Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy, set forth the terms governing your relationship with BubbleCow when you use our website, engage our editorial services, apply for and take part in the Fiction Developmental Editor Training, or request and take part in the Self-Editing Course. By using our website or purchasing any of our services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions.

2. Definitions

• Manuscript: The author's submitted work in a digital format.
• Editor: The professional assigned by BubbleCow to perform the chosen service.
• Author: The individual or entity submitting a manuscript for editorial services.
• Applicant: A person who submits a written application for the Fiction Developmental Editor Training.
• Trainee: An applicant who is offered a place, accepts that place, agrees to these Terms and Conditions, and makes the required first payment.
• Training: The Fiction Developmental Editor Training.
• Training Materials: PDF lessons, assignment briefs, templates, exercises, examples, and fictional or authorised practice manuscripts supplied as part of the Training.
• Application Form: The written application sent by Gary Smailes after a person registers their email address.
• Training Fee: The price for the Training under the payment option and currency agreed when a place is accepted.
• Self-Editing Course: The four-week online fiction self-editing course beginning on 1 August 2026.
• Course Participant: A person who is offered a Self-Editing Course place, accepts that place, agrees to these Terms and Conditions, and makes the required first payment.
• Course Materials: The practice manuscript, guides, checklists, exercises, editing notes, recordings, worksheet, and formatting guide supplied as part of the Self-Editing Course.
• Course Fee: The regional price displayed for the Self-Editing Course: $200 USD, £150 GBP, or €180 EUR.
• Working Day: Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays in England.

3. Editorial Services

3.1 Developmental Editing

3.1.1 Scope

For the fee paid by the author, BubbleCow provides a one-time Developmental Edit of the submitted manuscript, based on the word count specified at submission. This fee covers a thorough analysis of structure, content, and overall development, including the accompanying editor's report and all related pre- and post-edit communication.

3.1.2 Payment and Assignment

BubbleCow requires correct payment before starting the service. Payment may be split into two portions, typically half due upon submission and the balance upon completion. We will assign the most suitable editor for the manuscript based on our internal assessment. Our choice of editor is final and not open to negotiation.

3.1.3 Manuscript Submission

No amendments to the manuscript will be accepted once it has been assigned to an editor. Manuscripts must be in a commonly used digital format (e.g., Microsoft Word). We do not accept paper submissions or PDF files. We reserve the right to refuse manuscripts if no suitable editor is available.

3.1.4 Timeline

We aim to complete the Developmental Edit within twenty-eight business days of payment but cannot guarantee this timeframe. Should we need more time, we will inform the author via email at the earliest opportunity.

3.1.5 Clarification

If the Developmental Edit is considered unclear by both the author and BubbleCow, we will seek additional clarification from the editor and provide further guidance as required.

3.1.6 Revisions

We offer unlimited revisions for Developmental Editing, focusing on clarifications, minor adjustments, and manuscript refinement. Major rewrites, significant structural changes, or new content additions fall outside this scope and may incur additional charges.

3.4 Author's Final Responsibility

You, as the author, remain solely responsible for accepting or rejecting any editorial suggestions or changes. BubbleCow shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, or legal issues in the final manuscript after our editing or assessment is complete.

4. Fiction Developmental Editor Training

4.1 Applications and Contract Formation

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Registering an email address starts the application process only. It does not reserve a place, guarantee acceptance, create a contract, or require payment. Submitting an Application Form does not guarantee acceptance. A contract is formed and a place is secured only when BubbleCow offers the applicant a place and the applicant accepts the offer, agrees to these Terms and Conditions, and makes the required first payment.

Before any payment, BubbleCow will provide the applicant with information they can keep that sets out the agreed start date, teaching dates, planned breaks, selected price, exact payment schedule, current course outline and core outputs, and any other acceptance information forming part of the offer.

4.2 Training Delivery

The Training is delivered online as 13 individually scheduled teaching weeks. It does not run as a cohort. Gary Smailes and the trainee agree the exact teaching dates and any planned breaks before the Training begins. A planned break does not count as a teaching week, so the elapsed period may be longer than 13 calendar weeks.

