IMMORTAL AFFECTIONS / BEAUTIFULLY DEAD

SUBSCRIBER AGREEMENT

Effective Date: April the 12th, 2025

Authors: E.M.V. - writing as Morgan A. Drake™ - and Joe Gillis

RELATIONSHIP TO SUBSTACK TERMS

These terms supplement Substack’s standard Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Publisher Agreement, which also govern your use of this publication. In the event of any conflict between these terms and Substack’s platform terms, the latter shall prevail regarding platform functionality.

COPYRIGHT & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Immortal Affections is the umbrella intellectual property encompassing a connected universe of paranormal historical fiction works, including but not limited to:

• Beautifully Dead (the current serialized novel)

• All characters, locations, historical events, supernatural systems, and narrative elements

• The “Affliction” mythology and associated biological/supernatural framework

• All documented historical research and creative interpretations

• Character lineages, family trees, and genealogical connections

• Future works, sequels, prequels, and derivative stories within this universe

All content constitutes original creative work jointly authored by Morgan A. Drake and Joe Gillis. Both authors maintain equal co-ownership of all intellectual property rights.

Visual content includes credited public domain images, AI-generated art created by the authors, and properly attributed third-party works when used.

All content is protected under international copyright law, including:

• United States Copyright Law (17 U.S.C.)

• Italian Copyright Law (Legge sul Diritto d’Autore, L. 633/1941)

• Berne Convention and other international copyright treaties

While subscribers receive access to read this content, Morgan A. Drake and Joe Gillis jointly maintain all rights to publish, distribute, adapt, translate, license, and create derivative works in any medium.

SUBSCRIPTION NATURE & CONTENT ACCESS

By subscribing to Immortal Affections / Beautifully Dead, you are:

1. Gaining access to episodes of ongoing serialized historical paranormal fiction works, including:
   
   

   • Weekly installments of Beautifully Dead

   • Historical document excerpts and research materials

   • Audio narrations of episodes

   • Bonus content and author commentary (paid tiers)

2. Reading the current iteration of creative works that may be revised before final novelization and publication
   
   

3. Supporting the ongoing creation and development of the Immortal Affections universe
   
   

4. NOT purchasing ownership rights to any content, but rather a limited license to access and read for personal enjoyment
   
   

Content Tiers

Free Tier:

• Sent letters between Thomas and Eleanor

• Selected historical context documents

• Introductory modern narrative scenes

• Audio narrations of free content

Paid Subscription:

• Unsent “true” letters and diary entries

• Complete modern narrative arc

• Missing letters and documents

• Full episode access

• Bonus materials

Serialization Notes

• Episodes are published weekly on a regular schedule

• The authors will take breaks when necessary for creative development, research, or personal circumstances

• Advance notice of planned breaks will be provided when possible

• First release: April 12, 2025 (Anniversary of Fort Sumter)

• Serialized content may be revised, edited, or expanded during the serialization process

• Past episodes will remain available to subscribers for the duration of their active subscription

• Content may be further revised during novelization or compilation for wider publication

CONTENT WARNINGS

Immortal Affections / Beautifully Dead contains mature themes including:

• Supernatural horror and Gothic elements

• Psychological darkness including trauma, PTSD, and existential questions

• Historical violence including Civil War battle descriptions and medical procedures

• Adult situations and romantic content appropriate to the Gothic romance genre

• Death, grief, and undead existence explored in depth

• Religious questioning and crisis of faith

• Period-appropriate prejudices presented in historical context

Content is intended for adult audiences. Subscribers are responsible for determining their own comfort level with historical paranormal Gothic fiction.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Fiction Disclaimer: All Immortal Affections / Beautifully Dead content is fictional. While the story incorporates historical events, locations, and military units from the American Civil War era, all main characters and the supernatural “Affliction” are products of the authors’ imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead (beyond documented historical figures), or actual supernatural events is purely coincidental.

No Warranties: Content is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. The authors make no guarantees regarding publication schedules, story outcomes, or content availability.

Limitation of Liability: Morgan A. Drake, Joe Gillis, and Immortal Affections / Beautifully Dead shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages arising from your use of or inability to use the content, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

Content Changes: Stories may be revised, edited, or modified at any time. Subscribers acknowledge that serialized fiction is subject to creative development and change.

PERMITTED USES

As a subscriber, you may:

1. Read all published content for your personal enjoyment
   
   

2. Listen to audio narrations (when provided) for personal use only
   
   

3. Share brief quotes (not exceeding 150 words per excerpt) on social media with:
   
   

   • Proper attribution to both authors

   • Links to the original Substack publication

   • Clear indication that it is from Immortal Affections / Beautifully Dead

4. Discuss the story publicly:
   
   

   • Analyze characters, themes, and supernatural elements

   • Theorize about plot developments

   • Engage in literary discussion and critique

5. Recommend the publication to others through direct links to the Substack page
   
   

6. Reference historical research cited in the work with proper academic attribution to the original sources
   
   

PROHIBITED USES

Subscribers agree not to:

1. Redistribute complete episodes or substantial portions of content in any medium
   
   

2. Create unauthorized derivative works including but not limited to:
   
   

   • Sequels, prequels, or side stories

   • Alternative universe versions

   • Continuations or reimaginings

   • Translations (unless authorized)

3. Use the Immortal Affections universe commercially:
   
   

   • Characters, settings, or supernatural systems

   • The “Affliction” concept and its rules

   • Character names or distinctive phrases

   • Plot elements or narrative structures

4. Share access credentials or bypass subscription requirements
   
   

5. Reproduce, adapt, or translate the content without express written permission from both authors
   
   

6. Record, copy, or redistribute audio narrations beyond personal listening
   
   

7. Use characters or settings in role-playing games, interactive fiction, or gaming contexts without authorization
   
   

FAN CREATION POLICY

The authors of Immortal Affections / Beautifully Dead welcome fan engagement within specific guidelines.

