Guidelines

Vision: Foster a thriving online community of writers dedicated to sculpting story ideas into well-crafted, highly valued works of fiction.

Instructions for All Members:

  1. After joining the team, click the Writers’ Lobby button to access the Writers’ Workshop.

  2. Click the Enter Classroom button to access our Google Classroom. This is our main communication hub and where stories will be uploaded for review using Google Docs.

  3. Review your To-do list to find available work and assignments.

  4. Join the private Writers’ Workshop group on Facebook to get to know one another.

Options for The Sculpted Word’s Authors:

  • Purchase supplemental Chisels when unable to earn by beta reading other writers’ work. Earn 1 Chisel per 2,500 words beta read. Pay 1 Chisel per 7,500 words needing beta reading or proofreading. Purchase Now

  • Use The Sculpted Word’s Services for copy editing and voice over with 50% discount on posted prices.

  • Provide cover image for story at own expense or work with The Sculpted Word to produce AI-generated cover image.

  • Promote your story and engage with readers in the Readers’ Gallery group on Facebook about your story or future stories.

Member Roles and Expectations

Sculptor / Beta Reader

  • Writes story content based on proposal/outline/draft submitted to the Sculpted Word Chief Editor with a realistic schedule for serialized posting, if necessary. Previously published author-originated stories with proof of non-exclusive rights can be submitted for review and posting on site.

    All writing must be reviewed and proofread by available members of team for author to then revise appropriately. (Review of content costs 1 Chisel per 7,500 words. See your role as Beta Reader.) Content reviewed and approved by Sculpted Word Editor(s) will be priced and posted with the Author’s byline in the applicable sections.

  • Writer retains full rights to their original work with following restrictions:

    Story remains exclusive to The Sculpted Word for at least 6 months after publication.

    Serialized stories remain exclusive for at least 6 months after publication of the final chapter.

    Decision to exercise non-exclusive rights after 6 months must be done in writing before publishing story on another platform.

    Previously Published Work:

    Proof that work is non-exclusive and available to publish on site. Published with non-exclusive rights and royalty rate.

    Royalties:

    Paid monthly on the 5th of each month for previous month.

    50% based on direct sales price (exclusive rights)

    37.5% based on direct sales price (non-exclusive rights)

    Links to Printed Works:

    Author’s bio can contain offsite direct links to author’s printed works. Printed books available through Amazon with 4 or more stars will be featured in Cover to Cover section.

  • Beta reads other members’ story chapters as agreed between members. Earns 1 Chisel per 2,500 words beta read.

    Registers availability to act as beta with team. Also lists preferences for types of stories willing to review.

    Agrees to respect intellectual property rights of fellow authors.

  • Required to join The Sculpted Word Classroom through link on Writers’ Workshop page. This is main activity site for members.

  • If appointed to Editor by Chief Editor, will perform editorial reviews of submitted content. Will work with Chief Editor and Author to ensure that story content is ready to be published to Readers’ Gallery.

Beta Reader / Proofreader

  • Beta reads story chapters for Authors according to needs discussed with an Author.

    Earns 1 Chisel per 2,500 words beta read.

    Registers availability to act as beta with team. Also lists preferences for types of stories willing to review.

    Agrees to respect intellectual property rights of Authors.

  • Seek Clear Expectations. ...

    Read in a Genre You Like. ...

    Take Notes. ...

    Provide Constructive Criticism. ...

    Don't Expect to Get Paid. ...

    Consider Style. ...

  • Perform a thorough proofreading of story chapters submitted by an Author, looking for proper spelling, capitalization, spacing between words, punctuation, and formatting. Requires excellent knowledge of the English language.

    Register availability to proofread.

    Earns 1 Chisel per 2,500 words proofread.

  • Required to join The Sculpted Word Classroom through link on Writers’ Workshop page. This is main activity site for members.

  • Maintain free monthly subscription to the Gallery by earning at least 6 Chisels a month.

Stories Priced by Length