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Author FAQ

Frequently asked questions from authors about using bqqk.

Getting Started

How do I create an author profile?

  1. Create a bqqk account (or log in if you have one)
  2. From your dashboard, click "Create Author Profile"
  3. Complete your profile information
  4. Subscribe to make your profile visible

Do I need to be traditionally published?

No. bqqk welcomes traditionally published, indie published, and self-published children's book authors. What matters is that you have books to share and presentations to offer.

How long does it take to get my profile visible?

Once you complete your profile and activate your subscription (or start your free trial), your profile is immediately visible in search results. There's no approval waiting period.

Subscription & Billing

How much does it cost?

The annual subscription is $50/year. This gives you:

  • Full profile visibility
  • Unlimited booking requests
  • Secure payment processing
  • All platform features

Is there a free trial?

Yes! New authors get a 14-day free trial with full access. Your profile is visible, and you can receive booking inquiries during the trial. You'll only be charged if you continue after 14 days.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards and debit cards.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Go to Account Settings > Subscription and click "Cancel Subscription." Your profile remains active until the end of your current billing period.

What happens if my subscription lapses?

Your profile is hidden from search results, but your data is preserved. You can resubscribe at any time to restore your profile.

Can I get a refund?

Refund policies vary. Contact support to discuss your specific situation.

Bookings

How do I receive booking requests?

Institutions find your profile through search and send booking requests. You'll receive:

  • Email notification
  • In-app notification
  • Request in your dashboard

How quickly should I respond to requests?

Aim to respond within 24-48 hours. Quick responses improve your reputation and increase booking conversion.

Can I decline a booking request?

Yes. If a request doesn't work for you (timing, location, fit), you can decline. Consider providing a reason to help the institution.

Can I propose different dates?

Yes. If the requested dates don't work but you're interested, you can propose alternative dates for the institution to consider.

How do I manage my availability?

Use the availability calendar in your dashboard to mark dates as Available, Unavailable, or Tentative. Institutions can only request dates you've marked as available.

Can I sync my calendar with Google Calendar or Outlook?

Yes, calendar sync is available to help prevent double-bookings.

Payments

How do I get paid?

Payments are processed through the platform:

  1. Institution pays when confirming the booking
  2. Funds are held securely until the visit
  3. After the visit, mark it as completed
  4. Payment releases to your account (typically 2-5 business days)

What payment methods can I receive?

Funds are deposited to the bank account or debit card you provide in your payment settings.

Is there a platform fee?

Platform fee details are provided during onboarding. Check your account settings for current terms.

What if the institution cancels?

Cancellation refunds follow the booking agreement:

  • 30+ days before: Institution receives full refund
  • 15-30 days before: 50% refund
  • Less than 15 days: No refund

You receive payment according to the same policy.

Profile & Discovery

How do I improve my search ranking?

  • Complete all profile sections
  • Add quality photos and videos
  • Maintain accurate availability
  • Respond quickly to requests
  • Earn positive reviews

Should I show my pricing publicly?

Showing pricing is recommended. It saves time for everyone by helping institutions quickly determine if you're within their budget.

Currently, profiles focus on platform content. Contact support about specific linking questions.

How do I get more reviews?

  • Deliver great presentations
  • Communicate clearly before and during visits
  • Follow up after visits with a thank-you
  • Reviews are prompted automatically after completed bookings

Reviews

Can I respond to reviews?

Yes. You can add one response per review (up to 500 characters). Responses appear below the review on your profile.

What if I receive an unfair review?

If you believe a review violates guidelines or is unfair:

  1. Click "Report" on the review
  2. Provide your reasoning
  3. Platform administrators will review

Reviews may be edited or removed if they violate policies.

Can I review institutions?

Yes. After completing a visit, you can review the institution. These reviews are visible only to other authors and help fellow authors know what to expect.