Resources for Faith and Practice

RFP Publications

Author Participation and Website Guidelines

A shared platform for thoughtful Christian resources

1. Welcome

Resources for Faith and Practice exists to encourage thoughtful Christian faith, spiritual growth and practical discipleship. We believe that good resources can help people explore faith, deepen their understanding of God and live out their convictions in everyday life.

RFP Publications is an initiative within this wider vision. It provides a platform through which independent authors can introduce their work to readers and make their books more accessible.

The aim is to support authors whose work contributes to thoughtful Christian faith and practice, particularly those who may not have the resources or opportunities available to authors working with larger publishers.

This is a ministry, not a commercial publishing business. At present, there is no charge for having an author profile or having books featured on the website. However, operating and maintaining the website requires time, technical resources and creative work. Authors who value this service are welcome to make a voluntary koha contribution in appreciation of the ministry.

Our intention is to build a relationship based on mutual respect, clear expectations and a shared commitment to making worthwhile resources available to readers.

These guidelines explain what authors can expect from the website, what we ask of participating authors and how we will work together.

2. What the website offers

Subject to agreement and the suitability of the material, participating authors may receive:

• An author profile: A biography, photograph and introduction to the author’s work.
• Book listings: Individual book pages or product listings containing descriptions, cover images, prices and purchasing links.
• Online sales: Where agreed, inclusion of eligible books in the RFP Publications online store for customers in New Zealand.
• International purchasing links: Links to Amazon or other agreed retailers where appropriate.
• Website visibility: Opportunities for readers to discover an author’s books through the website, author listings, related resources and relevant promotional activities.
• Occasional promotion: Selected books or authors may be featured in website updates, email newsletters or social media, at the discretion of the website administrator.

Participation does not guarantee a particular level of exposure, website traffic, enquiries or book sales. The extent of promotion will depend on available time, resources and the needs of the wider ministry.

RFP Publications is a platform for independent authors. It does not automatically assume the role or responsibilities of a traditional publisher, literary agent or marketing agency.

3. Editorial approach and suitability

The website seeks to promote resources that are consistent with its purpose of encouraging thoughtful Christian faith and practice.

Authors should expect their work to be considered in terms of its relevance, quality, presentation and suitability for the intended readership.

Before accepting a new author or book, we may ask for:

• A copy of the book or relevant sample material.
• A synopsis or description of the book’s intended audience and purpose.
• An author biography and suitable photograph.
• A book cover image and information about the edition being offered.
• Confirmation that the author has the necessary rights and permissions for the material supplied.

Acceptance of one book does not automatically mean that every book by the same author will be accepted.

The website administrator retains editorial discretion over which authors and resources are featured, how they are presented, and where they appear on the website. Participation does not constitute an endorsement of every opinion expressed by an author.

Authors are responsible for the accuracy of factual claims, quotations, references and other content in their books and promotional material.

4. Website content and author responsibilities

Authors are responsible for supplying accurate, complete and current information about themselves and their books.

This includes:

• Author name and biography.
• Book title, subtitle and description.
• Cover images and other approved promotional material.
• ISBN, format, publication details and pricing information, where applicable.
• Retailer links and other relevant purchasing information.
• Any changes to availability, editions, pricing or publication status.

The website administrator may edit supplied material for spelling, grammar, length, consistency, formatting and presentation. Substantive changes to an author’s description or the meaning of supplied content will normally be discussed with the author.

Authors should notify the website administrator of material changes as soon as reasonably possible.

The administrator may correct errors, update outdated information, change page layouts or reorganise website content as the site develops.

5. Website design, branding and intellectual property

The website’s visual identity, layout, structure, navigation, styling, graphics and overall presentation are the result of creative work undertaken for Resources for Faith and Practice and RFP Publications.

Ownership of the website’s design and original creative work remains with the website owner. Providing an author with a profile or book listing does not transfer ownership of the website, its design, branding, templates, graphics or other original elements.

Authors may share links to their pages and may use approved promotional images of their own books. However, participation does not grant permission to copy, reproduce, adapt, distribute or commercially reuse the website’s design, page layouts, templates, branding or original graphics.

Any use of website-created promotional material beyond ordinary sharing of links or approved images requires prior permission.

