FriendlyReads Official Editor Agreement

Issued July 15, 2026

Part I – General Provisions

This FriendlyReads Manuscript Services Agreement (“Agreement”) sets forth the terms and conditions governing the professional relationship between FriendlyReads (“FriendlyReads”) and the undersigned editor (“Editor”).

By accepting this Agreement, the Editor agrees to provide independent manuscript editing services in accordance with the terms set forth herein.

1. Purpose

FriendlyReads is committed to providing high-quality editorial services that support authors in improving their manuscripts while preserving each author’s unique voice and creative vision.

This Agreement establishes the rights, responsibilities, compensation, and expectations governing the engagement between FriendlyReads and its Editors.

The parties acknowledge that this Agreement is intended to foster a professional, respectful, and collaborative working relationship built upon mutual trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to editorial excellence.

2. Nature of the Agreement

The Editor shall serve as an independent professional engaged by FriendlyReads to perform editorial services on manuscripts referred by the platform.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted as creating an employer-employee relationship, agency, joint venture, or partnership between FriendlyReads and the Editor.

The Editor retains full discretion over whether to accept an offered assignment, subject to reasonable communication with FriendlyReads.

Likewise, FriendlyReads retains full discretion regarding the assignment of manuscripts based on operational needs, manuscript volume, editorial specialization, workload distribution, and quality considerations.

Acceptance as a FriendlyReads Official Editor does not guarantee future assignments.

3. Editorial Services

Depending on the Editor’s expertise and the needs of FriendlyReads, the Editor may be assigned one or more of the following services:

  • Developmental Editing

  • Line and Copy Editing

  • Proofreading

  • Content Layout

  • Other editorial services as may be mutually agreed upon

Each assignment shall specify, where applicable:

  • the manuscript title;

  • the author;

  • the editing service required;

  • manuscript word count;

  • agreed compensation;

  • submission deadline; and

  • any special instructions relevant to the project.

FriendlyReads may assign projects based on the Editor’s experience, specialization, availability, previous performance, and the specific needs of each manuscript.

4. Initial Evaluation Project

The first manuscript assigned to the Editor shall serve as an Initial Evaluation Project.

The purpose of the Initial Evaluation Project is to evaluate the Editor’s:

  • editorial competence;

  • attention to detail;

  • communication;

  • professionalism;

  • adherence to FriendlyReads Editorial Guidelines;

  • ability to meet agreed deadlines; and

  • overall suitability for continued collaboration.

The Initial Evaluation Project is intended to allow both FriendlyReads and the Editor to determine whether the agreement is a suitable long-term professional relationship.

Regardless of the evaluation outcome, the Editor shall receive full compensation for the completed Initial Evaluation Project, provided that the work has been performed in good faith and substantially complies with the agreed scope of work.

Successful completion of the Initial Evaluation Project does not automatically confer FriendlyReads Officer Editor status.

Following evaluation, FriendlyReads may:

  • formally accept the Editor as a FriendlyReads Official Editor;

  • request additional evaluation projects if further assessment is reasonably necessary; or

  • conclude the agreement if the submitted work does not meet FriendlyReads’ editorial standards.

FriendlyReads shall communicate its evaluation outcome within a reasonable period following review of the submitted work.

5. Compensation

5.1 Initial Evaluation Project Rates

The following rates shall apply during the Initial Evaluation Project.

5.2 Standard Rates

Upon successful completion of the Initial Evaluation Project and formal acceptance as a FriendlyReads Official Editor, the following standard rates shall apply to future assignments.

Word counts exceeding the ranges above shall be compensated proportionately based on the applicable per-word rate or as otherwise mutually agreed for fixed-rate services.

FriendlyReads may revise its standard editorial rates from time to time. Any revisions shall apply prospectively and shall not affect assignments already accepted by the Editor.

6. Payment Terms

FriendlyReads shall process payment after:

  • the assigned work has been completed;

  • the Editor has submitted the completed work within the agreed timeframe (or an approved extension);

  • FriendlyReads has confirmed receipt of the work; and

  • the submission substantially complies with the agreed scope of the assignment.

60% upon submission of work for FriendlyReads and/or Author review

40% upon certification of the Author that the work was satisfactory

Reasonable revision requests arising from the original editorial instructions shall be considered part of the agreed editorial service and shall not affect payment, provided the Editor cooperates in completing such revisions within a reasonable period.

Payments shall generally be processed within the payment schedule established by FriendlyReads and shall be made through a mutually agreed payment method.

