Shipping + Returns + Other Fine Print
We’re a tiny shop with a big stack of ideas. Black Fig Society is currently a staff of one, so our policies are designed to keep things simple, sustainable, and fair—for you and for the person packing the boxes.
When will books and digital products be available?
Books and digital delivery begin December 1, 2026.
If you preorder before then, thank you. Truly. Your preorder directly helps fund the behind-the-scenes work required to bring these projects into the world, including copyright approvals, production expenses, and the initial print run of books.
Preorders are part of how a very small independent press makes a very real book.
When will my preorder ship?
Physical book preorders are expected to begin shipping on or after December 1, 2026, as inventory becomes available.
We’ll pack and ship orders as quickly as one human reasonably can. Because Black Fig Society is a staff of one, please allow a little grace during launches, preorder fulfillment, holidays, and other bouts of beautifully organized chaos.
How are digital downloads delivered?
Digital products will begin delivery December 1, 2026.
Once a digital product is released, you’ll receive access through the email address associated with your order. Please double-check your email address at checkout so your files don’t wander off into the swamp.
Can I share, reproduce, or resell a digital download?
Nope. Your purchase gives you a personal-use license to enjoy the digital file. It does not transfer ownership or copyright.
Unless a product specifically says otherwise, you may not:
Resell or redistribute the file
Upload it for others to download
Share copies with friends, groups, or organizations
Reproduce it for commercial purposes
Alter it and sell the resulting work
Claim the artwork, writing, design, or other content as your own
Buying a digital file is a little like buying a book: you own your copy, not the publishing rights.
Who owns the copyright?
The author and/or credited creator retains all applicable copyright and intellectual-property rights to the work unless expressly stated otherwise.
Purchasing a physical book, preorder, or digital product does not transfer copyright, publishing rights, reproduction rights, or commercial-use rights to the purchaser.
All rights not expressly granted remain reserved.
Can I return a digital download?
Because digital products cannot really be “returned” once they’ve been delivered, digital purchases are final sale and nonrefundable except where required by law.
If you have a genuine technical problem accessing a file, email info@blackfigsociety.com and we’ll do our best to sort it out.
What is your return policy for physical goods?
At this time, Black Fig Society does not accept returns or exchanges.
We’re not trying to be difficult—we’re simply a staff of one and don’t currently have the staffing or infrastructure to process returns.
Please review product descriptions, dimensions, photos, formats, and other details carefully before purchasing.
If your order arrives damaged or you receive the wrong item, contact info@blackfigsociety.com with your order information and photos of the issue so we can make it right.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. Domestic U.S. orders of $50 or more ship free.
Orders under $50 will have shipping calculated at checkout.
Free shipping applies to qualifying orders shipped within the United States unless otherwise noted during a special release or promotion.
Do you ship internationally?
International shipping availability may vary by product.
If international shipping is available for your order, rates and available destinations will appear at checkout. Buyers are responsible for any applicable customs charges, duties, taxes, or import fees imposed by their country.
Why are you taking preorders?
Independent publishing requires a surprising amount of money before the first finished book ever lands in a reader’s hands.
Preorder proceeds help Black Fig Society cover expenses associated with securing copyright approvals, preparing the work for publication, and paying for the initial printing run.
In other words: your preorder helps turn the archival pile, the research rabbit hole, and the very ambitious idea into an actual book you can hold.
What happens if a preorder project cannot be published?
If a preorder depends on pending copyright approval or another required publication right and that approval ultimately cannot be secured, Black Fig Society may cancel the affected preorder and issue refunds as appropriate.
We’d much rather send you a book. But we also believe in doing publishing the right way.
Who is behind Black Fig Society?
Currently? One person.
Black Fig Society is an independent shop and press, which means the same person may be researching history, editing a manuscript, answering your email, building the website, ordering inventory, designing something strange, and packing your box.
Thank you for supporting small, independent creative work—and for giving us a little extra patience when the shop gets busy.
Questions? Reach us at info@blackfigsociety.com.