The curriculum has five phases: Foundations in Weeks 1 and 2; the Editorial Toolkit in Weeks 3 to 8; the Capstone Editorial Project in Weeks 9 and 10; Building the Freelance Business in Weeks 11 and 12; and Review and Next Steps in Week 13.

Each teaching week includes PDF lessons, practical editorial work, one combined weekly assignment, and one 30–45-minute one-to-one tutorial. The trainee completes the lessons and exercises, then sends the agreed work and any questions before the tutorial. The capstone editorial project takes place during Weeks 9 and 10 and includes an evidence-based manuscript diagnosis, a professional editorial report, and an editorial roadmap.

Weeks 11 and 12 cover business positioning, defining a service offer, professional presence, marketing strategy, and a practical 90-day marketing plan. Week 13 includes a final review and professional development plan.

4.3 Tutorials and Feedback

Each weekly tutorial lasts 30–45 minutes and focuses on the trainee's questions, practical work, editorial decisions, and next priorities. Gary provides formative feedback during these tutorials. The capstone diagnosis and editorial report are assessed. The Training does not promise separate written feedback or unlimited review passes for each weekly assignment.

Requests to change an assignment deadline or tutorial date must be made as early as possible and agreed with Gary rather than assumed. Replacement dates are subject to availability. If BubbleCow cancels a tutorial, it will be rearranged.

4.4 Confidentiality

Practice manuscripts supplied for the Training will be fictional or authorised for training. Trainees must keep Training manuscripts, author information, and other confidential material private. They must not copy, publish, distribute, share, or upload confidential material to an AI tool or other third-party service without clear permission.

4.5 Curriculum

BubbleCow may make minor, reasonable adjustments to examples, exercises, assignment scope, lesson sequencing, and the time spent on individual topics in response to the trainee's progress or practical needs. The scope and deadline of each assignment, and the length and genre of the capstone manuscript, will be confirmed before the relevant work begins. BubbleCow will tell the trainee about a curriculum adjustment as soon as reasonably practicable.

Reasonable adjustments will not remove or materially reduce the 13 teaching weeks, weekly tutorial entitlement, combined weekly assignments, capstone project in Weeks 9 and 10, business-positioning and marketing training in Weeks 11 and 12, Week 13 review, or the core learning outcomes included in the course outline provided with the written offer. Any other material curriculum change must be expressly agreed in writing by BubbleCow and the trainee.

4.6 Use of Artificial Intelligence

AI tools may support administration, brainstorming, and checking, but they must not replace the trainee's editorial decisions. Trainees must perform their own editorial diagnosis, exercise their own judgement, write submitted work themselves, disclose material AI assistance, and avoid uploading confidential material without clear permission. Undisclosed AI-generated assignments may be rejected.

4.7 Training Materials and Intellectual Property

BubbleCow owns or licenses the Training Materials and grants each trainee a personal, limited, non-transferable licence to use them for participation in the Training. Training Materials must not be published, shared, sold, taught, or otherwise distributed. Trainees retain copyright in their original assignment work. BubbleCow will obtain separate permission before publishing or using a trainee's work for promotion.

4.8 Conduct

Trainees must behave professionally, protect confidential information and Training Materials, complete their own work, and comply with the Training's AI rules. BubbleCow may give a written warning or, for serious or repeated misconduct, remove a trainee from the Training. Any financial consequences of removal will be assessed fairly in light of the services supplied, BubbleCow's direct loss, and the trainee's statutory rights.

4.9 Client Readiness, Business Outcomes and Limitations

The Training teaches trainees to position a freelance developmental editing business, identify suitable clients, define a service offer and professional policies, create a professional presence and marketing message, develop a long-term marketing strategy, and produce a practical 90-day marketing and lead-tracking plan.