Authors retain ownership of their own books, manuscripts, biographies, photographs and other material they supply, subject to any third-party rights. Authors grant the website administrator permission to use, reproduce, resize, format and display that material as reasonably necessary to create and maintain their agreed website listings and promote their books through the ministry’s channels.

This permission is limited to the purposes described in these guidelines. It does not transfer copyright or give the website owner the right to publish or sell an author’s manuscript independently of the agreed arrangements.

Authors must have the necessary rights and permissions for all material supplied, including cover artwork, photographs, illustrations and extracts.

6. Book sales and purchasing arrangements

The website supports more than one way for readers to purchase books.

New Zealand customers

Eligible books may be listed in the RFP Publications WooCommerce store for purchase by customers in New Zealand.

Before a book is listed for sale, the author and website administrator will agree on the practical arrangements, including:

• The selling price and who is responsible for setting or approving it.
• Who owns the stock and is responsible for supplying the books.
• Who receives, packs and fulfils orders.
• Who pays postage, packaging and other fulfilment costs.
• How customer enquiries, damaged goods, returns and refunds will be handled.
• How sales proceeds will be calculated and paid to the appropriate party.

These details will depend on whether books are supplied as author-owned stock, printed or supplied by a third party, or handled under another agreed arrangement.

Listing a book does not automatically transfer ownership of stock to RFP Publications or require the website administrator to purchase unsold copies.

International customers

The website serves an international readership, but the online store is intended as a purchasing option for New Zealand customers.

Where appropriate, author and book pages will link to Amazon or other agreed retailers for international purchases. Existing international purchasing pathways will be retained where practical.

Purchases made directly through external retailers are transactions between the customer and that retailer, subject to the retailer’s own terms and conditions. RFP Publications does not control those transactions or guarantee their fulfilment.

Sales and availability

The website administrator will take reasonable care to keep listings accurate and functional. However, the website cannot guarantee uninterrupted availability, continued retailer listings or a particular level of sales.

Authors should not assume that inclusion in the store creates an exclusive sales arrangement. Any proposed exclusivity would need to be agreed separately in writing.

7. Payments, costs and sales proceeds

There is currently no charge for the basic service of hosting an author profile or featuring an agreed book on the website.

This does not mean that every expense associated with selling a book is automatically absorbed by the website owner.

The author and website administrator will agree in advance how the following are handled, as applicable:

• Book printing, purchase or replacement costs.
• Postage, packaging and fulfilment.
• Payment processing fees and any other transaction charges.
• Refunds, cancellations, chargebacks and returned goods.
• Applicable taxes and other statutory obligations.

Where the website collects payment for a book sold through the store, the arrangements for calculating and remitting the amount due to the author or stock owner must be agreed before sales commence.

Any payment schedule, reporting arrangements and permitted deductions will be confirmed for the particular sales arrangement. No author should assume that gross customer payments are identical to the amount payable to the author.

External retailers, including Amazon, pay authors or publishers according to their own agreements. RFP Publications does not receive or administer those royalties unless a separate arrangement expressly provides otherwise.

8. Koha and voluntary support

The work of maintaining Resources for Faith and Practice and RFP Publications is offered as a ministry rather than a fee-based commercial service.

There is no mandatory participation fee at present. Authors are nevertheless welcome to make a voluntary koha contribution as an expression of appreciation for the time, design, technical work and ongoing maintenance involved.

A koha may help offset website hosting, software, maintenance and other operating expenses.

A contribution is entirely voluntary. It is not a condition of being accepted, does not purchase preferential treatment, and does not guarantee additional promotion, sales or a particular position on the website.

No author is expected to contribute beyond their means. The ministry’s purpose is to serve authors and readers, not to create financial pressure.

9. Promotion and communication

The website administrator may choose to promote selected authors and books through newsletters, email campaigns, social media, website features or other appropriate channels.

The website has the capability to send promotional or awareness emails to specific mailing lists. This allows campaigns to be targeted towards readers who may have an interest in a particular author, book or subject.

Authors who wish to use this facility are responsible for providing the email addresses of the people they would like to receive their promotional emails. Authors must ensure that they have the necessary permission or other lawful basis for providing these addresses and that their use for email marketing complies with applicable privacy and anti-spam requirements. The website administrator may decline to use a list where its source, permissions or compliance are unclear.

