SPF is dedicated to helping authors make a living from their writing through paid and free courses, podcasts, conferences and online communities. The purpose of these communities is to enable authors to exchange ideas, learn, share information and support one another.

We need to make sure these communities remain safe places for everyone. As such, there must be common expectations and standards in place. SPF is committed to actively managing these standards, and we will remove individuals from SPF forums and events who violate these standards.

If you come across content or receive written or face-to-face communications which violate these standards, we invite you to report it to admins (on Facebook) or to complete this online form so that SPF can take appropriate action.

CREATING A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

Focus on the books

SPF is about books. Writing books, finding readers, advertising, marketing, covers, editing, writer tools, author newsletters, results, writing motivation – anything about books and making a living from writing.

If it’s not about books or the business of writing, don’t post about it in an SPF group, and do not attend one of our SPF writing conferences.

Be kind and courteous

We’re all in this together to create a supportive environment. Let’s treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is always required. We have members and participants from all walks of life, languages, and countries; differences should be respected.

We operate in English, but it might not be everyone’s first language. Disparaging remarks based on someone’s English abilities will not be tolerated.

Be helpful and constructive

Everyone is at a different place in their journey. Everyone faces different challenges. When giving feedback, do it in the spirit of aiding the person to learn and grow. Don’t use terms or phrases in posts, comments, messages or face-to-face that are belittling, judgemental or dismissive.

If you have any suggestions or issues relating directly to SPF courses, these queries are best sent directly to [email protected] where we have greater visibility and can quickly tailor a response to your own personal circumstances.

No hate speech, bullying, or harassment

SPF is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience, both online and in person, for everyone regardless of race, religion, culture, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, physical appearance or body size.

• Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
• Verbal or written comments that reinforce discriminative social structures
• Sexual images in public spaces
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following either online or in person
• Unwanted photography or recording
• Sustained disruption to talks or other events
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Unwelcome sexual attention

We also do not tolerate harassment that addresses an individual’s book genre, experience, or abilities in English.

Any harassing or harmful behaviour, in the opinion of the admins or SPF management, will result in a warning or removal from the group or conference. No recompense will be offered if the offender is removed from a paid online group or conference.

Respect everyone’s privacy

Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What’s shared in the group should stay in the group.

Unwanted personal communication and sexual advances reported to admins will result in a member being warned or removed.

No promotions or spam

Self-promotion, spam and irrelevant links aren’t allowed. Communication with members for the purpose of financial personal gain will also result in a warning or removal. Please do not solicit clients in our communities, and don’t try to build a mailing list. The exception to this is the “Self Promotion Saturday” FB post, where we invite members to publicise their author services to the SPF Community.

Asking for advice about covers or blurbs or ads is fine (using the hive mind), but don’t try to sell your book to other authors (financial gain.)

Share factual information related to vendors

The community benefits when everyone shares what they know about external vendors. Be wary of sharing unverified information; acknowledge sources whenever possible.

OBJECTIONABLE CONTENT
Content or messages which reflect hate speech, violence or sexual content that isn’t book-related, or other forms of questionable content, will be immediately removed. Original Posters can contact admins if they are not sure if the content is appropriate.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Content that appears to violate intellectual property rights will be questioned or removed. Original Posters can contact admins with questions.

UNLAWFUL BEHAVIOUR
Content or messages which reflect a violation of UK law, in particular as addressed in the Online Safety Bill, will be reported to authorities. These include:

• Grooming of minors
• Threats of violence
• Public order offences – harassment and stalking
• Hate crimes
• Online bullying
• Other acts which are covered under UK law