Recently, author Anne Ursu conducted a survey that received ninety responses detailing the unacceptable behavior that far too many people in the YA/teen/children’s literature sphere have been subjected to over the years. We know that the problem is far wider, and it’s one we all have a responsibility to act to end.

If you have a sexual harassment policy, I encourage you to make sure it’s strong enough and well-publicized enough at your events or work functions to be effective. If you do not have a sexual harassment policy, I encourage you to develop one immediately, or you may find many authors will no longer attend your events.

This policy should, to borrow from author John Scalzi’s pledge wording, spell out “what is unacceptable behavior, as well as to whom those who feel harassed, or see others engaging in harassing behavior, can go for help and action.” This policy should also provide immediate contact information for those wishing to report, and detail the process. Merely having a policy is not enough; it must also contain a clearly explained plan of action and enforcement.

In keeping with that pledge, I also ask that you promote and publicize your policy as widely as possible: on your website, in your programs and conference materials, through flyers in the event space, and by talking about it at the beginning of conference events.

You may feel this isn’t necessary or will somehow “send the wrong message” about your event. But, in fact, the lack of information does just that. The lack of a clear harassment policy tells predators they can get away with inappropriate behavior and it tells women and other community members that they will have no recourse or support if targeted.

Publicizing a message that harassment will receive zero tolerance tells everyone, including our teens and young readers, what behavior they should expect in a professional environment. You can find resources to assist with your policy development and wording at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America website.

If you are a publisher, we encourage you to revisit your own harassment policies and to ensure they are observed at public events that you host, and also to provide a reporting mechanism that covers your staff, authors, and illustrators you publish. I also ask that publishers communicate to their authors, illustrators, and staff that if harassment by them is reported in a professional setting it will be investigated and may lead to severe consequences.

Again, it may seem unnecessary or ineffective to take this step. But sending a message about what behavior will be tolerated and what will not is the only way change will come.

Thank you for being a responsible and active member of the literary and fan community.

Sincerely,

Rachel Caine