KDM | SASSY & SACRED MAGAZINE Editorial Ethics & Publishing Standards

Editorial Ethics & Publishing Standards

At Kalina Digital Media (KDM) and Sassy & Sacred Magazine, we believe storytelling is sacred. Every voice we publish is held with care, integrity, and deep respect. Our editorial standards reflect our commitment to ethical publishing, trauma‑informed practices, and the empowerment of women’s lived experiences.

These guidelines ensure that our contributors, readers, and community feel safe, honoured, and seen.

1. Our Core Editorial Values

We publish with intention. Every piece we share aligns with our values of:

• Integrity — truth‑aligned, transparent, and ethically grounded

• Compassion — honouring the emotional weight of lived experience

• Inclusivity — welcoming diverse identities, cultures, and perspectives

• Empowerment — uplifting women’s voices, creativity, and resilience

• Respect — protecting the dignity of every storyteller

We do not publish content that harms, exploits, or sensationalizes.

2. Contributor Rights & Creative Ownership

Contributors retain full copyright to their work.

By submitting, contributors grant KDM and Sassy & Sacred Magazine:

• Non‑exclusive permission to publish their work digitally

• Permission to use excerpts for promotional purposes (with credit)

• Permission to feature their name, bio, and headshot (if provided)

We never sell contributor work or license it to third parties.

Contributors may republish their work anywhere after it appears in the magazine.

3. Trauma‑Informed Storytelling

Because many of our stories explore healing, identity, and lived experience, we follow trauma‑informed editorial practices:

• We avoid sensationalizing trauma

• We use content warnings when appropriate

• We allow contributors to review sensitive edits

• We encourage anonymity when safety is needed

• We prioritize emotional safety over shock value

Our goal is to honour the storyteller — not the intensity of the story.

4. Accuracy, Integrity & Fact‑Checking

We are committed to truth and clarity.

We verify:

• Statistics

• Quotes

• Mental health information

• Historical references

• Claims presented as fact

We do not publish:

• Defamation

• Unverified accusations

• Misleading or harmful information

Personal stories are honoured as lived truth while ensuring clarity for readers.

5. Editing Standards

Our editors may refine submissions for:

• Grammar

• Flow

• Structure

• Readability

• Length

We never:

• Change the meaning of a contributor’s story

• Add details the writer did not provide

• Alter the emotional truth of the piece

All edits are made with transparency and respect.

6. Privacy, Consent & Confidentiality

We protect the privacy of contributors and individuals mentioned in stories.

We require:

• Consent to use names

• Consent to use photos

• Anonymization of third parties when appropriate

We follow Canadian privacy standards (PIPEDA) for all collected information.

7. Advertising, Sponsorship & Transparency

We disclose all paid partnerships, sponsored content, or gifted collaborations.

Labels may include:

• “Sponsored”

• “Paid Partnership”

• “Advertisement”

We do not accept advertising that conflicts with our values or compromises editorial integrity.

8. Reader Wellbeing & Safety

We care deeply about our community.

We include:

• Content warnings for sensitive topics

• Mental health disclaimers

• Encouragement to seek professional support when needed

KDM and Sassy & Sacred Magazine do not provide medical, legal, or psychological advice.

9. Inclusivity & Anti‑Discrimination

We do not tolerate:

• Ableism

• Racism

• Sexism

• Homophobia or transphobia

• Harassment or discrimination of any kind

We celebrate diverse voices, identities, and lived experiences.

10. Corrections & Accountability

If an error appears in our publication, we will:

• Correct it promptly

• Note the correction when appropriate

• Communicate transparently with contributors

We are committed to continuous learning and ethical growth.

11. Copyright & Use of Content

All original content published by KDM and Sassy & Sacred Magazine is protected under copyright law.

 2026 Kalina Digital Media & Sassy & Sacred Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the contributor and/or the magazine.

12. Our Promise

We promise to hold every story with reverence. To uplift women’s voices with dignity. To publish with integrity, heart, and intention. To remain Sassy. Sacred. Seen. — always.