Shipping Policy
Own Your Publishing
Effective Date: September 1, 2026
Last Updated: September 1, 2026
1. Shipping Overview
Own Your Publishing ships physical products (paperback and hardcover books) through multiple channels:
- Amazon KDP: Direct fulfillment for most orders
- Author Copies: Direct shipment from local printers
This policy outlines shipping times, costs, tracking, and our process.
2. KDP Orders (Paperback & Hardcover)
2.1 Fulfillment by Amazon
Most paperback and hardcover orders are fulfilled through Amazon KDP:
- Amazon prints, packages, and ships your order
- We have no control over printing quality or speed
- Amazon's shipping rates and times apply
2.2 Shipping Times (KDP Orders)
Domestic (USA):
- Standard: 5-10 business days
- Expedited: 3-5 business days (if available)
- Note: Printing takes 2-3 days before shipping
International:
- Varies by country (see Section 5 for details)
- Typically 10-30+ business days
Calculation: Print time (2-3 days) + shipping time
2.3 Shipping Costs (KDP Orders)
Shipping costs are set by Amazon and vary by:
- Destination
- Book size and weight
- Shipping method selected at checkout
Cost is displayed at checkout before purchase.
2.4 Tracking (KDP Orders)
- You receive a tracking number via email from Amazon
- Track your order at Amazon.com or the carrier's website
- Tracking updates in real-time
3. Author Copies (Direct Orders)
3.1 Direct Fulfillment
Author copies purchased at events or through special orders ship directly from us:
- Books are printed locally or sourced
- We package and ship via USPS, UPS, or FedEx
- Faster than KDP in most cases
3.2 Shipping Times (Author Copies)
- Processing: 2-3 business days
- Shipping: 3-7 business days (USPS/UPS standard)
- Total: 5-10 business days
Rush shipping available (additional fee):
- 1-2 day processing
- Overnight shipping available
- Contact us for pricing
3.3 Shipping Costs (Author Copies)
Costs depend on:
- Destination
- Quantity
- Shipping method
- Book dimensions and weight
Cost confirmed before shipment.
3.4 Tracking (Author Copies)
- Tracking number provided via email
- Track at USPS.com, UPS.com, or FedEx.com
- Tracking updates daily
4. Domestic Shipping (USA)
4.1 Shipping Methods
Standard Shipping:
- USPS Priority Mail: 3-5 business days
- Cost: $5-15 (varies by weight/zone)
Expedited Shipping:
- USPS Priority Express: 1-2 business days
- UPS Next Day Air: Next business day
- Cost: $15-50+ (expedited premium)
4.2 Delivery Address Requirements
- Must be a valid US address
- PO boxes accepted for USPS
- UPS/FedEx may require street address
- Address must match payment method
4.3 Delivery Confirmation
- All packages ship with tracking
- Signature required: No (standard)
- Insurance: Not included (available for added fee)
5. International Shipping
5.1 Countries We Ship To
We ship to most countries worldwide via:
- Amazon KDP: Checks availability for your country
- Author Copies: Available to select countries
5.2 International Shipping Times
Typical timeline:
- Printing: 2-3 days (KDP) or 2-3 days (author copies)
- Shipping: 10-30+ business days depending on destination
Factors affecting delivery:
- Customs clearance
- Country postal service efficiency
- Remote locations take longer
5.3 International Shipping Costs
KDP orders: Amazon sets cost (displayed at checkout)
Author copies:
- USPS International Priority: $20-60
- UPS/FedEx International: $50-150+
- Varies significantly by country and weight
Cost confirmed before shipment.