Personal Fan Works

Subscribers may create personal, non-commercial fan works (fan art, fan fiction, fan videos) based on Beautifully Dead content under the following conditions:

1. Works must be clearly labeled as unofficial fan creations

2. Attribution to Morgan A. Drake and Joe Gillis must be included

3. Works must be shared only on personal platforms (not for sale or commercial use)

4. Fan works must not be represented as official or canonical content

5. Works must be respectful of the source material’s themes and characters

Disclaimer Requirement

If you wish to publicly share fan works, please include:

“Based on Beautifully Dead and the Immortal Affections universe by Morgan A. Drake and Joe Gillis. This is an unofficial fan creation and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the original authors.”

READER FEEDBACK & STORY DEVELOPMENT

Beautifully Dead is a living creative work during serialization. Reader engagement is valued and appreciated.

• Comments, theories, and feedback are welcomed

• Historical knowledge or research suggestions are valuable

• Literary analysis and discussion enrich the community

• The authors may consider reader insights during the creative process

• No individual reader is guaranteed influence over story direction

• Reader contributions do not constitute co-authorship or shared rights

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

Comment sections and community spaces are intended to foster positive, engaged discussion. Subscribers agree to:

• Engage respectfully with other readers and the authors

• Avoid spoilers where content has not yet appeared

• Refrain from harassment, hate speech, or disruptive behavior

• Support a community focused on shared appreciation of historical paranormal fiction

• Respect different interpretations and theories

Moderation Policy: Comments that violate community guidelines will be removed, and disruptive users will be blocked from further participation.

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE & CONTENT AVAILABILITY

• Story installments are published on a regular weekly schedule

• The authors will make reasonable efforts to maintain this schedule

• Publication dates may occasionally shift due to creative needs, research requirements, or personal circumstances

• Past episodes will remain available to subscribers for the duration of their subscription

• The authors reserve the right to make minor edits or corrections to previously published content

• The authors will communicate significant schedule changes when possible

AUDIO NARRATIONS & MULTIMEDIA CONTENT

When audio narrations or other multimedia content are provided:

• Audio content is for personal listening only

• Subscribers may not record, copy, download, or redistribute audio files

• Audio content may be revised or re-recorded at the authors’ discretion

• Technical issues with audio delivery do not constitute grounds for refund

FUTURE PUBLICATION RIGHTS

The authors jointly retain all rights to:

1. Publish in book form:
   
   

   • Revised and expanded novelization of the serial

   • Inclusion of additional documents, veteran accounts, and historical materials

   • Professional editing and formatting

2. Distribute widely:
   
   

   • Traditional publishing agreements

   • Self-publishing in print and digital formats

   • International editions and translations

3. Create adaptations:
   
   

   • Audio book productions

   • Podcast series or dramatic adaptations

   • Graphic novel or illustrated editions

   • Film, television, or streaming series

   • Interactive media or gaming

4. Expand the universe:
   
   

   • Sequel novels featuring other characters or time periods

   • Prequels exploring earlier events

   • Standalone stories within the Immortal Affections universe

   • Companion materials

5. License or authorize:
   
   

   • Merchandise based on characters or symbols

   • Artistic interpretations or special editions

   • Academic or educational uses

   • Foreign language versions

HISTORICAL RESEARCH & ATTRIBUTION

Beautifully Dead incorporates extensive historical research. The authors strive for historical accuracy in military details, medical practices, and period customs, while clearly distinguishing between documented history and creative interpretation.

Historical documents referenced within the narrative may be public domain materials (clearly attributed) or original creations written by the authors in period style.

Scholars or students wishing to reference the historical research should seek and cite original primary sources rather than the fictional narrative.

INTERNATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

This work is jointly created by authors based in Italy (Morgan A. Drake) and the United States (Joe Gillis). Copyright protections apply under the laws of both countries and all international treaties to which they are signatories.

Subscribers may be located worldwide. These terms are governed by Substack’s platform policies and international copyright law. The primary publication language is English.

TERM & TERMINATION

These terms remain in effect for the duration of your subscription. The authors reserve the right to:

• Update these terms with notice to subscribers

• Terminate access for subscribers who violate these terms

• Discontinue the serial publication with reasonable notice

• Move publication to a different platform with notification

Upon termination of your subscription:

• Access to paid content will cease

• All license rights granted herein terminate

• Obligations regarding prohibited uses remain in effect

MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

The authors reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Material changes will be communicated to subscribers via email or Substack notification. Continued subscription after notification constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

CONTACT

For questions regarding these terms or requests for permissions beyond those granted here, please contact through Substack’s platform messaging system.

© 2025 E.M.V. - writing as Morgan A. Drake™ - and Joe Gillis. All rights reserved.

Immortal Affections™ and Beautifully Dead™ are the joint property of the authors.

These Terms of Service are effective as of April the 12th, 2025.

Last Updated: [DATE]