shield Submission Ethics

A space built to protect you.

Our ethics are protective, trauma-informed, and non-corporate. We work with submissions involving medical trauma, minors, grief, identity, and mental health — so this matters a lot.

edit_note 1. Authenticity & Ownership expand_more

All submitted work must be original or properly credited. Contributors must:

• Own the rights to their work
• Have permission for any collaborative work
• Avoid plagiarism or AI-generated impersonation of lived experiences

We welcome editing assistance and accessibility tools, but we ask contributors to remain truthful to their own experiences and authorship.

groups 2. Respect for Vulnerable Communities expand_more

Episodic exists for chronically ill, disabled, neurodivergent, and medically marginalized individuals. We will not publish submissions that:

• Promote hate speech or discriminatory content
• Mock disability or illness
• Romanticize self-harm or eating disorders
• Spread medical misinformation
• Sensationalize or exploit personal suffering for shock value
• Encourage harassment or discrimination

We aim to foster authentic storytelling rather than voyeuristic or exploitative portrayals of illness. We prioritize emotional honesty without harming vulnerable readers.

warning 3. Trauma & Content Warnings expand_more

Many submissions may involve difficult experiences. Contributors should include relevant content warnings whenever possible. Editors may add or suggest warnings to protect readers.

Topics that require warnings include:

medical trauma hospitalization death & grief abuse self-harm psychiatric experiences eating disorders ableism

lock 4. Privacy & Anonymity expand_more

We understand that many contributors may be minors, may not be publicly "out" about their illness or disability, or may fear stigma from schools, employers, or family. Because of this:

• Pseudonyms are allowed
• Anonymous publication is allowed
• Identifying details may be edited upon request
• Private medical details will never be shared outside editorial review

Contributor safety comes before publicity.

block 5. No Performative Resilience expand_more

We do not require stories to be uplifting, motivational, or inspirational. You do not need:

• A happy ending
• A recovery arc
• A productivity narrative
• A lesson learned

We value honesty over performative resilience.

edit 6. Editorial Care expand_more

Editorial support may provide:

• Light grammar and clarity edits
• Structural suggestions
• Feedback for developing ideas
• Formatting and accessibility adjustments
• Guidance for first-time contributors

We aim to preserve each contributor's voice and emotional intent. Major edits will not be made without your consent, and emotionally sensitive writing will be handled with care.

medical_information 7. Medical Disclaimer expand_more

Episodic is not a substitute for medical, legal, or psychiatric advice. Published stories reflect personal experiences and perspectives only.

Readers should consult qualified professionals for medical care and emergencies.

favorite 8. Community Values expand_more

We believe disabled and chronically ill people deserve:

dignity accessibility softness anger complexity rest visibility survival without performance

Episodic exists to document interrupted lives honestly and compassionately.

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Questions? episodicmagazine@gmail.com