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The Writer's Pledge, on one page.

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National Writers

The Writer's Pledge

“As a writer, I pledge that everything I publish under my name will truly represent my own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, in words I can stand behind.”

Five commitments

  1. My thoughts. The ideas, arguments, and conclusions in my work are ones I have actually reached. Editors, readers, research, and writing tools can help me sharpen them, but none of them do my thinking for me.
  2. My feelings. When I write about what moves me, it is real. I will not manufacture emotion I don't feel to win attention, clicks, or applause.
  3. My beliefs. I won't argue for a position I don't hold under my own name. When my views change, I'll say so honestly.
  4. Words I can stand behind. Before anything goes out, I read every sentence and ask: would I defend this, in person, to the person it's about?
  5. Owning what I sign. If I get something wrong, I'll correct it openly. My name on a piece means I take responsibility for all of it.
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