Community Rules
Writeout works when every writer feels safe, every story is honest, and every contest is fair.
Last updated October 27, 2026
Writeout is a community of writers and readers. These rules apply everywhere on Writeout: stories, posts, comments, messages, profiles, prompt entries, and Head to Head. They are part of our Terms of Service. Fiction can go to dark places, and that's fine. What isn't fine is using Writeout to hurt real people.
1. Be kind to real people
•
No harassment, bullying, or threats. Don't pile on, and don't keep contacting someone who has asked you to stop.
•
No hate. Don't attack people for their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, caste, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or serious illness.
•
Critique the writing, not the writer. Feedback is welcome; insults aren't.
•
Don't share anyone's private information, such as their address, phone number, school, or private photos, without their permission.
2. Keep it safe
•
Nothing that sexualizes minors, ever. This includes fiction. We remove it, ban the account, and report it to the authorities.
•
No sexually explicit images. Mature themes in writing are allowed when they serve the story, but no explicit sexual content, and nothing sexual involving real people without their consent.
•
No content that encourages or gives instructions for suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders. Writing about these experiences with care is allowed. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a local crisis line.
•
No real threats of violence, and no content that praises or supports violent extremism or terrorism.
•
No gore that exists only to shock, and no content that promotes illegal activity, such as selling drugs or weapons.
3. Keep it yours
•
Only post writing and images that you made or have the right to share. Don't copy someone else's work, on or off Writeout, and present it as your own.
•
Fan fiction is welcome. Credit the original work, and don't copy large parts of it word for word.
•
Don't pretend to be another person, a brand, or Writeout staff.
4. Keep contests fair
•
One person, one account. Don't use extra accounts to enter, vote, collect rewards, or get around a ban.
•
No vote trading, vote begging, or coordinating votes in Head to Head or the Daily Prompt.
•
Don't use scripts, bots, or automation to post, vote, follow, or earn coins.
•
Don't exploit bugs. If you find one, tell us at help@writeout.co.
5. No spam or scams
•
No spam: repeated posts, mass messages, follow-for-follow schemes, or unrelated links.
•
No scams, phishing, or attempts to get people's passwords or payment details.
•
Don't sell or trade accounts, coins, or other items, and don't ask for coins or tips in exchange for favors. Tips are a thank-you, not a payment.
•
Don't advertise on Writeout without our permission.
6. Group stories and co-writing
•
Write in good faith. Don't hijack, vandalize, or derail a story someone else started.
•
Respect the story owner's choices about collaborators and direction.
7. Messages
Direct messages are private, but these rules still apply. If someone makes you uncomfortable, you can block them at any time. Blocking stops them from messaging you or interacting with you.
8. Reporting
If you see something that breaks these rules, use the report option on the story, post, comment, message, or profile. Reports are confidential: we don't tell the person you reported who made the report. If someone is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services first.
9. What happens when rules are broken
Our moderation team reviews reports and also uses automated checks. Depending on how serious it is and whether it has happened before, we may:
•
Remove or hide the Content.
•
Turn off some features, such as messaging, posting, or entering contests.
•
Take back contest results, prizes, or coins.
•
Suspend the account for a period of time we choose. We may also remove some or all of the account's coins, tips, Writeout+ time, or other virtual items, at our discretion.
•
Ban the account permanently. A banned account forfeits all its coins, tips, Writeout+ time, and other virtual items. Serious violations, such as anything sexualizing minors or real threats, lead to an immediate ban.
10. Appeals and questions
Writeout has the final say on what breaks these rules and what we do about it. If you think we made a mistake about your account or Content, tell us why and we will review it once; the result of that review is final. Email:
help@writeout.co