Fault Zone Policies

Our Commitment to Fairness
and Transparency

AI Policy

Fault Zone's guiding principle: AI can be a tool, but it cannot be a creator. Fault Zone celebrates human imagination, craft, and voice. Our guidelines ensure that every published piece reflects that commitment.

Human Authorship Requirement

All submissions to Fault Zone must be written by a human author. AI systems (such as AI writing tools including ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, etc.) may not generate the primary creative content of any poem, fiction story, or creative nonfiction story.

Writers must be the sole creators of the narrative, language, imagery, and voice.

Limited, Optional Use of AI Tools

Writers may use AI tools only in supportive, non‑creative ways, such as:

  • Grammar and proofreading

  • Spelling or mechanical corrections

  • Formatting assistance

  • Research organization

AI may not be used to generate:

  • Drafts

  • Paragraphs

  • Lines of poetry

  • Rewrites

  • Plot ideas

  • Character descriptions

  • Imagery or metaphors

  • “Inspirational paragraphs” or “starter text”

If AI contributed any support at all, the writer must disclose it.

No AI‑generated or AI‑assisted Creative Writing

Submissions that include any AI‑generated creative text will be declined.
This includes:

  • AI‑written drafts

  • AI‑expanded paragraphs

  • AI‑rewritten passages

  • AI‑generated poems or stanzas

  • AI‑generated metaphors, imagery, or descriptions

  • AI‑generated plot or character development

This follows the Writers Guild of America principle that AI is not a writer and cannot be credited as one.

Required Disclosure of AI Use

If a writer used AI in any supportive capacity (e.g., grammar check), they must include a brief note in the Subfolio cover letter:

“I used AI for proofreading only.”

Failure to disclose AI use may result in disqualification.

Copyright and Originality

AI‑generated text cannot be copyrighted under U.S. law.

Writers must certify in the Subfolio cover letter that:

  • The work is entirely their own

  • They hold full copyright to their work

  • No portion of the text was generated by AI.

This protects both the writer and the Fault Zone: Shake, Rattle, and Roll from copyright complications.

Editors’ Use of AI

Editors of Fault Zone may use AI tools only for:

  • Administrative tasks

  • Scheduling

  • Email drafting

  • Summaries of editorial notes

  • Proofreading assistance

Editors may not use AI to rewrite or generate creative content in any submission.

Resubmission Policy

Submissions previously entered for consideration in any past Fault Zone anthology are not eligible for resubmission, regardless of revision or editing. Only new, unpublished work will be reviewed. This policy helps us maintain a level playing field and ensures that every submission receives fresh, unbiased attention. It also encourages writers to bring us their strongest new work each year, which keeps the anthology vibrant and evolving.

Conflict‑of‑Interest Policy

The California Writers Club, San Francisco Peninsula Branch, is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and ethical editorial process for Fault Zone: Shake, Rattle, and Roll. Because our writing community is close‑knit and many members collaborate in workshops, critique groups, and other creative circles, it is important to clearly define how potential conflicts of interest are handled.

Purpose of the Policy

The Fault Zone editorial team is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of fairness and professionalism. This policy helps ensure that every submission is treated with respect and evaluated on its own merits. All submissions are evaluated solely on their literary merit, free from undue influence, favoritism, or the appearance of bias. It protects both our volunteer editors and our submitting writers.

When a Conflict of Interest Exists

A conflict of interest occurs when an editor has a personal or professional relationship with a submitting writer that could reasonably be perceived as influencing the editorial decision. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • The editor has critiqued the submitted piece in a workshop or critique group

  • The editor is in an ongoing critique group with the author

  • The editor has provided developmental feedback on the piece prior to submission

  • The editor and author have a close personal relationship that could affect impartiality

These situations are common in a community‑based literary organization and are not inherently problematic. The key is how they are managed.

Recusal Requirement

If a conflict of interest exists, the editor involved will recuse themselves from evaluating that submission. This includes:

  • Not reading the submission within Subfolio

  • Not scoring or commenting on the piece

  • Not participating in discussion or decision‑making related to that submission

The remaining editors will evaluate the work independently.

Role of the Editor‑in‑Chief

If the Editor‑in‑Chief has a conflict of interest with a submission, she will also recuse herself from evaluating that piece. The editorial team will reach a decision without her input. The Editor‑in‑Chief may assist with procedural or administrative steps but will not influence the content‑based decision.

Why This Matters

This policy ensures that:

  • All writers receive an unbiased review.

  • Editors are protected from any appearance of favoritism.

  • The anthology maintains its integrity and credibility.

  • Our community remains supportive, transparent, and welcoming.

Disclosure

Editors are expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest as soon as they become aware of them. Recusal is a routine part of the editorial process and carries no negative connotation.

Editorial Exposure Policy

To ensure a fair evaluation process, submitters may not present works intended for the Fault Zone anthology at any branch event, such as monthly Club meetings or monthly online Open Mic sessions, where anthology editors may be present before the submission and selection process is complete.

AI Policy FAQ for Writers

  • No. All creative writing submitted to Fault Zone must be fully human‑written.
    AI‑generated text — even a single line — is not allowed.