The Editor shall be responsible for ensuring that all payment information provided to FriendlyReads is accurate and up to date.

7. Communication

FriendlyReads and the Editor agree to maintain timely, professional, and respectful communication throughout each assignment.

The Editor shall promptly notify FriendlyReads whenever circumstances arise that may reasonably affect the timely completion or quality of an assigned project.

Whenever reasonably practicable, FriendlyReads will work collaboratively with the Editor to establish revised deadlines or alternative arrangements before considering reassignment of the manuscript.

Both parties acknowledge that open communication contributes significantly to maintaining high editorial standards and positive working relationships.

Part II – Professional Responsibilities and Benefits

8. Professional Standards

The Editor agrees to perform all editorial services with professionalism, integrity, diligence, and respect for authors and their creative works.

The Editor shall:

  • exercise reasonable professional judgment;

  • preserve the author’s writing style and creative voice whenever appropriate;

  • provide constructive, objective, and respectful editorial feedback;

  • comply with FriendlyReads’ Editorial Guidelines and other applicable policies;

  • maintain consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail;

  • meet agreed deadlines whenever reasonably practicable; and

  • promptly communicate any circumstance that may affect the quality or timely completion of an assignment.

FriendlyReads recognizes that editing is both a technical skill and a collaborative process. Editors are therefore encouraged to provide recommendations that strengthen the manuscript while respecting the author’s creative intent.

9. Professional Conduct

Throughout the agreement, the Editor agrees to:

  • communicate respectfully with authors, editors, moderators, administrators, and FriendlyReads representatives;

  • conduct themselves professionally in all communications relating to FriendlyReads assignments;

  • avoid discriminatory, abusive, or harassing behavior;

  • avoid knowingly making false or misleading statements regarding FriendlyReads or its authors;

  • refrain from accepting assignments that present a significant conflict of interest without first informing FriendlyReads.

FriendlyReads likewise agrees to maintain respectful and professional communication with the Editor.

10. Confidentiality

The Editor acknowledges that manuscripts submitted through FriendlyReads are confidential intellectual property belonging to their respective authors.

Accordingly, the Editor agrees to:

  • maintain strict confidentiality regarding all manuscripts and editorial materials;

  • use manuscripts solely for the purpose of performing the assigned editorial services;

  • refrain from sharing, distributing, reproducing, publishing, or otherwise disclosing manuscript content without authorization;

  • safeguard confidential information against unauthorized access or disclosure; and

  • promptly notify FriendlyReads of any suspected unauthorized disclosure or security concern.

These confidentiality obligations shall survive the completion of an assignment and the termination of this Agreement.

11. Intellectual Property

Ownership of every manuscript remains exclusively with its respective author.

Nothing contained in this Agreement transfers ownership of any manuscript or related intellectual property to the Editor.

Editorial comments, suggested revisions, proofreading notes, developmental recommendations, formatting work, and similar editorial contributions prepared during an assignment shall be regarded as work created solely for the purpose of providing editorial services to the assigned manuscript.

FriendlyReads may retain copies of editorial work for quality assurance, internal review, dispute resolution, training, or recordkeeping purposes.

12. FriendlyReads Official Editor

Upon successful completion of the Initial Evaluation Project and formal acceptance by FriendlyReads, the Editor shall be recognized as a FriendlyReads Official Editor.

FriendlyReads Official Editors are considered trusted editorial partners who have demonstrated the professional standards, editorial competence, and collaborative approach expected by FriendlyReads.

Recognition as a FriendlyReads Official Editor remains subject to continued satisfactory performance throughout the agreement.

13. Recognition and Other Benefits

While actively serving as a FriendlyReads Official Editor, the Editor may receive the following non-monetary benefits.

13.1 FriendlyReads Pioneer Badge

Editors who maintain a FriendlyReads account shall receive the FriendlyReads Pioneer Badge.

The badge serves as recognition of the Editor’s contribution to the development and growth of the FriendlyReads community.

13.2 Official Website Profile

FriendlyReads may feature the Editor on its official website.

The profile may include:

  • name;

  • photograph or professional image;

  • biography;

  • editorial specialization;

  • availability;

  • publicly advertised professional editing rates;

  • portfolio links;

  • contact or booking information approved by the Editor; and

  • other relevant professional information.

For clarity, publicly displayed editing rates refer to the Editor’s own professional rates and not necessarily the negotiated rates under this Agreement.