Week 13 includes a review of the trainee's progress, readiness, remaining areas for practice, and professional development plan. Completion does not automatically make a trainee ready to accept paid work. The Training does not provide a certificate or formal accreditation and does not guarantee clients, income, employment, business success, or publishing outcomes. Any business guidance is general rather than jurisdiction-specific legal, tax, accounting, insurance, or financial advice, and trainees remain responsible for their own professional and business decisions.

4.10 Training Payment

The Training Fee is payable only after an application has been accepted and the applicant chooses to take up the offered place. Every payment option provides the same Training.

• US dollars and default pricing: three payments of $900 ($2,700 total), two payments of $1,275 ($2,550 total), or $2,400 paid in full.
• UK pounds: three payments of £675 (£2,025 total), two payments of £950 (£1,900 total), or £1,800 paid in full.
• Euros: three payments of €800 (€2,400 total), two payments of €1,125 (€2,250 total), or €2,100 paid in full.

• Three-payment option: the first payment is due when the applicant accepts the offer, before Week 1. The second payment is due at the start of Week 5 and the third at the start of Week 9.
• Two-payment option: the first payment is due when the applicant accepts the offer, before Week 1. The second payment is due at the start of Week 7.
• Paid in full: the full fee is due when the applicant accepts the offer.

The corresponding calendar dates are set out in the durable acceptance information provided before any payment and follow the trainee's individually agreed teaching schedule. Planned breaks do not count as teaching weeks. Any later change to an instalment date must be expressly agreed in writing by BubbleCow and the trainee.

Instalments are a payment schedule for one Training course rather than separate purchases of individual teaching weeks. BubbleCow may pause access to future Training Materials and tutorials after giving notice of an overdue payment.

4.11 Cancellation and Withdrawal

Information about any statutory cancellation right, how to cancel, and the financial effect of asking BubbleCow to begin services or supply digital content during a cancellation period will be provided before payment in a form the applicant can keep. Statutory rights are unaffected.

A trainee who wishes to withdraw after any applicable statutory cancellation period must notify BubbleCow in writing. Future lessons and tutorials end when the withdrawal takes effect. Already released materials remain accessible unless the acceptance information states otherwise. Any refund or outstanding amount will be calculated fairly by reference to services already supplied, costs reasonably incurred, losses BubbleCow can reasonably mitigate, and the trainee's statutory rights. The Training Fee is not treated as automatically non-refundable merely because a teaching week has begun.

4.12 Disruption or Cancellation by BubbleCow

BubbleCow may reasonably reschedule tutorials or extend delivery where illness, technical failure, force majeure, or another event outside its reasonable control disrupts the Training. If BubbleCow cancels the Training before it begins, all Training Fee payments received will be refunded. If BubbleCow cannot supply part of the Training after it begins, it will provide an appropriate remedy or refund for the services it cannot provide, subject to the trainee's statutory rights.

4A. Self-Editing Course

4A.1 Place Requests and Contract Formation

Registering an email address requests a place or joins the waitlist only. It does not reserve a place, guarantee acceptance, create a contract, require payment, or subscribe the person to the newsletter. A contract is formed and a place is secured only when BubbleCow offers the person a place, the person accepts the offer and these Terms and Conditions, and BubbleCow receives the first payment.

4A.2 Course Delivery

The Self-Editing Course begins on 1 August 2026, runs online for four weeks, and has a maximum of ten participants. It includes four one-hour group video sessions, written lesson material, a programme-created practice manuscript, practical exercises, and the Course Materials described when the place is accepted. The expected workload is approximately two to three hours each week.

Live attendance is optional. The exact session dates, times, timezone, joining arrangements, delivery method, and recording-access arrangements will be provided before payment in information the participant can keep.

4A.3 Practice and Feedback

Participants compare their work on the practice manuscript with Gary Smailes's demonstration or editing notes. The Self-Editing Course does not include individual assessment of the practice edit, one-to-one coaching, detailed feedback on a participant's own manuscript, or a personal developmental or line edit.

