I've tried to keep the rules to a minimum, but to ensure the enjoyment of readers, the following rules apply:
Stories may be submitted entire or in parts. Just be sure to tell me so that I can put stories on the 'Completed stories' or 'On-going-Stories' page.
Adult content should be avoided - discreet inferences are acceptable. Warnings should be placed at the top of the document and the email you send me. Drug and alcohol references should be limited and then only when necessary. (Stories like Kim's Demons are the exception).
Pseudonyms (pen-names) are acceptable, provided that I have your name and email address so that readers may give you feedback. You may ask that no email address be given in the posting.
Use a beta-reader for your story. Get someone else to check your spelling and grammar; British or American spellings are acceptable, but there's nothing more frustrating than a poorly spelled story. Besides, beta-readers find all the plot holes. Beta-readers can be found on any of the TYR message boards; we're a friendly bunch and try to help, as can help regarding customs etc of the times. I simply don't have time to fix everyone's spelling, although I reserve the right to do so if necessary.
Ike - always a tricky one. Either simply use " " marks - we'll accept that it's in sign, or use * * marks. << and >> marks are sometimes used, but can cause real problems in HTML. Please avoid them.
Crossovers, alternate universe, etc. stories are OK - but must be identified as such.
Please send your story as an email attachment - .doc, .rtf or .html is OK. If there are italics or bold areas let me know so that I can look for them as I transfer them to HTML.
Graphics - if you send one in, that's OK - but very few Sweetwater writers use them - and I reserve the right to veto a graphic or limit the size. Not acceptable for The Great Sweetwater Writing Contest - I want that to be a writing contest, not a graphics contest! No background graphics please.
Size - I reserve the right to break long stories into several HTML pages in order to make download times acceptable.
No slash, threesome, etc. stories - there are other forums for these stories.
No bad language - stronger than "Damn!" This was a family show - and kids do visit this site.
No racial, religious or other vilification accepted, unless this is part of the plot, and then only from the bad guys. Disclaimers should be placed at the top of the story; and I reserve the right to judge a story containing this as unacceptable.
I reserve the reject any story, but will give feedback to the author regarding the reason(s). No further correspondence will be entered into, but resubmissions may be invited.
