This Contributor Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between:

Publisher: Astronomica Ltd, trading as The Epoch (“Publisher”)
Contributor: The individual or entity submitting content to The Epoch (“Contributor”)

By submitting any written, audio, visual, or other creative material for publication on The Epoch (the “Work”), the Contributor agrees to the following terms.

1. Grant of Licence

The Contributor grants the Publisher a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, display, archive, edit for clarity or length, format, translate, and otherwise make use of the Work in connection with The Epoch and its related activities.

This licence includes, but is not limited to, use of the Work on:

  • The Epoch website and Ghost publication
  • Email newsletters
  • Digital and print compilations
  • Promotional or archival materials
  • Future editions or platforms operated by the Publisher

Ownership of the Work remains with the Contributor.

2. Non-Cancellability

Once published, the licence granted under this Agreement may not be revoked or withdrawn, except at the Publisher’s sole discretion.

The Publisher is under no obligation to remove previously published Work, including if the Contributor later requests removal or ceases involvement with The Epoch.

3. Compensation

There is no financial compensation for contributions by default.

In exceptional circumstances, the Publisher may, at its sole discretion, offer compensation for a specific Work. Any such compensation must be agreed in writing and does not alter the terms of this Agreement unless explicitly stated.

No past, present, or future compensation is implied by publication.

4. Moral Rights and Attribution

Where reasonably practicable, the Publisher intends to credit the Contributor by name or chosen pseudonym as a matter of editorial custom and goodwill. However, attribution is not guaranteed and is not a condition of use of the Work.

The Contributor acknowledges that the Publisher is not legally obliged to provide attribution in all contexts or formats, including but not limited to promotional, archival, excerpted, or adapted uses.

The Contributor may request minor or substantial edits, corrections, or updates to the Work after submission or publication. The Publisher may, at its sole discretion, consider such requests but is under no obligation to implement them, whether in whole or in part.

The Contributor waives any right to object to editorial decisions, contextual placement, formatting, or continued publication of the Work.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Contributor hereby waives any moral rights they may have in the Work under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, or any similar legislation.

5. Contributor Warranties

The Contributor represents and warrants that:

  • The Work is original or the Contributor has the legal right to submit it
  • The Work does not infringe any copyright, moral right, trademark, or other proprietary right
  • The Work is not defamatory, unlawful, or knowingly misleading
  • Any third-party material is clearly identified and properly licensed

The Contributor agrees to indemnify the Publisher against claims arising from breach of these warranties.

6. Editorial Control

The Publisher reserves full editorial discretion and may:

  • Accept or reject submissions
  • Edit, shorten, or decline to publish the Work
  • Remove or archive the Work at any time

Publication is not guaranteed.

7. Relationship of the Parties

Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship. The Contributor acts as an independent contributor.

8. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, unless otherwise required by mandatory local law.

9. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties regarding contributions to The Epoch and supersedes any prior oral or written understandings.

By submitting content to The Epoch, the Contributor acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to this Agreement.