Author Principles

Updated: 5 January 2025

At Pinsmack, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, original content that resonates with readers and elevates their experience. Our team of in-house writers is the backbone of our platform. We select them for their passion for storytelling, creativity and commitment to our core values. Every writer contributes to shaping Pinsmack's voice and identity, ensuring we provide content that not only entertains but also inspires and provokes thought.

How We Select Our Writers

1.1. Expertise & Passion

We select writers who are not only skilled but deeply passionate about their craft. Our writers have expertise in their respective genres and a strong understanding of storytelling elements such as character development, thematic exploration and emotional depth. We choose writers who can connect with readers and create stories that leave a lasting impact.

1.2. Diverse Voices

At Pinsmack, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the backgrounds and perspectives of our writers. We seek voices that bring unique cultural insights, life experiences and diverse viewpoints to the platform. By reflecting the richness and complexity of human experience, we aim to ensure our content resonates with a wide range of readers.

1.3. Creative Process

Our in-house writers are more than wordsmiths; they are collaborators. They work closely with our editorial team to refine their ideas and produce polished, engaging and meaningful content. This collaborative process gives writers opportunities to grow and innovate while ensuring the final work resonates with our audience. It is a space where creativity can thrive.

1.4. Writing Style

We recognise that readers have varied tastes in writing styles. Some enjoy simplicity and brevity, with action-packed, direct lines such as “Okay,” said Beth, conveying immediate emotion and movement. Others prefer immersive, descriptive writing that draws them into another world, such as: “The morning began with an explosion of sound that shattered the tranquillity of the early hours. The Duke of Gloucester jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest.” At Pinsmack, we embrace the full spectrum of writing styles. Whether subtle or elaborate, concise or expansive, we celebrate the approaches that captivate different readers.

1.5. Commitment to Quality

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to quality. Our writers are selected for their ability to deliver stories that meet high standards, spark emotion, inspire thought and offer an escape into new worlds. Every piece of content is carefully crafted to give readers the best possible experience.

Scouting: Discovering Fresh Voices

At Pinsmack, we believe every story has the potential to captivate, inspire and challenge readers. When scouting new writers, we are not simply looking for someone who can write. We seek individuals who bring something fresh and exciting: a unique perspective, an innovative narrative style or a story that adds to the diversity of our collection.

We welcome writers at different stages of their careers, from emerging talents with raw potential to established authors seeking new opportunities and experienced writers exploring fresh creative directions. This approach helps us discover voices that reflect the richness of human experience and offer stories that entertain, challenge and provoke thought.

Our scouting process is open-ended. We explore traditional and alternative platforms, literary events, independent publications and social media to discover promising writers whose work might otherwise go unnoticed.

For Pinsmack, scouting is not about filling a vacancy with another writer. It is about discovering voices that share our values of creativity, authenticity and connection, and exploring what storytelling can become.

The Approach and Conversation: Building Trust and Clarity

Once we identify a promising writer, we have an open and transparent conversation about what it means to be part of Pinsmack. We explain our platform's philosophy and approach so both parties understand the expectations, values and goals of a potential partnership.

Our writers should understand from the outset that Pinsmack is not focused on creating celebrity authors or personal author brands. Our primary goal is to curate high-quality, compelling content that serves readers. We focus on the stories rather than individual fame.

We are committed to protecting writers' intellectual property. Existing works, whether traditionally published or self-published, remain the property of their author or publisher. We do not publish or acquire pre-existing works. Our focus is on commissioning new, original content that reflects each writer's voice and creative vision.

For new work created under a Pinsmack writing agreement, content ownership and exclusivity are governed by that agreement. Under our standard arrangement, rights to Pinsmack-commissioned content belong to Pinsmack, and writers may not publish or share that content elsewhere in breach of their contractual or confidentiality obligations. When a writer leaves Pinsmack, ownership of work created under that arrangement remains as agreed in the contract.

We are committed to fair and transparent compensation. We do not ask writers to produce original Pinsmack work without appropriate payment, nor do we charge writers to publish their work. Anyone receiving a request for payment in connection with Pinsmack recruitment should report it to us. Our recruitment process is grounded in respect, fairness and dedication to high-quality content.

Agreement: Finalising the Partnership

After discussions and negotiations, when Pinsmack and the writer agree on the terms, we formalise the partnership in a written contract. It covers compensation, content ownership, deadlines and other important conditions, so responsibilities and expectations are clear.

Once both parties have agreed to and signed the contract, the partnership becomes official. The writer can begin contributing new content for Pinsmack to share with readers, with a shared commitment to quality.

The contract also addresses intellectual property protection, confidentiality and the consequences of breaching the agreement. We make sure writers understand their rights, obligations and the importance of protecting confidential information.

Formalising the agreement establishes a foundation of trust and professionalism. It supports a productive working relationship and the creation of original content that enriches the Pinsmack platform.