Suspense Club Terms and Conditions (For Writers)
Effective Date: 1 August 2025
Welcome to Suspense Club. By submitting your story, signing up as a writer, or using our platform in any way, you agree to the terms outlined below. If you don’t agree, please don’t use the platform.
These Terms are a legally binding agreement between you (the writer) and Suspense Club, operated by Thomas Mai.
1. Original Content & Ownership
You confirm that any story you submit — including all chapters, characters, titles, descriptions, and dialogue — is your original work. You must have full ownership and rights to publish it.
• You retain full copyright and ownership of your work.
• You must not upload plagiarized, AI-generated (without disclosure), or infringing content.
• You are legally responsible for what you upload.
2. License to Publish (Non-Exclusive)
By uploading your work, you grant Suspense Club a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to publish, promote, and display your story on our platform and in related materials (email, social media, promotional campaigns, etc.).
• This license helps us showcase and grow your audience.
• You can revoke this license at any time by written request, and we’ll remove your story within a reasonable timeframe.
• You’re free to publish your story elsewhere at any time — we do not require exclusivity.
3. Future Contracts for Monetization
These Terms cover your initial use of the platform only.
If your story gains traction and becomes eligible for monetization (such as pre-sales, merchandise, crowdfunding, publishing or film deals), new agreements will be required. These future contracts will define:
• Revenue share (we only earn if you earn — usually 20%)
• Rights required to sell, publish, or adapt your work
• Support provided (marketing, publishing, negotiations)
• Distribution on Amazon or in bookstores
• Film/TV/streaming deals and representation terms
You will never give away additional rights unless you choose to, through a signed agreement.
4. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Suspense Club, its founder, staff, affiliates, and partners from any legal claims, losses, damages, or liabilities arising from:
• Copyright infringement
• Defamation
• Breach of these Terms
• Any third-party dispute related to your content
5. Behavior & Content Guidelines
To maintain a respectful and safe environment, writers agree not to:
• Upload hateful, threatening, or illegal material
• Spam or misuse the platform
• Use AI-generated work without disclosing it
• Harass, troll, or attack other members or readers
• Misrepresent your identity or credentials
We reserve the right to remove any content or suspend access if these rules are violated.
6. No Guarantees
We don’t promise fame, fortune, or followers. While we’re building a platform to support writers, Suspense Club makes no guarantees around readership, reviews, revenue, or future deals.
7. Termination
You may delete your story or account at any time. We may suspend or remove your access if:
• You breach these Terms
• You upload infringing or offensive content
• Your actions harm the community or platform
We’ll always aim to contact you before taking action unless the situation is urgent.
8. Updates to These Terms
We may occasionally update these Terms. If we make significant changes, we’ll notify you via email or platform message. Continued use of Suspense Club means you accept the revised terms.
9. Dispute Resolution
If there’s a dispute between you and Suspense Club:
• Both parties agree to try and resolve it informally first.
• If needed, we agree to use mediation in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
• If legal action is required, it will be governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.
10. Cookies & Privacy
Our site may use cookies and basic analytics to improve your experience. For full details, see our Privacy Policy.
11. Contact
Have questions? Email Thomas Mai directly at thomas@suspenseclub.com
Summary (Plain English):
• You own your story
• We help you share it
• You can leave any time
• We don’t take rights unless you say yes in writing
• If your story succeeds, we’ll offer new deals
• We only earn if you do
• Be respectful, play fair, and we’ll have your back