A Writer’s Pledge

Writers Code of Honor

I, as a professional writer who values my integrity, do solemnly swear that I shall

1. Never write my own reviews, nor will I use sock puppets or other methods to falsely present my books as being of superior quality or to promote them over that of others.
2. Never ask others to like/tag/review my book without reading it simply to ‘support other writers.’
3. Never ask others to vote for my book without reading it in order to get a positive review or vote in order to have my book selected by an agent or publisher over that of other qualified writers.
4. Never ask others to give another writer bad reviews in order to make my book appear better than that writer.
5. Never attack a reviewer over a review for any reason. Negative reviews happen.
6. Never use another’s post in order to promote my own book.
7. Not advertise my books on sites that do not allow it, nor will I spam (advertise) endlessly. One post per day per site should be enough.
8. Always read the rules on every site, and respect those rules as they have been laid out, without looking for loopholes.
9. Agree to always treat other authors with respect and act in a professional manner.

(signed)

Mary Ann Peden-Coviello

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My own comment here: It’s rather a shame that other writers and I feel the need to state this so baldly. Every one of these points –- and every one is important – should be self-evident, fundamental, and not up for discussion.

But here it is. I think it’s a thoughtful pledge, not burdensome, not difficult to fulfill, not self-righteous. It could be summed up in the words said long ago and more honoured in the breach than in the observance since then: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.