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ARTWORK & CREATIVE INTEGRITY

Hidden Archives was created by readers, for readers—and for the authors, illustrators and designers who entrust us with their work.
Writers and visual artists are the foundation of the bookish community. We respect creativity in all its forms and recognise the responsibility involved in reimagining an existing story. Our purpose is not to replace or overshadow what has already been created, but to honour it through collector’s editions that thoughtfully complement the author’s original vision.
The covers, character artwork, endpapers and other illustrated elements featured in our editions are commissioned specifically for each project from professional illustrators and cover designers.
For every edition, we carefully pair each author’s work with creative professionals whose portfolios, artistic styles and strengths complement the novel’s characters, themes, setting and atmosphere. Each artist receives a detailed creative brief developed through close reading of the book and a considered design direction for the edition, creating a strong foundation for the author’s storytelling and the artist’s visual interpretation to work together.
Our commitment is simple: Hidden Archives will never use AI-generated artwork. Every release will feature original imagery commissioned from professional artists and created specifically for the edition.
All artwork and design elements remain subject to author, publisher and rights-holder approval.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Hidden Archives?

Hidden Archives is an Australian online bookstore creating special edition, collectible and limited-release books for readers and collectors.

Our editions may include exclusive design details such as custom covers, dust jackets, foiling, sprayed edges, illustrated endpapers, ribbons, presentation packaging, certificates, access cards, or other collector elements.

Are your books limited edition?
Yes. Hidden Archives releases are produced in limited quantities.
Once a release sells out, we may not be able to restock the same edition, design, format, or inclusions.

Do you offer subscriptions?

Not at this stage.

Hidden Archives currently sells individual special edition and limited-release books. We may offer subscriptions in the future, but any subscription service would have its own separate terms.

How do pre-orders work?
Some Hidden Archives books may be available to purchase before they are ready to ship.
If a product is a pre-order, the product page will include an estimated dispatch timeframe where available. This timeframe is an estimate only and may change due to production, freight, customs, supplier delays, quality control, or other circumstances outside our control.
We will provide updates if there is a significant delay.

Will the final book look exactly like the mockups?
We do our best to represent each product accurately.
However, special edition books may have minor production differences between digital mockups and the final physical item. This can include slight variation in colour, foil finish, sprayed edges, embossing, debossing, paper tone, binding, packaging, or other production details.
Minor production variations are not considered faults unless the product is materially different from its description or otherwise fails to meet consumer guarantees.

Can I cancel an order?
Orders may not always be able to be cancelled once placed, especially if payment has been processed, stock has been allocated, production has started, or dispatch preparation has begun.
For pre-orders, cancellation availability may depend on the product and the stage of production.
If you need to request a cancellation, contact us as soon as possible: contact@hiddenarchives.com.au
Submitting a request does not guarantee cancellation will be possible.

Do you offer refunds for change of mind?
No. We do not offer refunds for change of mind.
This includes where you no longer want the item, ordered the wrong product, found it cheaper elsewhere, or did not read the product description, pre-order details, or estimated dispatch timeframe before purchasing.
This does not affect your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

What if my item arrives damaged, faulty, or incorrect?

Contact us as soon as possible at: contact@hiddenarchives.com.au

Please include:

  • your order number;

  • your full name;

  • a description of the issue;

  • clear photos of the item;

  • clear photos of the packaging;

  • a photo of the shipping label.

We will review the issue and provide a remedy where required under Australian Consumer Law.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY

Where do you ship from?

Hidden Archives ships orders from Australia.

Available shipping locations, costs, and delivery options will be shown at checkout where available.

When will my order ship?

In-stock items are prepared for dispatch after payment has been received and the order has been processed.

During release periods, pre-order launches, public holidays, or high-volume periods, dispatch may take longer than usual.

If your order contains a pre-order item, your order may not ship until the pre-order item is ready, unless otherwise stated.

Pre-order dispatch

Pre-order products will include an estimated dispatch timeframe on the product page where available.

These timeframes are estimates only. Delays may occur due to production schedules, supplier delays, freight delays, customs processing, quality control, or other circumstances outside our control.

If there is a significant delay, we will update customers where reasonably possible.

Tracking

Where tracking is available, tracking details will be sent to the email address provided at checkout.

Please allow time for tracking information to update after dispatch.

Once your order has been dispatched, delivery timing is managed by the relevant postal or courier provider.

Delivery delays

Estimated delivery times are not guaranteed.

Delivery may be affected by postal delays, courier delays, public holidays, weather events, customs processing, incorrect address details, failed delivery attempts, or other external factors.

Incorrect addresses

Customers are responsible for providing accurate and complete shipping information at checkout.

Hidden Archives is not responsible for orders delayed, lost, returned, or misdelivered because incorrect or incomplete shipping details were provided.

If an order is returned to us due to incorrect address details, failed delivery attempts, or failure to collect, additional shipping fees may apply to resend the order.

International shipping

Where international shipping is available, customers are responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, local fees, or charges that may apply in their country.

Hidden Archives is not responsible for customs delays, border processing delays, or charges applied by international authorities.

CUSTOMER CARE

Need help with an order, pre-order, delivery, or return?

You’ll find our most important customer information below, including frequently asked questions, shipping details, delivery timeframes, and our returns process.

For anything else, contact us at:


Email: contact@hiddenarchives.com.au

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RETURNS & EXCHANGES

Our returns position

We comply with Australian Consumer Law.

If your item is faulty, damaged, incorrectly supplied, materially different from its description, or otherwise fails to meet consumer guarantees, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, repair, or other remedy.

We do not offer refunds for change of mind.

Change-of-mind returns

We do not offer refunds for change of mind, including where you:

  • changed your mind after ordering;

  • no longer want the item;

  • ordered the wrong item;

  • found the item cheaper elsewhere;

  • no longer have a use for it;

  • did not read the product description;

  • did not read the pre-order or dispatch information.

At our discretion, we may offer a store credit or exchange in limited circumstances. We are not required to do so unless required by law.

Damaged, faulty, or incorrect items
If your item arrives damaged, faulty, or incorrect, contact us as soon as possible at:
contact@hiddenarchives.com.au
Please include your order number and clear photos of the item, packaging, and shipping label.
We may request further information before assessing the issue.
Where required under Australian Consumer Law, we will provide an appropriate remedy.

Minor production variations

Special edition books may include custom or specialty production elements.

Minor variation may occur in foiling, sprayed edges, embossing, debossing, dust jackets, printed colour, paper tone, binding, ribbons, packaging, or other collector details.

Minor cosmetic variation is not considered a fault where it is within reasonable manufacturing tolerance and does not materially affect the product.

Return shipping

If a return is approved, we will provide return instructions.

Return shipping costs may depend on the reason for the return and your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

Please do not send items back without contacting us first.

Need Help?
For order support, delivery questions, damaged items, or general enquiries, contact: contact@hiddenarchives.com.au
Please include your order number where relevant.
For full purchase terms, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
For information about personal information and website data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

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