Publishing Joy is a mission-driven publishing company dedicated to promoting uplifting, inspiring, and meaningful content across genres. We offer:

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AUTHOR INTAKE & AGREEMENT

A Division of Discover the Gift, LLC
Stories That Awaken.  Words That Heal.  Joy That Inspires.

This agreement outlines the workflow, responsibilities, manuscript standards, publishing expectations, and ethical guidelines governing the relationship between the Author and Publishing Joy.

 Author Information

Author Name
Preferred Author Name (for Publication)
Book Title
Address
Phone
Email
Website / Social Media
Desired Launch Date

 Book Description

Briefly describe your book. What is it about? Who is it for? What will the reader experience?

 Package Selection

□ Collaborative Book Leadership  $13,500
—  Collaborative publishing leadership and coordination
—  Amazon bestseller campaign
—  Strategic visibility support
□ Single Author Publishing Package $8,500
—  Editing, formatting, publishing
—  Amazon bestseller campaign
—  1 week of social media promotion (reach 100,000+)
—  4 hours of writing and speaking coaching with Shajen
—  4 hours of speaking, marketing, and social media coaching with our Publishing Marketing Consultant
—  Special writing guidebook by Shajen
—  Cover design (included)
□ Custom Consulting & Publishing Support Custom Pricing
—  Tailored scope and pricing — contact Publishing Joy to discuss

 Financial Agreement

Total Investment
Deposit Amount
Remaining Balance
Monthly Payment Amount
First Payment Due Date
Final Payment Due No Later Than
Payment Method

 Agreements
1.  Orientation & Initial Meeting
The Author agrees to participate in an initial onboarding and strategy meeting with Publishing Joy to establish expectations, timelines, communication standards, workflow processes, and publishing goals.
Topics may include:
—  Publishing workflow
—  Project milestones
—  Deadlines
—  Manuscript expectations
—  Communication processes
—  Launch planning
—  Visibility strategy
2.  Manuscript Standards
All manuscripts must be submitted in Microsoft Word (.docx) format.
Formatting requirements include:
—  12-point Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri
—  Double-spaced
—  One-inch margins
Manuscripts should be complete drafts unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Submissions that do not meet standards may delay production timelines.
3.  Vision, Voice & Direction
The Author will work directly with Publishing Joy during the vision and direction phase to clarify:
—  Message
—  Purpose
—  Audience
—  Structure
—  Tone
—  Vision
—  Authentic voice
This phase establishes the integrity and alignment of the project before production begins.
4.  Writing, Originality & Author Responsibility
All submitted work must be original and authored by the Author. Previously published material must be disclosed prior to submission.
The Author agrees to:
—  Meet agreed-upon deadlines
—  Communicate professionally and respectfully
—  Participate actively in the publishing process
—  Maintain integrity throughout the collaboration
5.  Cover Design
Cover design is a collaborative process between Publishing Joy, the Author, and the designated designer. Cover design is included as part of the Single Author Publishing Package.
Publishing Joy retains final discretion regarding professional quality, readability, and market readiness.
6.  Editorial & Production
Following the vision phase, the manuscript moves into editing, formatting, design, and production.
The Author agrees to:
—  Complete revisions promptly
—  Review proofs carefully
—  Respond to communication in a timely manner
—  Preserve the integrity of their authentic voice throughout the process
7.  Launch, Marketing & Publication
Publishing Joy supports launch coordination, marketing strategy, visibility planning, and publication logistics.
The Author understands that active participation contributes significantly to visibility and launch success.
Bestseller campaign strategies do not guarantee rankings, sales volume, or media placement. Distribution and publishing timelines may be impacted by third-party platforms.
8.  Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence tools may be used only as supportive resources and not as replacements for authentic authorship, lived experience, personal insight, or original storytelling.
Permitted uses may include:
—  Brainstorming
—  Organizational support
—  Grammar refinement
—  Editing assistance
Not permitted:
—  Full chapter generation
—  Large-scale AI-generated manuscript content
—  Replacing authentic storytelling or lived experience
—  Presenting AI-generated work as fully original authorship
9.  AI Disclosure & Originality
The Author affirms that all submitted work reflects their own original voice and authorship.
Publishing Joy reserves the right to:
—  Request clarification regarding AI usage
—  Request revisions
—  Decline publication if content does not meet ethical or originality standards
10.  Responsibility & Accountability
The Author remains fully responsible for all submitted content. Publishing Joy is committed to supporting Authors with professionalism, integrity, care, creativity, and excellence throughout the publishing journey.