4A.4 Group Recordings and Confidentiality

All four group sessions are recorded and made available privately under the access arrangements supplied before payment. Participants will be told about the recording arrangements before taking part and may use the recordings instead of attending live. A participant must not copy, publish, distribute, or share a recording or another participant's confidential information.

4A.5 Course Materials and Intellectual Property

BubbleCow owns or licenses the Course Materials and grants each participant a personal, limited, non-transferable licence to use them for participation in the Self-Editing Course and their own writing. Course Materials must not be published, shared, sold, taught, or otherwise distributed. Participants retain copyright in their own manuscripts and original exercise work.

4A.6 Course Payment

The Course Fee is the regional price displayed when the place is requested: $200 USD, £150 GBP, or €180 EUR. It is paid in two equal instalments: $100 USD, £75 GBP, or €90 EUR when an offered place is accepted, followed by the same amount on 15 August 2026. The two payments are an instalment schedule for one course rather than separate purchases of individual modules. BubbleCow may pause access to future Course Materials after giving notice of an overdue payment.

4A.7 Cancellation and Withdrawal

Information about any statutory cancellation right, how to cancel, and the financial effect of asking BubbleCow to begin services or supply digital content during a cancellation period will be provided before payment in a form the participant can keep. Statutory rights are unaffected.

A participant who wishes to withdraw after any applicable statutory cancellation period must notify BubbleCow in writing. Future sessions and unreleased materials end when the withdrawal takes effect. Any refund or outstanding amount will be calculated fairly by reference to services and digital content already supplied, costs reasonably incurred, losses BubbleCow can reasonably mitigate, and the participant's statutory rights. The Course Fee is not treated as automatically non-refundable merely because the course has begun.

4A.8 Disruption or Cancellation by BubbleCow

BubbleCow may reasonably reschedule sessions or extend delivery where illness, technical failure, force majeure, or another event outside its reasonable control disrupts the Self-Editing Course. If BubbleCow cancels before the course begins, all Course Fee payments received will be refunded. If BubbleCow cannot supply part of the course after it begins, it will provide an appropriate remedy or refund for the part it cannot provide, subject to the participant's statutory rights.

5. Manuscripts

5.1 Submission Format

Manuscripts must be submitted in a suitable digital format (e.g., Microsoft Word). Paper submissions or PDF files are not accepted.

5.2 Acceptance Criteria

We welcome a wide range of subject matters but reserve the right to reject any manuscript we deem excessively or unacceptably offensive.

5.3 Copyright

The author retains copyright to their manuscript. BubbleCow retains the copyright for the editorial feedback provided. Authors must seek permission from BubbleCow before quoting any part of the editor's report for external use (e.g., agents or personal websites).

5.4 Editorial Services

Microsoft Word is our standard tool for editorial services; however, an alternative platform such as Google Docs or another word processor may be used if necessary. In such instances, the author will be informed.

5.5 Ownership and Permissions

By submitting a manuscript to BubbleCow, you confirm that you own all intellectual property rights in the manuscript or have secured the necessary permissions. BubbleCow assumes no liability for any copyright infringement or other legal claims arising from unauthorized submissions.

5.6 Termination for Illegal or Plagiarized Content

BubbleCow reserves the right to terminate any service upon discovering that a manuscript contains plagiarized, fraudulent, or otherwise unlawful material. In such cases, the author will be notified immediately. Any refund will be at BubbleCow's discretion, subject to Section 7.4 (Refund Policy).

6. Code of Conduct

6.1 Confidentiality

Your manuscript and personal information are handled with the utmost confidentiality. For details on our protocols, please review our approach to file safety here.

6.2 Professionalism

We understand the sensitivity of receiving editorial feedback and work with a diverse range of authors. However, we expect professional conduct. We reserve the right to discontinue our services if an author behaves offensively toward our staff, with written notification provided in such instances.

6.3 Testimonials

By providing a testimonial to BubbleCow, you agree that we may use it, along with your name, for promotional and publicity purposes.

6.4 Complaints

If you wish to submit a complaint, please do so in writing, no earlier than one calendar month after receiving your editorial feedback. Wherever possible, include clear examples of any issues you are raising. We will make every effort to resolve your concerns promptly.

