Our code of conduct

This Code of Conduct is inspired by a colleague, Daniel David Wallace.

One feature of this summit: we try to care for one another and we aim to keep things positive, supportive, and welcoming.

In order to keep such a culture thriving, I have to enforce a few rules to create a welcoming space.

The Six Rules

1. You Control Who Contacts You

• Your privacy matters. Unlike other summits where registration may share your email with all speakers, this event ensures you decide who can contact you.
• By signing up, you agree to receive emails only from Monica and Lauren, the summit hosts. You’ll have opportunities to subscribe to individual speakers’ newsletters or offers, but only if you choose to do so.

2. Treat Everyone with Respect and Kindness

• This includes attendees, speakers, hosts, and the team.
• Practice kindness in all interactions. Digital communication can be easily misunderstood, so err on the side of overt politeness.
• Avoid making hurtful or discriminatory remarks about anyone’s race, gender, sexuality, age, ability/disability, or class. We all make mistakes and have room to grow; if you cross a line, be open to feedback, apologize sincerely, and work to do better.

3. Engage Respectfully with Speakers

• It’s okay to dislike or disagree with a speaker’s talk—that’s part of learning. However, personal attacks, insults, repeated demands for answers, or disruptive comments in the chat are unacceptable.
• Avoid excessive complaints about the content being too challenging or not meeting your expectations. You’re encouraged to ask for clarification, definitions, or repetitions of key points, but do so constructively and without disrupting others.
• Comments about a speaker’s appearance, vocal mannerisms, speed of delivery, or accent are strictly prohibited. Similarly, “compliments” on appearance during summit sessions are not appropriate.

Technical Issues: If you notice a problem, like a muted speaker or unreadable slides, please bring it up politely so we can address it.

Chat Etiquette:

Keep discussions relevant to the speaker’s talk. Friendly greetings, quips, and light references are welcome, but arguments over minor details or unrelated topics are not.

Avoid sharing links to your own work during presentations. Save them for the Q&A or networking sessions.

4. Respect One Another

• This applies to everyone—attendees, speakers, and hosts alike.
• Do not post comments containing slurs, stereotypes, or offensive language. Even with good intentions, such posts can cause harm in a fast-paced chat environment. Think carefully before you share.
• Avoid correcting others’ grammar or typos in the chat. While some people navigate fast-moving conversations easily, others find it more challenging. Everyone is welcome here.

5. The Hosts Are Here to Listen

As your hosts, we commit to listening to your concerns and taking appropriate action if something doesn’t feel right.

If you experience or witness behavior that bothers you, you are encouraged to reach out—immediately or even after the event. There’s no deadline to share your feedback. Whether it’s an hour, a week, or a year later, your concerns will be taken seriously.

6. Create a safe space for your fellow writers

The summit is a safe place for all writers. Of all genres and disciplines.

• The summit does not tolerate elitism in any forms, including but not limited to negative comments about genre fiction, rudeness about tropes, or disrespectful remarks about authors a member might enjoy.
• We aim to make writers of all types of work feel welcome in this space. While healthy debate and discussion is welcome, we will not tolerate meanness or rudeness. Many of us are planning to publish our books, whether traditionally or indie. Remember that your peers are your colleagues, and act as such.