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Terms and Conditions of Use

Terms and Conditions of Use
Effective Date: June 15, 2025
Last Updated: July 5, 2025

Welcome to ReadSafe Ratings, a voluntary book content advisory service developed and managed by the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, Inc. ("TAMIH," "we," "our," or "us"). By accessing or using the ReadSafe Ratings website and services (the "Service"), you ("you," "author," "user," or "participant") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Please read these Terms carefully before submitting any content or using the Service. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not proceed further. Submitting a book for review constitutes full acceptance of these Terms.

 

1. Overview of Service

ReadSafe Ratings is a voluntary content advisory system that assigns suggested content ratings to books based on submitted materials. It is designed to help authors, librarians, parents, educators, and readers better understand the thematic and content elements of books through a transparent and standardized framework.

 

2. Voluntary Nature of Participation

Participation in ReadSafe Ratings is entirely voluntary. Ratings are advisory in nature, are not legally binding, and do not constitute endorsement, approval, or censorship. Authors maintain full ownership and control of their original work.

 

3. Eligibility and User Obligations

To use the Service, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (or have legal authority to enter into this agreement).

  • Submit only content you own or are authorized to submit.

  • Provide accurate, complete information at submission.

  • Abide by these Terms and all applicable laws.

We reserve the right to deny or revoke access to users who violate these Terms or provide misleading information.

 

4. Submission Guidelines

By submitting content to ReadSafe Ratings, you affirm that:

  • You own or are authorized to submit the book and related materials.

  • The submission does not contain malware or harmful code.

  • The content does not infringe upon the rights of any third party or violate laws, including those regarding defamation, hate speech, or incitement to violence.

 

5. Rating Disclaimer

ReadSafe Ratings issues content ratings (C, G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17, plus optional content labels such as EL, V, SCB, SCT, DA, ST) based on an established review system. These ratings:

  • Are intended to guide readers and organizations.

  • Are issued in good faith based on the materials submitted.

  • Do not guarantee compliance with school, library, or retailer standards.

  • Should be used responsibly by authors in promotional or packaging materials.

 

6. Intellectual Property and Usage Restrictions

Authors retain full rights to their submitted manuscripts.

By submitting a book, you grant TAMIH a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to:

  • Review and rate the book.

  • Display the assigned rating and basic book metadata publicly.

  • Use the book’s title, cover image, genre, and rating in promotional and educational materials, directories, and digital content without compensation to the author.

Important Restrictions:

  • All rating icons, badges, labels, templates, and visual materials created by ReadSafe Ratings or TAMIH are protected intellectual property.

  • You may not copy, alter, modify, redistribute, or create derivative works of the rating badges or icons, nor imply official endorsement, without express written permission from TAMIH.

  • Only official images created and distributed by TAMIH may be displayed on books, websites, social media, or marketing materials.

  • Any unauthorized creation, reproduction, distribution, or misuse of ReadSafe Ratings images, templates, names, likenesses, or badges will result in civil or criminal liability for damages, misrepresentation, and/or trademark infringement to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

7. Author Acknowledgment & Waiver

By submitting your book to the ReadSafe Ratings program:

  • You agree to accept the rating as rendered and not to alter or challenge it in a way that misrepresents its official form or harms the integrity of the ReadSafe Ratings program or TAMIH.

  • You waive any claim for compensation or royalties regarding the use of your book’s title, metadata, or cover image in TAMIH’s public listings, promotional materials, or educational platforms.

  • You acknowledge that submitting a book for rating does not entitle you to licensing fees or usage fees related to the program’s display or marketing of the rating.

 

8. Fees and Payments

ReadSafe Ratings offers various pricing tiers based on turnaround time and service level. TAMIH Level 2–4 Members receive complimentary credits as outlined in their membership terms. Fees must be paid in full before the review process begins. Accepted payment methods include credit/debit card, PayPal, and others as posted.

 

9. Refund Policy

All sales are final. Refunds are only issued if:

  • A technical error prevents completion of the rating.

  • A duplicate transaction is confirmed.

Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of the transaction to [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.].

 

10. Privacy and Data Use

Your privacy matters. Manuscripts are only accessed by internal reviewers and are not distributed or shared. Public use is limited to metadata (title, author, genre, and rating). Please see our [Privacy Policy] for full details.

 

11. Limitation of Liability

TAMIH and its affiliates are not liable for:

  • Any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

  • Third-party decisions based on the assigned rating.

  • Financial losses or business outcomes linked to the Service.

The Service is offered "as is," without any warranties.

 

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless TAMIH and its officers, volunteers, and affiliates from any claims, losses, liabilities, or damages (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Service or breach of these Terms.

 

13. Modification of Terms

We reserve the right to revise these Terms at any time. Updates will be posted publicly and, when appropriate, sent to registered users. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance.

 

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, USA. All disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Travis County, Texas.

 

15. Contact Information

Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, Inc.
Email: [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Website: https://ReadSafeRatings.com