Clear terms, before you pay.
This policy explains when payments to MARTRA can be refunded and how to request one. Last updated: November 2026.
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Overview
Our services are creative and time-based. Once work has been done on your book, that time and skill can't be returned, so refunds depend on how much of the work is complete when you ask.
Every project has a written quote listing its stages and the cost of each. This policy applies together with that quote. If your quote says something different, the quote applies.
Your free manuscript review is always free. You are never charged for it.
Deposits
- Most projects begin with a deposit, usually 50% of the quoted price, paid before work starts.
- If you cancel within 48 hours of paying the deposit and before any work has started, you receive a full refund.
- Once work has started, the deposit covers the work completed and is refunded only for stages that have not started.
Cancelling a project
You can cancel a project at any time by contacting us in writing. When you cancel:
- Stages that are completed and delivered are not refundable.
- Stages in progress are charged for the share of work already done.
- Stages that have not started are refunded in full.
- You receive all the work completed up to the date you cancel.
Refunds by service
| Service | Refundable | Not refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Book writing | Chapters or milestones not yet started | Chapters already drafted and delivered |
| Book development | Before the outline is delivered, minus work done | After the blueprint or outline is delivered |
| Beta reading | Before reading begins | Once the reader report is delivered |
| Editing & proofreading | The part of the manuscript not yet edited | Pages already edited or proofread |
| Formatting & interior | Before sample pages are delivered | After sample pages or final files are delivered |
| Cover design | Before concepts: full. After concepts: 50% | After final cover files are delivered |
| Book publishing | Our service fee, before setup begins | Third-party costs such as ISBNs and platform fees |
| Marketing & promotion | Management fees for campaign time not yet used | Advertising money already spent |
Non-refundable items
- Money paid to third parties on your behalf, such as ISBNs, stock images, fonts, printing, proof copies and advertising spend.
- Work declined for reasons of personal taste after it was delivered as agreed. Your quote includes revision rounds so we can get it right together.
- Projects paused by the author for more than 90 days without contact. Unused stages can be resumed later but are no longer refundable.
If we miss a deadline
If we miss an agreed delivery date by more than 14 days without your agreement, you may cancel and receive a full refund for any work not yet delivered. Delays caused by late feedback or late material from the author are not counted.
How to request a refund
- Message us on WhatsApp at +234 915 761 9850 or email martin@martrapub.com with your name, project name and reason.
- We confirm receipt within 2 working days and send a written breakdown of any refund due.
- Approved refunds are paid to your original payment method within 10 working days. Your bank may take longer to show it.
Questions
If anything in this policy is unclear, please contact us before you pay. We would rather answer your question first than have you feel unsure.
Your book is closer than you think.
Send us your idea or manuscript. We'll reply with honest feedback and a clear plan to get it published.