ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

Killer Nashville is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and harassment-free conference experience for all participants. This includes attendees, volunteers, staff, vendors, sponsors, panelists, speakers, and guests of honor. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, intimidation, and discrimination in any form. Our policy applies to all Killer Nashville spaces; conference venues, social events, online communities, and digital interactions associated with the event.

Harassment, intimidation, and discrimination deny or limit a person’s ability to fully participate in or benefit from Killer Nashville’s programs and activities. Such behavior will not be tolerated.

Protected Categories

Harassment or discrimination based on the following is prohibited:

• Gender, gender identity, and gender expression

• Sexual orientation

• Race, ethnicity, or national origin

• Religion or creed

• Age

• Disability or medical condition

• Political beliefs

• Body size or appearance

• Veteran or military status

• Marital or domestic partnership status

• Citizenship or immigration status

• Socioeconomic class

• Any other identity

Prohibited Behaviors

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Verbal comments, written comments, or displayed images that demean, humiliate, or threaten.

• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.

• Sustained disruption of talks, panels, or events.

• Inappropriate physical contact.

• Unwelcome sexual attention, advances, or propositions.

• Unwelcome photography or recording, including “body policing.”

• Quid pro quo harassment (requests for sexual favors in exchange for professional opportunities).

• Abusive, derogatory, or discriminatory jokes and language.

Harassment does not include respectful disagreement, debate, or critique made in good faith. Killer Nashville supports free expression of ideas within the bounds of respectful discourse.

Reporting Procedures

If you experience or witness harassment, intimidation, or discrimination at Killer Nashville:

1. Immediate Help: Speak to a staff member, volunteer, or organizer, all of whom are trained to handle reports respectfully.

2. Online Report: Submit a confidential concern using our Killer Nashville Harassment Report Form. Reports may be made anonymously or with identifying information.

Reports should include:

• A description of the incident

• The date, time, and location

• Names of those involved (if known)

• Witnesses or evidence (if available)

All reports will be reviewed promptly and thoroughly.

Non-Retaliation

Retaliation against anyone for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will result in sanctions.

Sanctions

Consequences for violating this policy may include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal or written warning

• Immediate removal from the conference without refund

• Suspension or permanent ban from future Killer Nashville events

• Revocation of speaking or presenting privileges

• Termination of contracts or agreements with Killer Nashville

Confidentiality

Killer Nashville will make every effort to protect the confidentiality of all parties involved. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis. Anonymous reports will be investigated to the fullest extent possible.

TERMS OF AGREEMENT

You will be contacted prior to the conference for your choice as to who does your critique following registration (if you signed up and paid for a critique).

You must be registered for the full conference to participate in the roundtable events.

The Killer Nashville Awards Dinner is open to the public, tickets are purchased in addition to conference registration.

By registering for Killer Nashville, you are accepting our terms of the agreement and conference policies including, but not limited to all charges being processed by American Blackguard, Inc. on behalf of Killer Nashville.

By registering for or attending the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference (hereinafter referred to as "Event"), attendees hereby grant Killer Nashville, American Blackguard, Inc., The Balanced Writer, and all subsidiaries or affiliated entities (collectively, the "Company") the irrevocable, perpetual, and royalty-free right to record, photograph, film, and otherwise capture the attendee’s name, image, likeness, and voice (collectively, "Likeness") in all mediums, including but not limited to video recordings, audio recordings, photographs, print materials, promotional materials, streaming platforms, and digital platforms, including The Balanced Writer streaming platform. Attendees acknowledge and agree that the Company shall own all rights, title, and interest in and to the recorded materials and may use, reproduce, distribute, publicly display, and otherwise exploit such materials in any manner, without compensation to the attendee, for any promotional, marketing, educational, or other lawful purpose.

The attendee acknowledges and agrees they are solely responsible for any comments, statements, or opinions expressed during the Event. The attendee understands and agrees that all comments made during the Event are their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Killer Nashville, American Blackguard, Inc., The Balanced Writer, or any affiliated entities. The attendee agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company and its officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to any statements, comments, or actions made by the attendee during the Event.

