Policies

Code of Conduct

  1. Critiques, literary criticism and editing should be focused on the written word, not the author, and should be delivered in the spirit of education with appreciation of the effort behind the writing process.
  2. Speculative fiction may be shocking, irreverent, impossible, or disregard social norms. However, if a work contains potentially offensive material, the author should warn those asked to critique or edit the work. 
  3. Members may decline to critique or edit offensive material.
  4. Avoid improper use of the Club’s membership information.
  5. Do not share membership information, Members writings, or critique materials with anyone outside of the Club unless approved by the authoring Member or as required for internal business purposes or by law.
  6. Avoid behavior that damages the reputation of the Club or other Members.
  7. Harassing, discriminatory, or violent acts are not allowed.
  8. Members should make every effort to attend the online critique sessions for which they submit and/or respond that they will attend.
  9. Failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct may result in warning notices, temporary suspension, or expulsion from the Association.

Code of Ethics

  1. The Club expects all Members to maintain the highest ethical standards, to embrace the purpose of the Club, and to abide by the policies set forth in these Bylaws.
  2. The Club does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, body size, age, religion, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, immigration status, employment status, marital status, pregnancy status, ability or disability, genetic information, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation.
  3. Members shall be personally and solely liable for their unlawful or unethical acts including, but not limited to, plagiarism, inappropriate trademark usage, or copyright infringement within their creative work.

Bylaws

View a PDF of our Bylaws

Privacy Policy

View our Privacy Policy

Summary of Membership Requirements

Our bylaws and policies are the basis for our membership requirements and you are encouraged to read all of them. However, the following is an abridged list for your convenience.

Requirements

  • Members must be at least 18 years old
  • Members must write speculative fiction
  • Members must write and critique in English
  • Members must adhear to our Code of Conduct
  • Members must meet certain technical requirements for online critique
    • Have use of a computer, tablet, or mobile device.
    • Have use of a video camera.
    • Have use of a microphone and speakers or a headset.
    • Have an internet connection that can handle video chat (upload speed at least 2Mbps).
    • Proficiency with a word processing program and either know how to or willing to learn how to use editing and markup features such as Track Changes, Suggested Edits, and Comments.
    • Ability to access Zoom.
    • Experience using a screen reader is important for people with visual impairments.
    • Know how to or be willing to learn how to use Google Drive and Google Docs.*

How to learn Google Drive and Docs

*Below are some videos showing how to use those Google apps. They may not be completely accurate if Google has made updates since they were created, but they will give you the idea if you’ve never used them before. Persons seeking to be a member should first learn how to use the online software we use so they can start submitting and critiquing material right away.

Google Docs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9i_h-WMQ68

Google Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbVnObwFJic

Artificial Intelligence Use Policy

Background:

Speculative Fiction Writers Association endeavors to improve the skill and prospects of our human writers. We acknowledge the editorial potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, we value creativity, new ideas, and new ways of telling stories. AI, by amalgamating previously created works, does not support this approach. In addition, legal questions surround AI-generated works since they cannot be copyrighted. This policy defines the acceptable role of AI in our Club’s activities.

Definitions:

  • AI-based: Type of tool or technology that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • AI-generated: We define AI-generated content as text, images, or translations created by an AI-based tool. If an author uses an AI-based tool to create the actual content of a submission for critique, it is considered AI-generated, even if the author applies substantial edits afterwards.
  • AI-assisted: If an author creates content themselves for a submission for critique, and uses AI-based tools to edit, refine, error-check, or otherwise improve that content (whether text or images), then it is considered AI-assisted and not AI-generated. Similarly, if an author uses an AI-based tool to brainstorm and generate ideas, but ultimately creates the content themselves, this is also considered AI-assisted and not AI-generated.

Policy:

  1. Members shall not submit works for critique that are AI-generated.
  2. Critiques shall not use AI-based tools for giving feedback. Feedback should focus more on clarity, ideas, characterization, plot, and theme, not necessarily on the sort of editorial feedback an AI-based tool could give.
  3. Members shall not input the work of other members into an AI-based tool without the permission of the author.
  4. Members may submit AI-assisted content (see definition) for critique.

Martha’s Rules of Order

View Martha’s Rules as updated for Speculative Fiction Writers Association