The website administrator will manage email campaigns using the available website and email marketing facilities. The timing, frequency, content and recipients of campaigns remain subject to the administrator’s discretion, available resources and the overall purpose of Resources for Faith and Practice. Providing a mailing list does not guarantee that a campaign will be sent or that recipients will open or act on the emails.

Authors are welcome to suggest promotional opportunities and supply relevant material. They may also share their own website pages and book links with their networks.

However, the website administrator does not undertake to provide a specific number of emails, social media posts, campaigns, advertisements or promotional hours for each author.

Paid advertising, substantial promotional campaigns, new graphics, major page redesigns and other work beyond ordinary website maintenance are not included automatically. Any such work would require a separate discussion and agreement.

Authors should not make commitments on behalf of Resources for Faith and Practice or RFP Publications without prior approval.

10. Website administration and ongoing development

The website will evolve over time. New features may be introduced, existing pages may be redesigned, and the way books and authors are organised may change.

The website administrator retains responsibility for the site’s technical operation, security, layout, navigation, branding and overall direction.

The administrator may:

• Change the appearance or location of author pages and product listings.
• Update website software and technical systems.
• Introduce or discontinue features.
• Correct errors and remove outdated information.
• Decline requests that are outside the scope of the ministry or beyond available resources.

Reasonable care will be taken to preserve the accuracy and usefulness of author information during these changes.

Authors should understand that the website is not a permanent publishing archive and that continued hosting is not guaranteed indefinitely.

11. Conduct, disagreements and responsibility

We aim to work together in a spirit of courtesy, honesty and mutual respect.

Authors are expected to communicate respectfully, provide accurate information and raise concerns directly with the website administrator.

If a disagreement arises about content, presentation, sales arrangements or another aspect of participation, both parties should make a reasonable effort to resolve it through discussion.

The website administrator may decline, suspend or discontinue participation where material is unsuitable, information is misleading, rights or permissions are in doubt, agreed responsibilities are not being met, or the working relationship is no longer appropriate.

Authors remain responsible for their own books, intellectual property, publishing decisions and obligations to their readers. The website’s inclusion of a book does not amount to a guarantee of its accuracy, quality, commercial success or suitability for every reader.

Nothing in these guidelines is intended to exclude responsibilities that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable law.

12. Ending participation

An author may request changes to or removal of their profile or book listings by contacting the website administrator.

The website administrator may also decide to discontinue a listing or an author’s participation. Wherever reasonably practicable, notice will be given and outstanding practical matters discussed.

Following removal, the administrator will take reasonable steps to remove or disable the relevant website content and purchasing links. Some copies of material may remain in backups, records or third-party systems for legitimate technical or legal reasons.

Ending website participation does not transfer ownership of either party’s intellectual property. It also does not cancel any outstanding obligations relating to orders already accepted, payments due, refunds or other matters that require completion.

Any ongoing sales, stock or payment arrangements should be settled as part of the departure process.

13. Changes to these guidelines

These guidelines describe the current approach of Resources for Faith and Practice and RFP Publications. They may be updated as the website, ministry and author community develop.

Where a change materially affects an existing author’s agreed sales or participation arrangements, the website administrator will endeavour to discuss the change with that author before implementing it.

Specific arrangements for an individual author or book may be recorded separately in writing. Where those arrangements expressly differ from these general guidelines, the specific written agreement will govern the matter in question.

14. Moving forward

Our hope is to create a supportive environment where independent authors can share thoughtful resources, readers can discover worthwhile books, and the wider ministry of Resources for Faith and Practice can flourish.

We value the contribution each author makes and recognise that every author has their own voice, audience and publishing journey.

Clear expectations allow us to work together generously without losing sight of the practical responsibilities involved.

If you are interested in participating, the next step is to discuss your books, the intended audience, the material you would like featured and any particular sales arrangements required.

We look forward to exploring whether your work would be a good fit.

Contact: Resources for Faith and Practice / RFP Publications
Website: https://www.faithandpractice.nz

These guidelines are an initial statement of expectations, not a substitute for a separate written agreement where one is needed. Specific book-sale arrangements should be confirmed before a book is made available for purchase.