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Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: 10th July 2025
Last Updated: 10th July 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Umoja Publishing website (“we”, “us”, “our”). By accessing or using our site www.umojapublishing.co.uk (the “Site”), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not accept these terms, you must not use our services.

These Terms apply to all visitors, registered users (“Authors”), and anyone accessing or using the website.

2. About Us

Umoja Publishing Limited is a UK-based company supporting writers through editorial services, writing competitions, and creative development. Our mission is to offer a fair, inclusive, and innovative platform for storytelling.

3. Eligibility

To register and submit work, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18, you cannot register as an author or enter our competitions. 

4. User Accounts

To access some services (e.g. submitting work, entering competitions), you may need to create an account. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate, complete information

  • Keep your login credentials confidential

  • Notify us immediately of unauthorised use

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts at our discretion.

5. Creative Submissions

Authors may upload written content (short stories, poems, etc.) for review, competition, or editorial services. By submitting content, you confirm:

  • You are the original author and own the rights

  • The content does not infringe on any third-party rights

  • The work is not defamatory, obscene, or illegal

You retain full copyright of your work unless otherwise agreed in writing.

By submitting, you grant Umoja Publishing Limited a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to read, review, store, and (if agreed) showcase your work within the context of competitions, editorial feedback, or promotional features.

6. Competitions

If you enter a writing competition hosted by us:

  • Entry requirements, deadlines, and judging criteria will be clearly stated per competition

  • Judges' decisions are final and not subject to appeal

  • By entering, you agree to your name (and work, if selected) being used for winner announcements or promotion, unless you opt out in writing

Any prizes will be awarded as advertised. We are not responsible for technical issues that prevent entry.

7. Editorial Services

We provide paid and unpaid editorial feedback services. You understand:

  • Feedback is subjective and non-binding

  • We make no guarantees regarding publication or success

  • Content submitted for feedback will be treated confidentially by our team

All fees are displayed clearly and payable in advance unless otherwise agreed.

8. Use of Website

You agree not to:

  • Upload viruses or malicious code

  • Attempt to access restricted areas or user data

  • Harass, impersonate, or defame others

  • Violate any UK or international laws

We reserve the right to remove content or suspend access for breaches.

9. Intellectual Property

All content and materials on this site (excluding user submissions) are the intellectual property of Umoja Publishing Limited, its subsidiary companies or its licensors. You may not copy, reproduce, or redistribute any part of the site without permission, except for personal use or where explicitly allowed.

10. Payments & Refunds

  • All payments (e.g. for feedback or entry fees) are processed securely

  • Refunds are only issued in the event of a technical fault or service failure, at our discretion

  • Entry fees for competitions are non-refundable unless cancelled by us

11. Privacy

Please see our separate [Privacy Policy] for details on how we collect, use, and protect your personal data under the UK GDPR.

12. Limitation of Liability

We are not liable for:

  • Loss of data, earnings, or reputation due to use of the Site

  • Technical errors or service interruptions

  • Outcomes of competitions or editorial feedback

Nothing in these Terms limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or fraud.

13. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access if you violate these terms or misuse the platform. You may delete your account at any time.

Upon termination, any non-exclusive rights you granted to us remain valid for already-used submissions (e.g. published competition winners).

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this page with the date of revision. Continued use of the Site implies agreement with the updated Terms.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

16. Contact Us

For any questions about these Terms, please contact:
Umoja Publishing Limited
info@umojapublishing.co.uk

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