 Terms & Agreement

—  A deposit is required before work begins and secures the Author’s place within the Publishing Joy publishing schedule.
—  Monthly payments, when applicable, are due according to the agreed payment schedule. Final payment must be completed prior to publication unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
—  The Author retains 100% ownership of their manuscript, intellectual property, publishing rights, and royalties.
—  Publishing Joy does not take a percentage of royalties. Royalties are paid directly to the Author through the applicable publishing platform(s) whenever possible.
—  The Author affirms they own or have permission to use all submitted content, including text, images, artwork, quotations, and other materials provided for publication.
—  Publishing Joy maintains the confidentiality of author materials and is committed to providing a professional, respectful, heart-centered publishing experience.
—  All deposits are non-refundable. Once a project has entered the Publishing Joy production pipeline and work has begun, payments made toward services rendered are non-refundable.
—  An Author may pause their project at any time with written notice. Any services completed prior to the pause are considered earned and are not eligible for refund. Resumption of the project is subject to Publishing Joy’s availability and current pricing structure.
—  Publishing Joy does not guarantee specific sales results, bestseller status, media placements, speaking engagements, or financial outcomes.

 Authorization

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have reviewed and agree to the terms outlined above and authorize Publishing Joy to proceed with the services selected.

AUTHOR

Signature
Printed Name:
Date: PUBLISHING JOY

Signature
Printed Name:  Shajen Joy Aziz, M.Ed., M.A.
Title:  Founder & Publisher, Publishing Joy
Date:

Books matter. Stories matter. Words matter. Because people matter.

www.publishing-joy.com  |  hello@publishing-joy.com  |  323-889-9512

COMING SOON! Want to improve your life? Explore our collection of self-help books. From productivity to mindfulness, we have books that can help you achieve your goals.

Coming Soon! Want to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills? Check out our collection of cookbooks. From international cuisine to baking, we have books that can help you whip up a storm.

Founded by
Shajen Joy Aziz, M.Ed., M.A.
Award-Winning #1 International Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Publisher, Educator

is a full-service boutique publishing company devoted to amplifying voices that bring light, healing, inspiration, wisdom, and meaningful transformation into the world.

Founded by Shajen Joy Aziz, Publishing Joy partners with authors, visionaries, educators, healers, speakers, entrepreneurs, and creatives from first concept to bestselling launch.

Publishing Joy combines the personalized support of a luxury boutique publishing experience with the professionalism, structure, and visibility of an established publishing house.

We publish books that create impact across personal development, wellness, spirituality, leadership, memoir, transformational education, conscious living, healing, and human connection.

We believe stories matter.
Voices matter.
Books have the power to heal, inspire, awaken, and transform lives.

To publish uplifting, inspiring, and meaningful content that supports personal transformation, conscious leadership, healing, connection, and joy throughout the world.

Publishing Joy provides high-touch, heart-centered publishing support from beginning to launch and beyond.

We support our authors through:

• Editorial development
• Professional publishing
• Amazon bestseller campaigns
• Marketing guidance
• Author coaching
• Launch support
• Visibility strategy
• Brand alignment
• Professional formatting and production

So you can focus on what matters most:

Your voice.
Your story.
Your message.
Your legacy.

Shajen Joy Aziz is an Award-Winning #1 International Best-Selling Author, transformational educator, publisher, speaker, and Master Educator.

She is the co-creator of Discover the Gift: It's Why We're Here, distributed through  and shared internationally through books, film, speaking engagements, educational experiences, and transformational leadership work.

Through Publishing Joy, Shajen brings visionary leadership, editorial guidance, strategic publishing expertise, and deep dedication to helping authors refine, elevate, and share meaningful messages with the world.

When you publish with Publishing Joy, you can expect:

• Your name featured on the front and back cover
• Professional author branding and positioning
• 100% rights and royalties retained by the Author
• Global distribution through Amazon and Barnes & Noble
• Access to discounted author print copies
• Professional publishing support from concept to completion
• Mastermind and workshop support throughout the process
• Personalized editorial guidance to refine your message and voice
• Social media and launch visibility support
• Bestseller campaign strategy and launch coordination
• A high-touch boutique publishing experience grounded in integrity, care, excellence, and heart

Designed for visionaries leading collaborative books, transformational anthologies, or multi-author projects.

Includes:

• Professional editing, formatting, and publishing
• Amazon bestseller campaign strategy
• Distribution through Amazon and Barnes & Noble
• Social media visibility support
• Writing and speaker coaching with Publishing Joy
• Leadership coaching for collaborative projects
• Author recruitment strategy guidance
• Launch and event planning support
• Masterclass and workshop development support
• Sales copy and content support
• Publishing workflow guidance from concept through launch

Note: Cover design is separate and priced independently.

Designed for authors publishing an individual book project.

Includes:

• Professional editing, formatting, and publishing
• Amazon bestseller campaign strategy
• Distribution through Amazon and Barnes & Noble
• Writing and message refinement coaching
• Marketing and visibility guidance
• Social media support
• Exclusive Publishing Joy writing guidebook
• Publishing workflow support from manuscript through launch
• 100% royalties retained by the Author

Note: Cover design is separate and priced independently.