Warranty and Indemnity: The attendee represents and warrants that their participation in the Event does not and will not infringe upon the rights of any third party, including but not limited to intellectual property rights, rights of privacy, or rights of publicity. The attendee further agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Killer Nashville, American Blackguard, Inc., The Balanced Writer, and all affiliated entities from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to any breach of the foregoing representations and warranties or any actions, statements, or omissions made by the attendee during the Event.

This Release and Indemnity Clause shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Davidson County, Tennessee.

A separate registration form is required for each person registering.

If you require special access or assistance during the conference, please notify us or coordinate that with the hotel.

There is a $25 service charge for all returned checks.

Any discounts, if offered, cannot be applied retroactively. 

REFUND POLICY

REGISTRATION REFUND POLICY:
Up to May 14, 2026 - Full refund less processing fee of $20 for a 4-day registration or $10 for a single day registration
May 15, 2026-July 14, 2026 - 50% refund less processing fee of $20 for a 4-day registration or $10 for a single day registration
July 15, 2026 and Following - NO REFUNDS due to our commitment to the hotel

AWARD ENTRY REFUND POLICY (2025 Award Submissions):
Up to November 30, 2025- Full refund less processing fee of $6
December 1, 2025-January 31, 2026 - 50% refund less processing fee of $6
February 1, 2026 and Following - NO REFUNDS
PLEASE NOTE: Refunds for award entries are NOT available after a manuscript has been submitted.

AWARD ENTRY REFUND POLICY (2026 Award Submissions):
Up to November 30, 2025- Full refund less processing fee of $6
December 1, 2025-January 31, 2026 - 50% refund less processing fee of $6
February 1, 2026 and Following - NO REFUNDS
PLEASE NOTE: Refunds for award entries are NOT available after a manuscript has been submitted.

AGENT ROUND TABLES REFUND POLICY:
Due to the extremely limited availability and high demand for Agent Round Table spots, all sales are final and non-refundable. These spots are reserved specifically for each registrant, and once purchased, we cannot guarantee the ability to resell them if canceled. As such, we are unable to offer refunds for any reason, including schedule changes or cancellations.

OTHER THAN REGISTRATION REFUND POLICY:
Up to May 14, 2026 - Full refund less processing fee of $5
May 15, 2026-July 14, 2026 - 50% refund less processing fee of $5
July 15, 2026 and Following - NO REFUNDS due to our commitment to the hotel

NON-CONFERENCE ITEMS REFUND POLICY:
All refunds for non-conference specific items, such as newsletter ad placements, may receive a full refund less processing fee of $10

PLEASE NOTE: Processing fees are taken out of EACH item refunded.

NEWSLETTER

You agree to be placed on the Killer Nashville mailing list to receive occasional updates, newsletters, and promotions from Killer Nashville, Killer Nashville Awards, and other Killer Nashville related programs.

BOOK SIGNING

The Killer Nashville Bookstore will accommodate all authors as space permits. Filling out the book signing form does not guarantee a book signing or a panel position. You will be notified before the conference of your panel position(s) and/or book signing time(s).

AUTHORS

Please include an announcement on your website that you will be appearing at Killer Nashville, with a link to Killer Nashville. When panels and signing times are assigned, please include that information on your website as well so that your personal fan base will know when to see you specifically.

Consistent with other national conferences such as the New York MWA Symposium, all events may be taped and sold to raise money for future Killer Nashville events. Panelists’ recorded audio and visual appearances, including use of their voice, name, image, and likeness, are considered a charitable donation for the benefit and continuance of Killer Nashville. Regarding media appearances and coverage, all parties will seek to accommodate as many requests as possible. Final determination to be made by show producers and media editors.

By participating in any offering by Killer Nashville (i.e., conference, contest, catalog show, etc.), you agree you have read and understood everything contained herein.