1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

1.1 Program Structure

The Program is an unpaid, unsponsored initiative that provides Influencers with complimentary books (both digital via NetGalley and physical copies) in exchange for honest reviews and promotional content.

1.2 Eligibility

• Participants must be at least 18 years of age
• Participants must be in good standing with applicable regulatory bodies
• Baker Publishing Group reserves the right to accept or deny any applicant at our sole discretion

1.3 No Compensation

This Program provides complimentary books only. Baker Publishing Group does not provide monetary compensation, affiliate commissions, or other financial remuneration to Influencers. 

2. FTC COMPLIANCE AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Federal Trade Commission Guidelines

All Influencers must comply with the Federal Trade Commission's Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (16 C.F.R. Part 255), as revised in 2023, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing advertising and endorsements.

2.2 Material Connection Disclosure

Influencers must clearly and conspicuously disclose that books received through the Program are gifted/complimentary. This disclosure is required for ALL content featuring Program books, including but not limited to:

• Retailer and review platform reviews (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.)
• Goodreads and NetGalley reviews
• Instagram posts, Stories, and Reels
• TikTok videos
• YouTube videos and Shorts
• Twitter/X posts
• Facebook posts
• Blog posts
• Podcast episodes
• Pinterest pins
• Any other social media platform or content format

2.3 Required Disclosure Language

Disclosures must be clear, prominent, and placed where they are easily noticed BEFORE a user needs to click "more" or take any action to view them. 

REQUIRED HASHTAGS/LANGUAGE (must use at least one):

• #gifted
• “I received this book free from [Imprint Name]”

PLATFORM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

Amazon/Retailer Reviews:

• Select "I received this product for free or at a discount" (if available)
• Include in review text: "I received this book free from [Imprint Name] for my honest review"

Goodreads:

• Include disclosure at the beginning of your review: "I received a complimentary copy from [Imprint Name]"
• Use appropriate shelf tags when available

Instagram:

• Use hashtags or disclosure in the FIRST THREE LINES of the caption (before "...more")
• Include disclosure in Stories text overlay
• State verbally in the video: "This book was gifted to me by [Imprint Name]"

TikTok:

• Include disclosure hashtag in caption
• State verbally in the video: "This book was gifted to me by [Imprint Name]"

YouTube:

• State verbally within the first 30 seconds: "This book was sent to me by [Imprint Name]"
• Include disclosure in video description

Blog Posts:

• Include disclosure at the beginning of the post, not buried at the end

2.4 Insufficient Disclosures

The following are NOT sufficient disclosures on their own:

• Tags without clear language (e.g., tagging @publishingimprint without explanation)
• Vague terms like #partner, #collab, #spon
• Disclosures hidden behind "read more" buttons
• Disclosures only in comments

3. CONTENT STANDARDS AND AUTHENTICITY

3.1 Honest and Authentic Content

Influencers are expected to provide honest, authentic opinions. Baker Publishing Group does not require positive reviews and will not penalize Influencers for expressing genuine, constructive criticism. However, all content must:

• Reflect the Influencer's true experience with the book
• Be based on actually reading the book (not skimming or making assumptions)
• Avoid making false or unsubstantiated claims about the book, author, or publisher

3.2 Original Content

All content created must be original work by the Influencer. Influencers must:

• Create their own photos, videos, graphics, and written content
• Properly credit authors and publishers
• Ensure they have the legal right to use any third-party materials (music, images, videos, etc.)
• Not reproduce substantial portions of copyrighted book content without permission

3.3 No Deceptive Practices

Influencers shall not:

• Use filters, editing, or AI in ways that materially misrepresent the book or create false impressions
• Artificially inflate follower counts or engagement metrics
• Purchase followers, likes, or comments
• Use bots or automation to inflate metrics

3.4 Review Copy Restrictions  

Books received through the Program are provided solely for Influencer’s personal review and promotional purposes. Influencers shall not:  

• Sell or resell review copies (physical or digital)
• Share, distribute or give away digital review copies (NetGalley access or digital files)
• Share NetGalley access credentials with others
• Use review copies for any commercial purpose beyond creating promotional content

Physical books may be donated or given away to readers after the Influencer has completed their review.

4. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

4.1 Brand Representation

Influencers serve as representatives of Baker Publishing Group and our authors. Any behavior that brings Baker Publishing Group, our imprints, or our authors into disrepute is strictly prohibited.

