Your agreement with us
These Terms of Use explain the rules for using the Sotrane Publishers Platform. By creating an account or using the platform, you agree to follow them.
The platform is operated by Sotrane Publishers in Lusaka, Zambia. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not create an account. You may contact us first if anything is unclear.
Your account
Give us accurate, current information and keep your sign-in details private. You are responsible for activity carried out through your account unless you tell us promptly that somebody else may have gained access.
A Visitor account lets you explore the platform and contact Sotrane. Author, staff and administrator access is given only where it is appropriate. You must not try to obtain access that has not been given to you.
- Use your own email address and a strong password.
- Tell us promptly if your email, name or contact details change.
- Do not share an account or allow another person to act as you.
Publishing services and project information
The platform helps you follow publishing work, exchange messages, receive documents and view project information. It does not replace a signed publishing agreement, quotation, invoice or other project-specific document.
Where platform information and a signed agreement differ, the signed agreement controls for that project. Timelines and progress indicators are practical updates, not guarantees that work will be completed on a fixed date unless a signed document says so.
Your manuscripts and files
You keep ownership of the original work you submit. By uploading a manuscript, image or other file, you give Sotrane permission to store, review, edit, format, produce and share it with authorised people only as needed to provide the service you requested.
You promise that you have the right to submit the material and that it does not unlawfully copy another person’s work, misuse private information or violate another person’s rights.
Respectful and lawful use
Use the platform for genuine publishing, reading, account and support purposes. Treat authors, clients and team members with respect.
- Do not upload harmful software, false documents or unlawful material.
- Do not harass, threaten, impersonate or deliberately mislead another person.
- Do not probe, bypass or interfere with security, permissions or service availability.
- Do not copy, scrape or automate access in a way that harms the platform or its users.
Orders, fees and payments
Prices, publishing fees, royalty information and shop orders are handled in the currency and on the terms shown in the relevant quotation, invoice, contract or checkout screen.
A submitted order is a request to buy. It is confirmed only after Sotrane verifies the order and, where required, the payment. Delivery or collection arrangements shown for an order form part of that order.
Availability and changes
We work to keep the platform secure, accurate and available, but maintenance, internet failures or events outside our reasonable control may interrupt it. We may update features to improve security, performance or the publishing service.
We may correct clear mistakes in displayed information. We will not quietly change a signed project agreement through a screen update.
Suspending or closing an account
We may restrict or suspend an account when we reasonably believe it is being misused, presents a security risk, breaks these terms or must be restricted by law. Where practical, we will explain the reason and what can be done next.
You may ask us to close your account. Closing an account does not cancel unpaid amounts, active contractual duties or records that we must reasonably keep for legal, financial or security purposes.
Our responsibility
We are responsible for providing the platform and services with reasonable care. We are not responsible for loss caused by inaccurate information you supplied, unauthorised use you failed to report, third-party internet services, or material you did not have the right to submit.
Nothing in these terms removes a right or responsibility that cannot lawfully be removed.
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms when the platform, our services or legal requirements change. The effective date at the top will show when the current version began. If a change materially affects registered users, we will take reasonable steps to bring it to their attention.
Law, questions and contact
These terms are governed by the laws of Zambia. We encourage you to contact us first so we can try to resolve a concern fairly and promptly.
Email info@sotranepublishers.com or visit our office at Kulima Tower Building, 6th Floor, Room 601, Katunjira Road, Lusaka, Zambia.