The Word Corner advises that writers review this policy to ensure submissions balance creative autonomy with a commitment to respectful and socially aware writing, publishing and distribution.

Submissions will not be accepted unless this policy has been read and agreed to as per the Submission Guidelines.

Where evidence of misconduct is found, The Word Corner reserves the right to take action that may include rejection, retraction, and/or further follow-up.

Submissions are reviewed for fit and professionalism. The Word Corner reserves the right to reject work for reasons including excessive grammatical or spelling errors, offensive content, or plagiarism.

The Word Corner may request that a manuscript be reviewed by a cultural sensitivity reader at the cost of the writer.

This Policy may change from time to time and is available on our website.

LANGUAGE

Writers are responsible for ensuring work is free from terms that could be seen as hostile or offensive toward any group, including but not limited to those defined by ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, or health.

The Word Corner reserves the right to reject submissions that fail this requirement. Submissions may be accepted once they have been reviewed and appropriately edited.

If material available on The Word Corner is later identified as offensive, outdated, or exclusionary, The Word Corner will work with the writer to make necessary revisions. Writers must be willing to make edits; failure to do so may result in material being retracted.

IMAGE

Writers must select cover and profile images ethically, legally, and inclusively. Images should be appropriate and culturally sensitive.

When choosing images, please consider:

• cultural sensitivity: avoid stereotypes and ensure images respect cultural differences.

• social impact: be mindful of how images might influence perceptions of individuals or groups.

• relevance: use images that reflect the subject matter accurately.

PLAGIARISM AND ORIGINALITY OF CONTENT

The Word Corner aims to showcase original content.

Writers confirm, as part of agreeing to the Submission Guidelines, that the content they're submitting is original. It is a violation of the Terms and Conditions to submit plagiarised work.

Plagiarism occurs when a writer attempts to present previously published work by another writer as original content.

For the purposes of non-fiction pieces, material that is taken from another publication/writer needs to be referenced, including quotation marks and a reference citation (e.g. footnote).

AI GENERATED TEXT, VISUALS AND AUTHORSHIP

If the writer has used substantive written or visual content produced using a generative AI technology, this must be disclosed.

Writers remain responsible for checking the accuracy of any content created using generative AI technology. This includes, but is not limited to, any quotes, citations, or references.

Writers must also check that any written or visual content produced by or edited using a generative AI technology is free from plagiarism.

AI USE BY REVIEWERS

To protect confidentiality and intellectual property, manuscript content is not uploaded to external generative AI tools.

Reviewers may use Co-Pilot embedded in Microsoft Word to assist with review.

AI tools do not participate in submission decision-making.

CORRECTIONS AND EDITIONS

The Word Corner recognises corrections may be required post-upload.

A correction must be submitted to thewordcorneroffice@gmail.com.

If the error was introduced during the upload process, please contact thewordcorneroffice@gmail.com.

If the writer wishes to upload a new edition of a manuscript already uploaded on The Word Corner, please get in touch via thewordcorneroffice@gmail.com.

APPEALING COMPLIANCE WITH POLICIES

If you believe your submission was rejected due to a policy misunderstanding or misapplication, you may appeal.

In your appeal, clearly explain how your manuscript follows the policies and point out any misunderstandings that may have led to the rejection.

Please be aware that The Word Corner will not consider appeals under the following circumstances:

• An appeal for the manuscript has already been reviewed.

• The writer displays unprofessional or disrespectful behaviour, including personal criticism, accusations, or inappropriate language.

• The appeal is based only on fit.

• The manuscript was rejected due to legal complexities requiring expert review.

• The appeal does not provide clear evidence or detail explaining why the manuscript should be reconsidered.

Lastly, assessment of all appeals remains at the discretion of The Word Corner and all decisions are final.

COMPLAINTS

The Word Corner will take reasonable steps to address any issues brought to our attention, including errors in uploaded manuscripts or concerns about unethical or illegal actions by writers.

If errors are found, we will work with the writer to correct them and upload a revised version.

If ethical or legal concerns arise, The Word Corner will in the first instance work with the writer to make necessary revisions or take appropriate actions. This may include retraction.

Vexatious complaints may be handled outside our standard processes. This may include responding outside usual time frames or ending further communication to maintain efficiency and professionalism.

Complaints will be classified as vexatious if they exhibit one or more of the following:

• Lacking substantive content or evidence.

• Repeating points without adding new information.

• Intended to harass, intimidate, or disrupt processes.

• Refusing constructive dialogue or reasonable resolutions.

• Including overly personal details, derogatory language, or unrelated allegations.