I. INTRODUCTION

The Public Policy provides a comprehensive framework that governs creative works' submission, evaluation, and publishing. Key elements include: 

• Submission Process: Clear guidelines are established for how authors can submit their creative works to ensure a uniform and fair process. 

• Evaluation Standards: The submissions are evaluated using defined criteria, which help maintain the quality and relevance of the creative content considered for public sharing. 

• Intellectual Property Protection: The policy prioritizes authors’ intellectual property rights, ensuring they are safeguarded throughout the submission and evaluation. 

• Confidential Information Handling: Procedures are outlined to ensure that any confidential information provided by the authors is treated with the utmost confidentiality and care. 

• Applicable Bodies: This policy applies to all submissions received by DADYMINDS Publishing from Authors seeking to publish or Publishers seeking to distribute their works.

II. POLICY OBJECTIVES

• Protection of Intellectual Property:

  This is essential in the creative landscape. It involves guaranteeing that authors maintain ownership of their original works. This protection is not limited to the physical or digital manifestations of the work but extends to the ideas and expressions they represent. Furthermore, any use or evaluation of submissions must adhere to established copyright laws, ensuring that the rights of the creators are respected. This includes recognizing and upholding moral rights, which protect the personal and reputational interests of the authors, allowing them to control how their work is used and ensuring that they are appropriately credited.

   

• Confidentiality and Trust:

  To maintain integrity and safeguard sensitive information, it is imperative to establish rigorous confidentiality standards. These standards should ensure that all non-public, proprietary, or sensitive information in submissions is adequately protected against unauthorized disclosure. This involves implementing protocols for limited access, regular training for staff on confidentiality practices, and strict penalties for breaches of trust. By fostering a culture of confidentiality, DADYMINDS aspires to build trust with stakeholders and promote the responsible handling of sensitive data.

• Transparency and Fair Evaluation:

  The objective is to establish and promote a transparent evaluation process that is both clear and impartial. This process is designed for submissions pertaining to public funding, publication opportunities, or cultural promotion initiatives. By ensuring that all submissions are evaluated relatively, we aim to foster trust and integrity within the system, encouraging more participation and engagement from diverse contributors.

• Dispute Resolution and Accountability:

  To ensure a fair and efficient process for handling conflicts, it is essential to establish robust mechanisms that address various issues. These may include disputes between parties, violations of confidentiality agreements, and instances of copyright infringement. It is critical that these mechanisms not only resolve the issues effectively but also ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions or failures. This means that there should be clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing breaches, fostering a sense of responsibility and trust among all stakeholders.

III. SCOPE

This policy applies to:

• Authors and Publishers:

  Individuals who submit literary, artistic, or creative works to DADYMINDS Publishing, including organizations, foundations, or journals, for evaluation, funding, or publication. This process often involves rigorous assessment criteria set by DADYMINDS to determine the suitability and quality of the submitted work. Successful submissions can lead to further opportunities for exposure, financial support, and professional development in art and literature.

• Public Agencies and Institutions:

  This refers to any governmental body or publicly funded organization managing, evaluating, or distributing creative submissions. This includes departments and agencies at local, state, or federal levels, as well as cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, and art councils. These entities are crucial in overseeing and promoting artistic endeavors, ensuring that creative works are appropriately reviewed and shared with the public.

• Submissions and Confidential Information:

  This section pertains to all types of creative works submitted for review, including but not limited to manuscripts, scripts, designs, and other artistic expressions. Additionally, it covers any confidential or proprietary information shared during the submission process, including trade secrets, business plans, or any sensitive data related to the creative works.

The protection of this information is crucial to preserving the integrity of the submission process and upholding the confidentiality of the ideas being presented.

IV. DEFINITIONS

1. “Submission(s)”:

   This refers to any creative, literary, or artistic work an author presents to DADYMINDS Publishing. This submission is intended for evaluation and may lead to potential publishing opportunities. In essence, it encompasses all forms of works offered for review by authoritative individuals or organizations, aiming to contribute to the literary, artistic, or cultural landscape.

2. “Confidential Information”:

   Any non-public information provided by an author that is either marked as confidential or can be reasonably understood to be confidential. This encompasses unpublished manuscripts, drafts, creative ideas, business strategies, and any sensitive data or information that, if disclosed, could harm the author or their stakeholders.