13.3 Social Media Introduction

FriendlyReads may introduce FriendlyReads Official Editors through its official social media channels.

Such introductions may include professional information, editorial expertise, achievements, and other information approved by the Editor.

13.4 Monthly Promotional Slot

Each active FriendlyReads Official Editor shall receive one (1) in-app promotional pop-up slot per calendar month.

Editors may use this promotional opportunity to advertise:

  • editing services;

  • professional portfolio;

  • website;

  • social media pages;

  • publishing services;

  • books authored by the Editor; or

  • their FriendlyReads author profile.

All promotional content remains subject to FriendlyReads’ advertising policies and community standards.

13.5 Reader Coins

Editors who maintain an active FriendlyReads reader account shall receive one hundred (100) Reader Coins for each full calendar month during which they remain in active editorial service.

13.6 Editorial Credit

Where a manuscript proceeds to publication and the author consents or publication practices permit, FriendlyReads shall make reasonable efforts to acknowledge the Editor’s contribution within the published work or through another appropriate form of editorial recognition.

13.7 Complimentary Published Copy

Where a manuscript edited by the Editor is published by FriendlyReads in print format, the Editor may receive one (1) complimentary physical copy of the published book as recognition of their editorial contribution, subject to the availability of printed copies and the applicable publication arrangements.

FriendlyReads reserves the right to determine the timing and method of delivery of the complimentary copy.

13.8 Portfolio Permission

Subject to the author's consent and any applicable publishing agreements, FriendlyReads may permit a FriendlyReads Official Editor to use limited excerpts from a manuscript they edited as part of their professional portfolio.

Unless otherwise approved in writing by FriendlyReads and the author, portfolio materials shall be limited to no more than five (5) published chapters or another reasonable portion designated by FriendlyReads.

Portfolio use shall be solely for the purpose of demonstrating the Editor's professional experience and shall not permit reproduction, distribution, sale, or publication of the complete work.

13.9 Professional Reference

Upon request and subject to the Editor's satisfactory performance, FriendlyReads may provide a professional reference or certificate recognizing the Editor's contributions and service as a FriendlyReads Official Editor.

14. Assignment Opportunities

FriendlyReads intends to provide editorial opportunities to its FriendlyReads Official Editors whenever suitable manuscripts become available.

As a general operational practice, FriendlyReads aims to assign up to two (2) manuscripts per month to each active Editor. This guideline is intended to promote manageable workloads and maintain consistently high editorial quality.

The actual number, timing, and type of assignments shall depend upon factors including:

  • manuscript submissions;

  • editorial specialization;

  • availability;

  • workload distribution;

  • author preferences, where applicable;

  • previous performance; and

  • operational requirements.

Nothing in this Agreement guarantees any minimum number of assignments, projects, or compensation.

15. Breaks and Hiatus

Editors may temporarily step away from active editorial service by providing reasonable advance notice to FriendlyReads.

During an approved break or hiatus:

  • no new assignments shall ordinarily be issued;

  • monthly Reader Coin benefits shall be suspended;

  • monthly promotional slots shall be suspended; and

  • other active-service benefits shall likewise be placed on hold.

However, unless otherwise requested by the Editor or determined appropriate by FriendlyReads:

  • the FriendlyReads Pioneer Badge shall remain attached to the Editor’s account; and

  • the Editor may continue to be listed as a FriendlyReads Official Editor on the FriendlyReads website.

Editors may return to active service upon notifying FriendlyReads of their availability, subject to operational requirements.

16. Continuous Improvement

FriendlyReads encourages continuous learning and professional development among its Editors.

Editors may periodically receive updated Editorial Guidelines, best practices, training materials, or quality feedback intended to promote consistency and maintain the high standards expected of FriendlyReads Official Editors.

Constructive feedback provided by FriendlyReads shall be regarded as part of the collaborative editorial engagement under this Agreement and not as disciplinary action unless expressly stated otherwise.

Part III – Administrative Provisions

17. Conflict of Interest

Editors shall promptly disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest that may reasonably affect their impartiality or ability to perform an assigned project.

Examples may include, but are not limited to:

  • editing manuscripts authored by immediate family members or close personal associates;

  • financial or business interests related to the manuscript;

  • competing professional obligations that may affect the quality or timely completion of an assignment; or

  • any circumstance that could reasonably compromise editorial objectivity.

Upon disclosure, FriendlyReads may determine whether the assignment should proceed, be reassigned, or be subject to other appropriate arrangements.

Failure to disclose a significant conflict of interest may be considered a breach of this Agreement.

