respects the intellectual property rights of others and complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), 17 U.S.C. § 512. If you believe that your copyrighted work has been infringed on our Platform, you may submit a DMCA takedown notice to our designated Copyright Agent.

9.2 Filing a DMCA Takedown Notice

To file a DMCA takedown notice, you must provide the following information in writing:

Send DMCA notices to our Copyright Agent at:
Email: dmca@chapterchronicles.com
Address: Chapter Chronicles LLC, DMCA Agent, 1301 N Broadway STE 32412, Los Angeles, CA 90012

9.3 Counter-Notification

If your content was removed due to a DMCA takedown notice and you believe the removal was erroneous, you may file a counter-notification containing:

Upon receiving a valid counter-notification, we will forward it to the original complainant. If the complainant does not file a court action within 10-14 business days, we may restore the removed content.

9.4 Repeat Infringer Policy

We will terminate the accounts of users who are found to be repeat copyright infringers. A user may be considered a repeat infringer if they receive multiple valid DMCA takedown notices or are found to have repeatedly uploaded infringing content.

10. Third-Party Services and Integrations

Summary: We use third-party services (Stripe, Vercel, etc.). You may be subject to their terms and privacy policies.

The Platform integrates with and relies on third-party services, including:

Your use of these third-party services is subject to their respective terms of service and privacy policies. We are not responsible for the acts, omissions, or policies of third-party service providers. If you connect third-party applications or services to your Chapter Chronicles account, you authorize those services to access your data in accordance with their permissions.

11. Privacy and Data Protection

Summary: We collect and process your data as described in our Privacy Policy. We comply with GDPR and CCPA.

Our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using the Platform, you consent to the practices described in our Privacy Policy.

We comply with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European users and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents. You have rights to access, correct, delete, and export your personal data as described in our Privacy Policy.

12. Platform Availability and Changes

Summary: We may modify the Platform, suspend service, or make changes to these Terms. We'll notify you of material changes.

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Platform at any time, with or without notice. We may perform scheduled or emergency maintenance that temporarily restricts access. We are not liable for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the Platform.

We may update these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you by email or by posting a notice on the Platform at least 30 days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you must stop using the Platform and may close your account.

13. Disclaimers and Warranties

Summary: The Platform is provided “as is” without warranties. We are not responsible for User Content or Author actions.

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free, or that defects will be corrected. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any User Content. You use the Platform at your own risk.

Chapter Chronicles is a platform that facilitates connections between Authors and Subscribers. We are not a party to the relationship between Authors and Subscribers. We do not pre-screen, approve, or endorse User Content. Authors are solely responsible for the content they publish and the benefits they promise to Subscribers. We are not responsible for Author conduct, content quality, or fulfillment of Membership benefits.

14. Limitation of Liability

Summary: Our liability is limited. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CHAPTER CHRONICLES, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, OR USE, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM, WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS OR THE PLATFORM WILL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR (B) $100.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

15. Indemnification

Summary: You agree to defend and indemnify Chapter Chronicles against claims arising from your use of the Platform or your User Content.

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Chapter Chronicles, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to:

We reserve the right to assume exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by you, in which case you agree to cooperate with our defense of such claim.

16. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

Summary: These Terms are governed by California law. Disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration or in California courts.

16.1 Governing Law

These Terms and your use of the Platform will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

16.2 Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution: Before filing a formal dispute, you agree to contact us at legal@chapterchronicles.com to attempt to resolve the issue informally. We commit to working with you in good faith to resolve disputes.

Binding Arbitration: If informal resolution is unsuccessful, any dispute arising out of or related to these Terms or the Platform will be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitration will be conducted in San Francisco, California, or remotely via videoconference. Each party will bear its own costs and attorneys' fees, except that we will reimburse your filing fees if your claim is for less than $10,000 and you certify that you cannot afford to pay them.

Exceptions to Arbitration: Either party may bring a claim in small claims court if it qualifies. Additionally, either party may seek injunctive or equitable relief in court to protect intellectual property rights or prevent unauthorized use of the Platform.

Class Action Waiver: You agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action. You waive your right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

16.3 Jurisdiction and Venue

If arbitration does not apply or is found unenforceable, you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in San Francisco County, California, and waive any objection to venue or inconvenient forum.

17. Termination

Summary: You or we may terminate your account at any time. Certain provisions survive termination.

17.1 Termination by You

You may close your account at any time through your account settings. Upon account closure, you will lose access to the Platform and your User Content. We may retain copies of your data for legal compliance, backup, or fraud prevention purposes as described in our Privacy Policy. If you are an Author with active Subscribers, you must cancel all Subscriptions and fulfill your obligations before closing your account, or those Subscribers may be entitled to refunds.

17.2 Termination by Us

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account, remove your User Content, or restrict your access to the Platform at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including:

If your account is terminated for Terms violations, you may not be entitled to any refunds or payouts, and we may withhold funds as necessary to cover chargebacks, refunds, or other liabilities.

17.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to access and use the Platform immediately ceases. Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination will survive, including: intellectual property provisions, disclaimers, limitations of liability, indemnification, dispute resolution, and these termination provisions.

18. General Provisions

18.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional terms or policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and Chapter Chronicles regarding the Platform and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, or communications.

18.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.

18.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms will not constitute a waiver of that provision or our right to enforce it in the future. No waiver will be effective unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Chapter Chronicles.

18.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your account without our prior written consent. We may assign or transfer these Terms or our rights and obligations hereunder to any affiliate or in connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, without your consent.

18.5 No Agency Relationship

No agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship is created between you and Chapter Chronicles as a result of these Terms or your use of the Platform. You have no authority to bind Chapter Chronicles in any way.

18.6 Force Majeure

We will not be liable for any delay or failure to perform our obligations under these Terms due to causes beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, pandemics, strikes, or shortages of transportation, facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.

18.7 Electronic Communications

By using the Platform, you consent to receive electronic communications from us, including emails, notifications, and announcements. You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide to you electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

19. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Chapter Chronicles LLC
Email: legal@chapterchronicles.com
Support: support@chapterchronicles.com
DMCA Notices: dmca@chapterchronicles.com
Address: 1301 N Broadway STE 32412, Los Angeles, CA 90012

We are committed to accessibility for users with disabilities. If you experience accessibility issues or need assistance, please contact support@chapterchronicles.com.

Thank you for using Chapter Chronicles. These Terms were last updated on January 1, 2025.