Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Payment & Billing
Why do you require payment upfront?
Because coaching is a professional service where time is the primary asset. Once your sessions are booked and your work is reviewed, that time is committed to you and can’t be “returned” or reliably resold.
All coaching services require payment before work begins and/or before deliverables are handed over. We offer two payment options:
100% upfront before the first session or delivery of materials, or
50% upfront with the remaining 50% due before final delivery of your completed work or materials.
This policy protects the coach’s schedule, confirms mutual commitment, and prevents situations where work is completed but payment doesn’t follow.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment via credit card, debit card, and PayPal through our secure payment processors. All transactions are processed through industry-standard encrypted payment systems.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes—for larger packages, we offer a simple split-payment option:
50% deposit upfront to reserve your spot and begin work, and
50% due at completion, before final delivery of any remaining deliverables.
Payment plan requests must be submitted in writing before services begin and are considered on a case-by-case basis for programs exceeding $2,000.
Refunds & Cancellations
Do you offer refunds?
No. All sales are final. Once coaching sessions are completed or work has been performed, refunds are not issued.
Coaching provides a process, tools, and professional guidance—but results depend on how you implement what you learn.
This includes situations where:
You change your mind about the coaching program
You decide the work is "too hard" or you're "not ready"
You are unhappy with feedback, critiques, or recommendations provided
Your personal or financial circumstances change
You experience creative blocks, burnout, or loss of motivation
You disagree with the coaching approach or methods used
Why don't you offer refunds?
Coaching is a personalized, time-intensive service. Once sessions are scheduled, materials are created, or feedback is provided, that time and expertise cannot be reclaimed or resold. Writers who are not fully committed to the process—emotionally, creatively, and financially—are not a good fit for this program.
This policy protects both parties and ensures that only serious, committed writers enroll in coaching services.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?
You may reschedule individual coaching sessions with at least 24 hours' notice. Cancellations or reschedule requests made with less than 24 hours' notice will result in forfeiture of that session. Sessions cannot be refunded or credited toward future services.
If you need to cancel your entire coaching program after work has begun, you will not receive a refund for any portion of the services, including unused sessions.
What happens if I stop responding or "ghost" during the coaching process?
If you stop responding to communications, miss scheduled sessions without notice, or otherwise disengage from the coaching process, you will not receive a refund. Your access to coaching materials and scheduled sessions will expire according to the original agreement timeline, and no extensions will be provided.
Services & Deliverables
What's included in the Story Stamina System coaching?
The Story Stamina System is a personalized coaching framework tailored to your unique creative personality and writing process. Services vary by package but may include:
One-on-one coaching sessions
Personalized assessment of your writer archetype (Lorekeepers, Mythmakers, Heartweavers, or Wildscribes)
Custom writing strategies and systems designed for your individual strengths
Feedback on manuscripts, outlines, or creative work
Accountability support and progress tracking
Access to proprietary frameworks and resources
Specific deliverables and timelines are outlined in your individual Service Agreement.
What's NOT included?
Coaching does not include:
Ghostwriting or writing your book for you
Unlimited revisions or sessions beyond what's specified in your agreement
Guaranteed publishing deals, book sales, or bestseller status
24/7 availability or emergency support outside scheduled sessions
Services or requests outside the scope defined in your Service Agreement
Can I request additional services or changes after we start?
Additional services beyond the original scope (often called "scope creep") are not included in your original payment. If you request additional sessions, extended feedback, or services beyond what was agreed upon, these will be quoted separately and require additional payment before work begins.
How long do I have access to coaching materials?
Access to coaching materials, frameworks, and resources expires at the end of your agreed-upon coaching period. Materials are for your personal use only and may not be shared, resold, or distributed to others.
Confidentiality & Intellectual Property
Is my work confidential?
Yes. All client information, manuscripts, story ideas, and personal details shared during coaching are kept strictly confidential. Real Indie Author will not share, publish, or disclose your work or personal information without your explicit written permission.
Exceptions to confidentiality include situations required by law or where disclosure is necessary to protect against harm.
Will you keep my story ideas confidential?
Yes. Your story, concepts, drafts, and intellectual property remain yours and are treated as strictly confidential. They are protected by your Service Agreement, and Real Indie Author does not claim any ownership or rights to your work.
Can I share the Story Stamina System with other writers?
No. The Story Stamina System, including all proprietary frameworks, assessments, methods, and materials, are the intellectual property of Real Indie Author. You may not share, reproduce, teach, resell, or distribute these materials to others. Violation of this policy may result in immediate termination of services without refund and potential legal action.
Do you use my work as a portfolio example?
We reserve the right to showcase a tiny fraction (no more than 1%) of the work we do together. Don't worry, though—we strip out anything that could identify you or your specific story lore. It's just to show off the quality of the coaching and the kind of progress our writers make.
Results & Expectations
Will coaching guarantee I'll finish my book or become a bestselling author?
No. Coaching and consulting helps you build a sustainable writing system, stronger habits, and a process you can trust—but bestseller status and market success are not guaranteed. Those outcomes depend on many factors outside coaching, including genre/market conditions, reader demand, timing, algorithms, distribution, pricing, branding, advertising, and your own follow-through.
Real Indie Author does not guarantee:
That you will finish your manuscript
That you will be published
That your book will sell a certain number of copies
That you will earn a specific income from writing
That you will achieve any specific creative or financial outcome
What results CAN I expect from coaching?
You can expect:
Personalized strategies tailored to your creative personality and process
Honest, constructive feedback on your work and approach
Accountability and support to help you stay consistent
Clarity on what's holding you back and practical steps to move forward
Tools and frameworks designed to build sustainable, long-term creative habits
The results you achieve depend entirely on your willingness to implement what you learn and do the work.
Disputes & Legal Issues
What if I have a complaint or dispute?
If you have concerns about the services provided, please contact Real Indie Author in writing at frankie@realindieauthor.com within 14 days of the issue arising. We will make reasonable efforts to address legitimate concerns, but this does not guarantee changes to policies, refunds, or additional services.
What happens if I don't pay according to the agreed terms?
Failure to make payments according to your Service Agreement will result in immediate suspension of all current or future services. You will not regain access to sessions, materials, or support until payment is received in full. Late payments may incur additional fees, and unpaid balances may be sent to collections.
What law governs these policies?
These policies and all disputes arising from services provided by Real Indie Author are governed by the laws of the State of Alaska, United States. Any legal action must be brought in the appropriate courts located in Alaska.
General Questions
Can these policies change?
Yes. Real Indie Author reserves the right to update or modify these policies at any time. Changes will be posted on our website at https://www.realindieauthor.com/ with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the new policies.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
For questions about policies, services, or your coaching agreement, please contact Real Indie Author at [your contact email]. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response.
By purchasing services from Real Indie Author, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these policies and the terms outlined in your individual Service Agreement.