Honest words. Kind company.

These guidelines protect the independent, generous conversations at the heart of Chapter Café.

For every reader

Read with curiosity and respond in your own words. You never owe a positive opinion. Be specific about the work, respectful toward the people around it, and open about relevant personal connections.

For every author

Readers are not part of a promotional script. Welcome nuanced responses, do not pressure readers to revise an honest view, and avoid contacting a reader to challenge their reaction.

Care in conversation

Disagreement is welcome; hostility is not. No harassment, discrimination, personal attacks, or sharing another person’s private information.

Independence and disclosure

Any book access or coffee allowance should be understood as support for the reading moment, never payment for praise. Relevant arrangements should be described plainly.

Keeping the table safe

Chapter Café may pause or end participation when these principles are repeatedly ignored. Concerns can be sent directly to Joy Willows.