4.2 Prohibited Conduct

Influencers shall NOT engage in or post content containing:

• Discriminatory, hateful, or harassing language based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic
• Profanity, vulgarity, or sexually explicit material
• Violence, threats, or promotion of dangerous activities
• Defamatory statements about authors, publishers, or individuals
• Misinformation or deliberately false statements
• Content that violates any law or regulation

4.3 Professional Communication

All communication with Baker Publishing Group staff must be professional, respectful, and conducted through appropriate channels. Influencers should:

• Direct concerns, questions, or complaints to Baker Publishing Group via email (fictionreviewers@bakerpublishinggroup.com)
• Contact us privately to resolve concerns before posting public criticism about program administration, business practices, or authors
• Maintain professional, non-defamatory communication in all public forums
• Resolve disputes privately and professionally whenever possible

4.4 Conflict resolution

If an Influencer has concerns about book content, marketing materials, author behavior, or Program administration, they must communicate these concerns directly to Baker Publishing Group via email (fictionreviewers@bakerpublishinggroup.com) before posting any public criticism or commentary. Public posts, videos, or comments that  

• Attack or disparage Baker Publishing Group, our authors, or our business practices
• Contain false or misleading information about Baker Publishing Group or our authors
• Encourage or coordinate negative campaigns against Baker Publishing Group or our authors
• Are intended to damage Baker Publishing Group’s or an author’s reputation

. . . may result in immediate removal from the Program. This policy does not restrict honest book reviews or constructive criticism shared professionally.

5. COMMUNITY STANDARDS

5.1 Positive Community Engagement

Influencers are expected to maintain a respectful, professional environment in their content's comments and direct messages, including:

• Responding professionally to disagreement or criticism
• Moderating comments to prevent harassment or bullying
• Reporting inappropriate behavior to platform administrators

5.2 No Bullying or Harassment

Influencers shall not:

• Bully, harass, or attack other readers, reviewers, or community members
• Tag authors in negative reviews or critical posts
• Coordinate or encourage harassment campaigns against authors, publishers, or other individuals
• Engage in “review bombing” or organized negative campaigns

5.3 Author Interactions

When interacting with authors:

• Be respectful and professional, even when providing constructive criticism
• Do NOT tag authors in negative reviews. Honest, respectful reviews posted without tagging the author are acceptable.
• Understand that authors may not respond to all comments or messages

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

6.1 Baker Publishing Group’s Rights

No license or right is granted by Baker Publishing Group except as expressly stated in this Agreement. Influencers shall not use Baker Publishing Group’s trademarks, logos, copyrighted materials, or other intellectual property except as necessary to identify the publisher in required disclosures.

6.2 Content Ownership and License

Influencer retains ownership of all original content created. However, by participating in the Program, Influencer grants Baker Publishing Group a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, worldwide, fully sublicensable right to:

• Use Influencer's content (videos, photos, written content) in any manner and in any media
• Use Influencer's name, likeness, social media handle, and attributes
• Republish, share, or feature Influencer's content on Baker Publishing Group’s owned platforms, social media, advertising, and promotional materials
• Modify, paraphrase, amplify, or shorten Influencer statements and content

Baker Publishing Group is not required to credit or notify Influencer when using their content, though we typically do so as a courtesy.

7. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

7.1 Book Requests

Influencers will receive annual emails with information about upcoming releases. Influencers may request books through the designated request system. Approval of requests is at Baker Publishing Group’s sole discretion based on:

• Influencer's prior engagement and compliance
• Availability of copies
• Relevance to Influencer's audience and content

Books provided through the Program are for personal review use only. Physical books may be donated or given away after review. Digital review copies and physical books may not be sold or resold.

7.2 Review Expectations

While Baker Publishing Group encourages Influencers to post honest reviews, we do not require reviews. However, repeatedly requesting books without posting content may result in reduced access to future titles or removal from the Program.

7.3 Content Timeline

Influencers are encouraged to post content within the month leading up to and following a book's publication date, or as specified in Program communications. Baker Publishing Group may provide suggested posting windows for maximum impact.

7.4 Platform Compliance

Influencers must comply with all terms of service, community guidelines, and policies of social media platforms on which they post, including but not limited to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, Twitter/X, and Pinterest.

8. PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS AND TERMINATION

8.1 Baker Publishing Group’s Rights

Baker Publishing Group’s reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to:

• Modify, suspend, or terminate the Program at any time without notice
• Change these terms and conditions without prior notification
• Remove any Influencer from the Program at any time, for any reason, without warning or explanation
• Deny book requests or limit access to titles
• Determine what constitutes a violation of this Agreement

8.2 Immediate Removal

Baker Publishing Group may immediately remove an Influencer from the Program without warning for violations including but not limited to:

• Failure to comply with FTC disclosure requirements
• Engaging in prohibited conduct as outlined in Section 4
• Bullying, harassment, or attacks on authors, publishers, or community members
• Public disparagement of Baker Publishing Group or our authors
• Discriminatory or hateful conduct
• Violation of platform terms of service
• Fraud, misrepresentation, or deceptive practices
• Any conduct deemed inconsistent with Baker Publishing Group’s values or the Program's intent

8.3 No Appeal

Decisions regarding removal from the Program are final. Baker Publishing Group is not obligated to provide reasons for removal or to allow reinstatement.

8.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination or voluntary departure from the Program:

• Influencer must continue to maintain required FTC disclosures on all previously posted content featuring Program books
• Baker Publishing Group’s license to use Influencer's content remains in effect
• Influencer must not sell any review copies received through the Program
• Influencer must return any unreleased books if requested

9. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

By participating in the Program, Influencer represents and warrants that: 

        a) All content will be wholly original and will not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, patent, right of publicity or privacy, or other proprietary rights 

        b) All posts and statements reflect Influencer's honest opinions and genuine experiences 

        c) Influencer will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including FTC Endorsement Guides, platform terms of service, and privacy/data security laws 

        d) Influencer has read and understands this Agreement and will comply with all terms 

        e) Influencer is at least 18 years of age

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

Influencers may receive advance access to unpublished books or confidential business information. Influencers agree to:

• Not share or distribute digital galleys or advance copies to others
• Not sell or resell physical review copies (donation or giveaways after review are permitted)
• Not post reviews or content before the date specified by Baker Publishing Group  
• Not disclose confidential information about Baker Publishing Group’s business, upcoming releases, or internal operations
• Maintain the security of NetGalley credentials and not share access

11. INDEMNIFICATION

Influencer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Baker Publishing Group, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, authors, and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents from any and all third-party claims, demands, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Influencer's breach of this Agreement
• Influencer's violation of any law or regulation
• Influencer's content or conduct
• Claims of infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Baker Publishing Group assumes no responsibility or liability for:

• Technical problems affecting the Program's operation
• Lost, delayed, or intercepted communications
• Unauthorized access to Influencer accounts
• Disputes between Influencers and third parties
• Any damages arising from participation in the Program

Baker Publishing Group total liability to Influencer shall not exceed the retail value of books provided through the Program.

13. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS

Influencers are independent contractors, not employees, agents, or partners of Baker Publishing Group. This Agreement does not create any employment relationship, joint venture, or agency relationship. Influencers:

• Are not entitled to employee benefits
• Are responsible for their own taxes
• Have no authority to bind Baker Publishing Group
• Perform services at their own discretion and schedule

14. GENERAL PROVISIONS

14.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Influencer and Baker Publishing Group regarding the Program and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings.

14.2 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

14.3 Modifications

Baker Publishing Group may modify this Agreement at any time. Continued participation in the Program after modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. Influencers are responsible for regularly reviewing the current version of this Agreement.

14.4 Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Michigan without regard to conflict of law principles. Influencer consents to exclusive jurisdiction in the courts of Kent County, Michigan.

14.5 No Waiver

Baker Publishing Group’s failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

14.6 Contact Information

Questions about this Agreement or the Program should be directed to: 

Baker Publishing Group Fiction Influencer Program 
Email: fictionreviewers@bakerpublishinggroup.com 
Address: 6030 Fulton St E, Ada, MI 49301  

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By participating in the Baker Publishing Group Fiction Influencer Program, I acknowledge that:

• I have read and understood this Code of Conduct and Terms of Service
• I agree to comply with all terms and conditions outlined above
• I understand that Baker Publishing Group may remove me from the Program at any time without warning
• I understand that violation of FTC guidelines or this Agreement may result in legal consequences
• I agree to the license granted to Baker Publishing Group regarding my content
• I understand this is an unpaid program with no guarantee of book approvals
• This Agreement is effective as of the date of your first participation in the Program.