3. “Copyright”:

   Copyright refers to the legal rights granted to creators of original works, whether those works are artistic, literary, or otherwise. These rights encompass the ability to:

   - Reproduce: Make copies of the original work.

   - Distribute: Share or sell copies of the work to the public.

   - Display: Show the work publicly, whether in a physical space or online.

   - Create derivative works: Develop new works based on the original, such as adaptations, modifications, or reimaginings.

   Copyright protects the expression of ideas but not the ideas themselves. It typically lasts for a specific duration, after which the work enters the public domain.

4. “Evaluation Period”:

   This refers to a designated timeframe in which a public organization or body assesses a submission. This assessment can be related to various opportunities, including potential funding, publication possibility, or cultural programming scheduling. During this period, the submission undergoes a thorough review to determine its viability and alignment with the public body’s objectives.

V. POLICY GUIDELINES

A. Copyright and Ownership

1. Author Ownership:

   • Authors retain full copyright and moral rights in their submissions.
   • Any review or use of a submission does not transfer ownership unless expressly agreed upon through a separate, formal arrangement.

2. License for Evaluation:

   • Upon submission, authors grant DADYMINDS Publishing a non-exclusive, revocable, worldwide license to reproduce, store, display, and assess the work solely for evaluation and administrative purposes.
   • No public or commercial use of the submission is permitted beyond the evaluation process without further written authorization.

3. Additional Rights:

   • Should a submission be selected for public dissemination or funding, further negotiations will determine any additional rights or exclusive arrangements.

B. Confidentiality Standards

1. Protection Measures:

   • DADYMINDS Publishing must handle all submissions with strict confidentiality, using secure storage and limiting access to authorized personnel.
   • Confidential information must only be shared internally on a need-to-know basis.

2. Permitted Disclosures:

   • Confidential information may only be disclosed if required by law or with explicit, written consent from the author.
   • The crime or fault committed must be provable and related to the author’s relationship with DADYMINDS Publishing.
   • In cases of legal compulsion, DADYMINDS Publishing shall notify the author promptly unless prohibited by law.

3. Duration:

   • Confidentiality obligations extend for a period determined by the DADYMINDS Publishing (typically three years) from the last disclosure, with indefinite protection for any trade secrets.

C. Evaluation and Transparency

1. Fair and Impartial Process:

   • Submissions must be evaluated based solely on merit, creative quality, and alignment with the DADYMINDS’ publishing objectives.
   • Clear criteria and evaluation protocols shall be published and available to all potential submitters.

2. Documentation and Record-Keeping:

   • Detailed records of submission reviews, decisions, and related communications must be maintained for accountability and future audit.

D. Dispute Resolution and Enforcement

1. Grievance Mechanisms:

   • Authors who believe their rights have been breached may file a formal complaint. An independent review panel should be established to assess and resolve such disputes.

2. Enforcement Measures:

   • In cases of breach, appropriate sanctions, including administrative penalties and corrective actions, will be applied to the responsible body or personnel.
   • Provisions for mediation or binding arbitration shall be established to resolve disputes without recourse to prolonged litigation.

3. Liability Limitations:

   • Both parties are protected from liability for indirect or incidental damages, provided all reasonable steps to protect submissions and confidential information were observed.

VI. IMPLEMENTATION AND OVERSIGHT

• Designation of Responsibility:
  A designated office or officer (e.g., the Director of Publishing Programs) will oversee the implementation and monitoring of this policy.

• Training and Awareness:
  To ensure adherence to confidentiality and copyright standards, regular training sessions will be provided for all personnel involved in handling submissions.

• Periodic Review:
  This policy shall be reviewed periodically (at least every three years) to ensure continued relevance, legal compliance, and alignment with best practices.

VII. AMENDMENTS AND REVIEW

• Amendment Procedure:
  Amendments to this policy must be proposed in writing, undergo a public consultation process where appropriate, and be approved by the company's governing board.

• Transparency:
  All amendments, updates, and related changes will be published on the company’s official website and communicated to all stakeholders.

VIII. CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

For questions or further guidance regarding this policy, please contact:

Publishing Department: DADYMINDS PUBLISHERS INSIDER

Agency: DADYMINDS PUBLISHING GROUP

Institution Name: DADYMINDS HOLDINGS LLC

Address: 

Email Address: support@dadyminds.org 
Phone Number: +1 (307) 323-4616