Principled spaces are brave spaces where we practice showing up in a way that is respectful, supportive and celebratory of every person’s humanity.

The principled space is attributed to artist and activist Hanalei Ramos and it recognises that it isn’t possible to fully guarantee safe spaces because we cannot control how people behave, think and speak.

The Principles

Principled spaces are built and nurtured by adhering to a set of agreed principles that guide how we show up.

By committing to a set of principles that guide how we behave in that space, we increase the possibility of safety for everyone involved.

  • I pay my ongoing respect to First Nations peoples, the original storytellers of this land. Their stories celebrate and support an enduring connection to Country, community, and culture.

    I live, work and play on Wurundjeri Country.

    What Aboriginal lands do you live on?

    Not sure? Go here to find out →

  • It has mostly failed to tell the varied and unique stories of people across humanity, having told so many storytellers that there is no space for them.

    Let us build more inclusive and accessible industry practices that come from a place of curiosity and openness.

  • Debut Books will maintain an environment that is free from sexual, ethnic, religious, age-based, disability, bodily and gender harassment, and bullying.

    I encourage conversation and debate and hope that if you disagree with something that has been said, you will behave fairly and frame any response in a respectful way.

    Personal attacks or hateful behaviour will not be tolerated. I reserve the right to to terminate any contract, and remove any content or person that violates the rules or spirit of our community.

    When engaging with the Debut Books website and social media channels, or submitting any kind of work, please don’t use any content that does not belong to you without the consent or credit of the original creator.

    Please be mindful of your language and refrain from abusive, violent, misleading or illegal behaviour.

Community Guidelines

Compersion

Celebrate the joy and the wins of others, even when their positive experience does not involve or benefit you directly. Find joy in other writers’ success. There is enough room for us all.

Share the Love

I believe in opening doors to let other people in. We all have different skills, experiences, and knowledge. Pay it forward.

Reciprocity

Treat others as you wish to be treated. Give as you wish to receive. You can’t expect others to make these efforts for you if they are not reciprocated.

Be Kind

Nice is not always kind and kind is not always nice. Be clear with your boundaries and respect those of others. Listen with an open heart and mind, gift feedback gently and thoughtfully, and engage with each other meaningfully.