Includes:

• Book concept development
• Writing support and guidance
• Editing and message refinement
• Publishing consultation
• Speaker coaching
• Marketing guidance
• Event and launch planning support

Contact Publishing Joy for scheduling and availability.

Includes ongoing consultation and strategic support throughout the publishing and visibility process.

Services may include:

• Writing support
• Publishing strategy
• Marketing consultation
• Launch planning
• Event strategy
• Visibility and positioning guidance

Contact Publishing Joy for customized retainer options.

Additional services may include:

• Audiobook production
• Podcast coaching
• Custom cover design
• Speaking development
• Event hosting support
• Pop-up event planning
• Branding consultation
• Retreat integration
• Marketing strategy
• Social media content support

Contact Publishing Joy for custom pricing and availability.

Please complete the following and return to Publishing Joy.

☐ Package A — Collaborative Book Leadership Experience — $12,500

☐ Package B — Your Book Publishing Experience — $7,500

☐ Package C — Per-Session Coaching — $250 per session

☐ Package D — Ongoing Publishing Retainer — Starting at $2,500

$ ___________________

$ ___________________

$ ___________________

$ ___________________

Payments accepted by:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Discover
• American Express
• Check
• ACH Transfer

By signing below, you authorize Publishing Joy to charge the payment method provided according to the terms outlined in this agreement.

This agreement outlines the workflow, responsibilities, manuscript standards, publishing expectations, and ethical guidelines governing the relationship between the Author and Publishing Joy.

The Author agrees to participate in an initial onboarding and strategy meeting with Publishing Joy to establish expectations, timelines, communication standards, workflow processes, and publishing goals.

Topics may include:

• Publishing workflow
• Project milestones
• Deadlines
• Manuscript expectations
• Communication processes
• Launch planning
• Visibility strategy

All manuscripts must be submitted in Microsoft Word (.docx) format.

Formatting requirements include:

• 12-point Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri
• Double-spaced
• One-inch margins

Manuscripts should be complete drafts unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Submissions that do not meet standards may delay production timelines.

The Author will work directly with Publishing Joy during the vision and direction phase to clarify:

• Message
• Purpose
• Audience
• Structure
• Tone
• Vision
• Authentic voice

This phase establishes the integrity and alignment of the project before production begins.

All submitted work must be original and authored by the Author.

Previously published material must be disclosed prior to submission.

The Author agrees to:

• Meet agreed-upon deadlines
• Communicate professionally and respectfully
• Participate actively in the publishing process
• Maintain integrity throughout the collaboration

Cover design is a collaborative process between Publishing Joy, the Author, and the designated designer.

Cover design fees are separate unless otherwise specified.

Publishing Joy retains final discretion regarding professional quality, readability, and market readiness.

Following the vision phase, the manuscript moves into editing, formatting, design, and production.

The Author agrees to:

• Complete revisions promptly
• Review proofs carefully
• Respond to communication in a timely manner
• Preserve the integrity of their authentic voice throughout the process

Publishing Joy supports launch coordination, marketing strategy, visibility planning, and publication logistics.

The Author understands that active participation contributes significantly to visibility and launch success.

Bestseller campaign strategies do not guarantee rankings, sales volume, or media placement.

Distribution and publishing timelines may be impacted by third-party platforms.

Artificial Intelligence tools may be used only as supportive resources and not as replacements for authentic authorship, lived experience, personal insight, or original storytelling.

Permitted uses may include:

• Brainstorming
• Organizational support
• Grammar refinement
• Editing assistance

Not permitted:

• Full chapter generation
• Large-scale AI-generated manuscript content
• Replacing authentic storytelling or lived experience
• Presenting AI-generated work as fully original authorship

The Author affirms that all submitted work reflects their own original voice and authorship.

Publishing Joy reserves the right to:

• Request clarification regarding AI usage
• Request revisions
• Decline publication if content does not meet ethical or originality standards

The Author remains fully responsible for all submitted content.

Publishing Joy is committed to supporting Authors with professionalism, integrity, care, creativity, and excellence throughout the publishing journey.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the Publishing Joy Author Agreement in its entirety, including all publishing standards, responsibilities, ethical guidelines, and workflow expectations outlined above.

Publishing Joy is honored to walk alongside you in bringing your message into the world with integrity, excellence, heart, and joy.

COMING SOON! Want to improve your life? Explore our collection of self-help books. From productivity to mindfulness, we have books that can help you achieve your goals.

COMING SOON! Want to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills? Check out our collection of cookbooks. From international cuisine to baking, we have books that can help you whip up a storm.