7. Payment Terms

7.1 Payment Methods

All payments must be made via the methods specified on our website. We do not accept cash or cheque payments.

7.2 Payment Schedule

Generally, full payment is required before editorial work commences. In some cases, payment may be split into two installments: one upon submission of your chosen service and the other upon completion.

7.3 Late Payments

BubbleCow reserves the right to delay or suspend services if payments are late. Editing or assessment work will not begin or continue until the required payment is received in full.

7.4 Refund Policy

BubbleCow issues refunds only under specific conditions described in these Terms and Conditions. We reserve the right to return the author's manuscript and payment if we are unable to find a suitable editor or if extenuating circumstances prevent completion of the chosen service. In such exceptional cases, a full refund will be issued within seven working days of notifying the author. All refund requests must be made in writing.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 General Limitation of Liability

Subject to rights and liabilities that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited, BubbleCow's total liability for any claim relating to our services, the Training, or the Self-Editing Course, whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise, is limited to the amount the author, trainee, or Course Participant has paid for the relevant service, Training, or Self-Editing Course. BubbleCow shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential loss resulting from use of our services, Training, or Self-Editing Course. Nothing in these Terms excludes BubbleCow's duty to provide services with reasonable care and skill.

8.2 No Guarantee of Publication

BubbleCow strives to improve the quality and marketability of manuscripts. However, we make no guarantees regarding acceptance by publishers, agents, or other third parties, nor any specific outcomes such as sales or critical success.

9. Confidentiality and Data Protection

9.1 Confidentiality

BubbleCow operates under strict confidentiality protocols. All manuscripts and related correspondence remain confidential and will only be shared with third parties when legally required. For more details on our handling of personal data, please consult our privacy policy.

9.2 Data Security and Backups

While BubbleCow makes every effort to maintain secure systems and protect your files, the author is responsible for backing up their own manuscript and related materials. BubbleCow shall not be liable for any loss of or damage to files caused by technical failures or circumstances beyond our control.

10. Force Majeure

BubbleCow shall not be held liable for any failure to fulfill its obligations under these Terms and Conditions if that failure results from events or circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, war, terrorism, government regulations, or natural disasters.

11. Amendments to Terms and Conditions

BubbleCow may update these Terms and Conditions for future website use and future contracts. An existing paid contract remains governed by the version of the Terms and Conditions and, where applicable, the course outline supplied to and accepted by the customer before payment. Those agreed terms may be changed only where required by law or expressly agreed in writing by BubbleCow and the customer. Posting an updated version on the website or continuing to use the website does not by itself change an existing paid contract.

12. Website Usage

By using the website (BubbleCow.com), you agree to abide by the following terms and conditions regarding site access and usage.

12.1 General Use

The content of this website is provided for general information only and may be subject to change without notice.

12.2 Warranties and Liability

We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information may contain inaccuracies or errors, and we expressly exclude liability for such inaccuracies to the fullest extent permitted by law.

12.3 Risk and Responsibility

Your use of the information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, and BubbleCow shall not be liable for it. You are responsible for ensuring any products, services, or information obtained through this website meet your specific requirements.

12.4 Intellectual Property

This website contains material owned by or licensed to BubbleCow, including the design, layout, look, appearance, and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited except as permitted by the relevant copyright notice, which forms part of these Terms and Conditions. All trademarks reproduced on this website, not owned by or licensed to BubbleCow, are acknowledged on the website.

12.5 Unauthorized Use

Unauthorized use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offense.

12.6 External Links

Links to external websites are provided for additional information and convenience. Their inclusion does not signify endorsement of the linked website(s), and BubbleCow has no responsibility for the content of such sites.

12.7 Governing Law

Any use of this website and any dispute arising from such use shall be governed by applicable UK law. This clause does not deprive a consumer of mandatory protections available under the law that applies to them.

Version: 1.3 | Updated: 26/08/2026