18. Professional Reputation

FriendlyReads and the Editor acknowledge the importance of maintaining mutual trust, professionalism, and respect throughout their active engagement under this Agreement.

Accordingly, both parties agree to:

  • conduct themselves professionally in all interactions relating to FriendlyReads;

  • refrain from making knowingly false, misleading, or malicious statements that may unfairly damage the reputation of the other party;

  • resolve concerns through respectful communication whenever reasonably practicable; and

  • uphold the integrity of the FriendlyReads editorial community.

Nothing in this section shall prevent either party from making truthful statements, complying with legal obligations, reporting misconduct, or exercising rights provided by applicable law.

19. Corrective Action

FriendlyReads recognizes that concerns relating to editorial work may often be resolved through communication and constructive feedback.

Where editorial quality concerns arise, FriendlyReads may, where reasonably appropriate, provide the Editor with an opportunity to address the identified issues before more significant administrative action is taken.

Corrective Action may include:

  • clarification of editorial expectations;

  • additional guidance;

  • revision of submitted editorial work;

  • mentoring or coaching;

  • temporary quality monitoring; or

  • other reasonable measures intended to support improvement.

Corrective Action is intended to promote professional development and shall not be construed as disciplinary action unless expressly stated otherwise.

FriendlyReads reserves the right to bypass Corrective Action where the circumstances involve serious misconduct, repeated unacceptable performance, dishonesty, breaches of confidentiality, or other conduct that materially undermines the trust necessary for the editorial engagement under this Agreement.

20. Suspension of Editorial Status

Where circumstances reasonably warrant further review, FriendlyReads may temporarily suspend an Editor’s eligibility to receive new assignments.

A temporary suspension may be appropriate where, among other circumstances:

  • editorial quality requires further assessment;

  • significant policy concerns are under review;

  • confidentiality concerns have arisen;

  • repeated deadlines have been missed without reasonable explanation; or

  • other matters requiring administrative review.

Whenever reasonably practicable, FriendlyReads shall communicate the reason for the suspension and provide the Editor with an opportunity to respond before reaching a final determination.

21. Termination

Either FriendlyReads or the Editor may terminate this Agreement at any time by providing reasonable written notice.

FriendlyReads may terminate this Agreement where:

  • editorial quality consistently fails to meet FriendlyReads’ standards despite reasonable opportunities for improvement;

  • serious misconduct has occurred;

  • confidentiality obligations have been breached;

  • repeated violations of FriendlyReads policies have occurred;

  • fraudulent, dishonest, or unethical conduct has been established;

  • the Editor becomes unable or unwilling to perform editorial services; or

  • continued engagement is no longer considered appropriate for operational or professional reasons.

Where reasonably appropriate, FriendlyReads will first communicate its concerns and may offer Corrective Action before terminating this agreement.

Immediate termination may occur without prior Corrective Action in cases involving serious misconduct, fraud, plagiarism, confidentiality breaches, unlawful conduct, or other circumstances that materially undermine the trust required for the engagement.

Upon termination:

  • pending accepted assignments that have been satisfactorily completed shall remain payable in accordance with this Agreement;

  • future assignments shall cease;

  • active engagement benefits shall end;

  • promotional privileges shall cease; and

  • FriendlyReads may remove the Editor from its website, social media, promotional materials, and FriendlyReads Official Editor listings.

The FriendlyReads Pioneer Badge may remain as historical recognition or be removed at FriendlyReads’ discretion depending on the circumstances surrounding the termination.

22. Amendments

FriendlyReads may revise this Agreement from time to time to reflect operational improvements, updated policies, legal developments, or changes to editorial services.

Editors shall be given reasonable notice of material amendments before such revisions take effect.

Continued acceptance of editorial assignments after notice of a revised Agreement constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

23. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall, whenever reasonably practicable, first be addressed through good-faith discussion between FriendlyReads and the Editor before either party pursues any other remedy available under applicable law.

24. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between FriendlyReads and the Editor concerning the subject matter addressed herein and supersedes all prior discussions, communications, representations, or agreements relating to the editorial engagement.

Should any provision of this Agreement be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

25. Acceptance

By signing below, the parties acknowledge that they have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Both parties further affirm their commitment to maintaining a professional, respectful, and collaborative engagement that supports the mission and values of FriendlyReads.

For FriendlyReads

Name: ______________________________________

Position: ____________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________

Date: _______________________________________

Editor

Name: ______________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________

Date: _______________________________________