Terms, Conditions & Policies | Wordsmith Workshops

The Fine Print

Cancellation Policy

All in-person retreats are contingent upon a minimum sign-up. If that minimum isn’t reached within sixty days of the retreat, the organizers reserve the right to cancel and refund your money.

If you need to cancel your spot for any reason, you will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee if a) you cancel more than ninety days before the start of the retreat or b) if we are able to fill your spot with another writer. If you cancel less than ninety days before the start of the retreat and we are not able to fill the spot, you will forfeit any monies paid.

In the event of a cancellation by the organizers due to inclement weather or emergency, refunds will be issued but no compensation will be provided for any travel expenses. We recommend purchasing trip insurance.

Due to circumstances beyond the control of Wordsmith Workshops, the retreat house advertised may become unavailable. The organizers will make every effort to secure a comparable house in the same general area for the retreat. If one cannot be obtained, you will receive a full refund. Refunds will not be issued if a comparable house in the same general area is obtained.

If either Beth or Cristin is unable to attend a retreat due to illness or a family emergency, every effort will be made to replace her with another published author and instructor, and you will receive your critique from the missing author via email. Refunds will not be issued due to the absence of either Beth or Cristin.

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required for all participants. Proof of a negative COVID test may also be required. Unvaccinated or COVID-positive attendees will not be allowed to participate in the retreat, and no refunds will be offered.

Harassment Policy

Wordsmith Workshops should be a safe, accessible place for all participants and guests. It is expected of our participants to behave in such a manner that they not violate the boundaries of other participants, including harassment or abuse of any kind.

Be respectful of those around you. Other people and their personal effects should not be touched; everyone deserves a right to privacy, even in a shared room. Unwanted attention includes comments on one’s body or staring at another person at inappropriate times.

Alcohol may be available on the grounds. All participants are expected to know their limits and will be asked to leave the retreat if they act inappropriately. Underage participants are not to drink alcohol at all. The organizers reserve the right to confiscate alcohol from any underage participants or anyone they deem to be overly intoxicated.

If you are harassed or witness the harassment of another, please let the organizers know. We will provide you with a safe space and remove the threat immediately. You are welcome to approach the organizers at any time throughout the workshop retreat with any concerns that you may have.

Once a complaint has been filed, the organizers will consult with the victim in order to develop an appropriate repercussion for the inappropriate behavior. The organizers reserve the right to eject a disruptive participant from the location of the workshop, and that person must provide their own transportation off the premises. No refund for the workshop retreat will be provided. Anyone asked to leave a workshop will not be allowed to attend any future workshops.

This policy applies to the organizers as well. Should any organizer be the source of the harassment or inappropriate behavior, please report that to the other organizer. Your safety is our utmost concern.

Definition of Harassment: to create an unpleasant or hostile situation, especially by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct. Types of harassment include, but are not limited to: physical assault, battery, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of activities, inappropriate or unwelcome physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, negative comments—regardless of whether or not the comments are intended as a joke—regarding any of the following: gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, race, religion, country or origin, or anything else the organizers deem to be inappropriate.

We take your privacy and security very seriously. You may reach us at any time to discover and/or delete any information we have collected by emailing us. No individual under the age of 18 years should contact us or put their information through our servers without the express permission of their legal guardians.

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