The Orchard is an open archive. Almost everything is welcome here. This policy exists to define the small category of things that are not.
Content that sexualizes anyone under 18 — real or fictional — is prohibited without exception. If a character's age is ambiguous in sexual contexts, write them as an adult. This rule has no gray area.
Fiction written with the clear intent to harm, intimidate, or target a specific real person — not as creative expression but as harassment — will be removed and the account reviewed.
Posting another writer's work as your own. This includes AI-generated text passed off as human-written without disclosure, and reproducing published works without permission.
Fiction that presents false statements of fact about a real person as true, or that is clearly designed to damage someone's reputation rather than engage in creative fan expression.
All stories must be accurately rated. Placing Explicit content under a General or Mature rating is a policy violation. Readers rely on ratings to make informed choices. Mislabeling will result in the story being re-rated or removed.
Darkness in fiction is not a policy violation. Stories about trauma, abuse, violence, addiction, morally complex characters, and difficult subjects are welcome. The question is not what a story contains but whether it was written to harm. Dark fiction written with craft and intention has always had a place in fan communities. It has a place here.
If you encounter content that violates this policy, use the contact form to report it. All reports are reviewed personally. Content that clearly violates policy will be removed. Authors will be notified.