EDITORIAL STANDARDS

Hej Writer,

These are the quality standards we maintain for all content published under Libertalia Press and The Resilience flag, whether in our books, collaborative projects, or digital platforms.

Our Core Principles

Story First: Every piece of content should serve the story and the reader. Technical perfection means nothing if the story doesn’t connect with people.

Authentic Voice: We celebrate what makes each writer unique while maintaining consistency within our shared universes. Your voice should shine through, not disappear under heavy editing.

Respectful Representation: Characters and cultures should be portrayed thoughtfully and authentically. We research, consult, and revise to avoid harmful stereotypes or inaccurate representations.

Genre Integrity: Whether it’s sweet romance or Norse mythology, we honor the conventions and expectations of each genre while finding fresh ways to surprise readers.

Technical Standards

Manuscript Format:

  • Standard formatting (double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman or similar)
  • Proper chapter breaks and scene transitions
  • Consistent point of view within scenes
  • Clear dialogue formatting and attribution

Language and Style:

  • Primarily British English spelling and conventions (we’re UK-based), but we welcome consistent variations.
  • Consistent tense throughout individual works
  • Active voice preferred, passive voice used deliberately
  • Clear, engaging prose that serves the story’s pace

Content Accuracy:

  • Historical details researched and verified
  • Cultural elements portrayed respectfully and accurately
  • Technical aspects (sailing, combat, etc.) believable within the story’s context
  • Internal consistency within our fictional universes

Editorial Process

Initial Review: All submissions receive a comprehensive review focusing on story structure, character development, and overall effectiveness.

Developmental Editing: Major structural issues, character arcs, and plot development are addressed collaboratively between author and editor.

Copy Editing: Grammar, syntax, consistency, and style are refined while preserving the author’s voice.

Proofreading: Final pass for typos, formatting issues, and any remaining errors.

Collaborative Approach: Authors remain involved throughout the process. We edit with you, not to you.

Content Disclaimers

Adult Content: Explicit material should serve character or plot development, not exist purely for shock value. Clear content warnings are provided for readers.

Violence and Conflict: Should be proportionate to the story’s needs and genre expectations. Gratuitous violence is discouraged.

Diversity and Inclusion: We actively seek diverse voices and stories while ensuring authentic representation rather than tokenism.

Trigger Content: Potentially triggering material is handled sensitively with appropriate warnings and thoughtful treatment.

Quality Expectations

Character Development: Characters should feel like real people with consistent motivations, growth arcs, and distinctive voices.

Plot Structure: Stories should have clear beginning, middle, and end with appropriate pacing for their length and genre.

World Building: Settings should feel lived-in and consistent, whether contemporary or fantastical.

Dialogue: Conversations should sound natural while advancing plot or revealing character.

Emotional Truth: Even in fantastical settings, emotional experiences should feel genuine and relatable.

Collaborative Standards

Communication: Clear, respectful communication throughout the editorial process. Questions and concerns are addressed openly.

Deadlines: Realistic timelines with built-in flexibility for quality work. We prefer good storytelling to rushed completion.

Revision Attitude: Willingness to revise and improve work based on feedback. Editing is collaboration, not criticism.

Creative Ownership: Authors retain creative control over their stories while accepting guidance on technical and structural improvements.

AI Collaboration Standards

When AI tools assist in the creative process:

  • Human creativity and judgment guide the final result
  • AI contributions are acknowledged transparently
  • Quality standards remain the same regardless of creation method
  • Final editorial responsibility rests with human editors

Our Commitment

We believe every story deserves skilled editorial attention. Our role is to help each piece achieve its full potential while respecting the author’s creative vision.

We’re committed to:

  • Honest, constructive feedback
  • Preservation of authorial voice
  • Genre-appropriate expectations
  • Continuous improvement of our own editorial practices

Questions About Standards?

Not sure if your work meets our standards? Want clarification on any editorial expectations? Contact us for a discussion. We’d rather address questions early than discover misaligned expectations later.

These standards evolve as our community grows and our understanding of inclusive, quality storytelling deepens.

Quality stories and fair winds,

//Captain Linn & Sir Bear 🏴‍☠️
The Resilience

[Last updated: 25 August 2025]