  • Yes. You may use AI tools for light, mechanical support, such as:

    • Proofreading

    • Spelling and grammar correction

    • Formatting help

  • Anything that affects the creative content of your work, including:

    • Drafting paragraphs or stanzas

    • Rewriting or expanding your text

    • Generating imagery, metaphors, or descriptions

    • Creating plot, characters, or structure

    • “Idea starters” or “inspiration paragraphs”

    If AI contributed creative language, the piece must be declined.

  • Yes. If you used AI in any way, even just for proofreading, you must disclose it in the Submittable form.

  • If editors discover AI involvement that wasn’t disclosed, the submission may be declined.
    This protects fairness for all writers.

  • Because:

    • AI‑generated text cannot be copyrighted

    • Anthologies must publish work with clear, human ownership

    • We celebrate human voice, craft, and imagination

    • This aligns with the Writers Guild, Authors Guild, and most literary journals

  • Yes, as long as AI does not generate creative text.
    You may use AI to:

    • Summarize factual information

    • Organize research notes

    • Suggest topics to explore

    But not to produce phrases, lines, or narrative content.

  • Yes, but with limits.

    Allowed:

    • Topic lists

    • Historical facts

    • Definitions

    • Concept summaries

    Not allowed:

    • AI‑generated metaphors

    • AI‑generated poetic lines

    • AI‑generated plot beats

    • AI‑generated character arcs

  • Yes — but you must disclose it.
    And the original text must be your own, not AI‑generated.

  • Editors may use AI only for:

    • Administrative tasks

    • Summaries of editorial notes

    • Proofreading assistance

  • Ask yourself:

    “Did AI generate any of the creative language in my piece?”

    If the answer is yes, the submission is not eligible.
    If the answer is no, and AI only helped with mechanics, you’re fine — just disclose it.

  • That’s allowed — as long as:

    • You wrote all the creative content

    • AI only made mechanical corrections

    • You disclose it

  • If AI rewrote creative language, you must revise the piece to restore your own voice.
    If AI only corrected mechanics, simply disclose it.

  • Because:

    • Copyright law requires human authorship

    • AI‑generated text cannot be owned

    • Anthologies must protect contributors’ rights

    • We want to preserve the integrity of human storytelling


Fault Zone Acceptance Criteria

Fiction Acceptance Criteria

  • Narrative coherence — The story presents a clear arc, purposeful structure, and satisfying internal logic.

  • Character depth — Characters feel dimensional, motivated, and emotionally credible; their choices matter.

  • Voice and style — The prose demonstrates control, originality, and attention to language; it avoids clichés or filler language (a common reason for rejection)

  • Emotional or thematic resonance — The piece leaves a lingering impact, offering insight, surprise, or transformation.

  • Effective pacing — Scenes unfold with momentum; no sagging middle or rushed ending.

  • Strong opening and sustained quality — The opening draws the reader in, and the rest of the story maintains that level.

  • Fit with anthology theme — The submission meaningfully engages with the year’s theme without being literal or forced.

  • Polish and readiness — The manuscript is clean, proofread, and publication‑ready.

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Creative Nonfiction Acceptance Criteria

  • Authenticity and insight — The piece offers genuine reflection, emotional honesty, and a clear point of view.

  • Narrative drive — Even when reflective or braided, the work moves with purpose and tension.

  • Specificity and vivid detail — Scenes, images, and sensory detail bring the experience to life.

  • Voice and authority — The narrator’s voice feels confident, consistent, and necessary for the story being told.

  • Structural clarity — Whether linear, braided, segmented, or experimental, the structure enhances meaning.

  • Language precision — The prose is attentive to language and avoids vague generalities

  • Reflective depth — The piece moves beyond recounting events to offer interpretation, meaning, or discovery.

  • Relevance to theme — The submission engages with the anthology’s theme in a fresh or unexpected way.

  • Polish and factual integrity — Clean copy; factual elements feel trustworthy and responsibly handled.

Poetry Acceptance Criteria

  • Precision of language — Every word earns its place; no filler, vague language, or unexamined clichés.

  • Originality of imagery — Images surprise, illuminate, or reframe experience; they are not predictable or generic.

  • Emotional or experiential movement — The poem carries the reader through a shift, transformation, or deepened awareness.

  • Strong opening and closing — The poem begins with intention and ends with resonance; the middle is equally strong.

  • Musicality and rhythm — Attention to sound, cadence, and line breaks enhances meaning.

  • Clarity of intent — The poem may be complex or experimental, but it feels purposeful rather than obscure for obscurity’s sake.

  • Fit with anthology theme — The poem engages the theme in a way that feels organic, not contrived.

  • Polish and craft — The poem is refined, thoughtfully revised, and ready for publication.

Cross-Genre Acceptance Criteria

These can unify our editorial standards across genres.

  • Alignment with anthology vision — The piece contributes to the overall emotional, thematic, or aesthetic arc of the book.

  • Originality— The work offers something fresh in voice, perspective, or craft.

  • Craft mastery — Demonstrates control of form, structure, and language.

  • Emotional impact — Leaves the reader changed, moved, or thinking differently.

  • Professional presentation — Clean formatting, adherence to guidelines, and respect for submission instructions.