5.4 Customs & Duties
International buyers are responsible for:
- Customs duties and taxes
- Tariffs imposed by their country
- Clearance fees (if any)
OYP is not responsible for:
- Customs holds or delays
- Import duties charged by receiving country
- Refused shipments due to customs issues
6. Tracking & Delivery Status
6.1 Tracking Information
You receive tracking numbers via email:
- For KDP orders: From Amazon
- For author copies: From us
6.2 How to Track
- Go to carrier website (USPS, UPS, FedEx)
- Enter tracking number
- View real-time status
Typical tracking stages:
- Label created
- In transit
- Out for delivery
- Delivered
6.3 Delivery Delays
Common reasons:
- Weather events
- High package volume
- Customs delays (international)
- Address issues
- Carrier delays
Contact us if:
- Tracking hasn't updated in 5+ business days
- Delivery date has passed significantly
- You suspect package is lost
7. Damaged or Lost Packages
7.1 Reporting Damage
If your package arrives damaged:
- Take photos of damage and contents
- Report within 7 days of delivery
- Email: acndintllc@gmail.com with:
- Order number
- Tracking number
- Photos of damage
- Description of issue
7.2 Damage Claims (KDP Orders)
- Amazon investigates via carrier
- Replacement or refund issued if damage is confirmed
- Process takes 5-10 business days
7.3 Damage Claims (Author Copies)
- We coordinate with carrier
- Replacement or refund offered
- We cover shipping for replacement
- Must report within 7 days
7.4 Lost Packages
If your package doesn't arrive:
- Wait 10 business days past estimated delivery
- Contact us with tracking number
- We will file claim with carrier
- Carrier investigates (typically 15-30 days)
- Replacement or refund issued once resolved
8. Undeliverable Addresses
If your address is deemed undeliverable:
- Carrier attempts delivery once
- Package is returned to sender
- We contact you to confirm address
- You arrange reshipment
Charges apply for reshipping to corrected address.
9. Package Intercept & Redirection
Once shipped, packages cannot be easily redirected, but we can try:
- Contact us immediately (within 24 hours of shipment)
- We attempt to intercept with carrier
- Success depends on carrier and timing
- Rush fees may apply
Better option: Verify address before checkout.
10. Signature & Delivery Requirements
10.1 Standard Shipping
- No signature required
- Package left with recipient or at safe place
- Recipient responsibility once delivered
10.2 High-Value Orders
For orders over $100:
- Signature may be required
- Specified in order details
- Recipient must sign upon delivery
10.3 Adult Signature
Age-restricted content may require adult signature (18+).
11. Holidays & Business Days
Processing times exclude:
- Weekends
- Federal holidays
- Company holidays
Example: Order placed Friday → 2 business day processing = ships Tuesday (excluding weekend).
12. Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays or failures due to:
- Natural disasters
- Extreme weather
- Pandemics
- War or civil unrest
- Strikes or labor issues
- Government actions
- Carrier failures beyond our control
We will update you and reschedule shipment once normal operations resume.
13. Insurance
Standard shipping does not include insurance against loss or damage.
Optional insurance available:
- Available at checkout (additional fee)
- Covers loss, theft, and damage
- Claims must be filed within 15 days
- Reimbursement up to declared value
14. Shipping Address Changes
14.1 Before Shipment
If you need to change your shipping address:
- Email us immediately with order number
- Include new address
- We will attempt to update before shipment
- Success not guaranteed
14.2 After Shipment
Once shipped, address changes are limited:
- Contact carrier directly with tracking number
- Carrier may allow address redirection for fee
- Not all carriers/situations allow this
Best practice: Verify address at checkout.
15. Holdups & Delays
15.1 We Will Investigate If:
- Tracking hasn't updated in 7+ days
- Delivery is 5+ days overdue
- You report concern
15.2 Common Delays:
- Customs hold (international)
- Carrier backlog
- Weather/natural disaster
- Address issues
15.3 Resolution:
- We contact carrier on your behalf
- Expedited investigation requested
- Replacement or refund if claim succeeds
16. Returns to Sender
If a package is returned to sender:
- Carrier marks as undeliverable
- Package returns to us
- We contact you to resolve
You pay reshipping costs unless error was ours.
17. Special Shipping Requests
Expedited Shipping:
- Rush processing available (additional fee)
- 1-2 day turnaround instead of 2-3
- Fastest shipping method used
Contact: acndintllc@gmail.com for quote
18. Third-Party Carrier Liability
We use USPS, UPS, FedEx, and Amazon as carriers:
- We are not liable for carrier delays/failures
- Carrier is responsible for lost/damaged packages
- We assist in filing claims but cannot guarantee resolution
- Carrier liability limits apply (typically $100-300)
19. Contact Shipping Support
Shipping questions or issues:
Email: acndintllc@gmail.com
Include:
- Order number
- Tracking number
- Issue description
Response Time: 5 business days (non-urgent) or 24 hours (urgent/lost package)
20. Policy Updates
We reserve the right to update this Shipping Policy. Changes take effect upon posting. Existing orders are not affected by updates.
Last Updated: September 1, 2026
