Return to the main overview page here. >>
Interested in joining our Team? See how it all works here. >>
Before you apply, make sure you check out the Code of Conduct before here. >>
Ready to join our Team? Make sure you check out the Terms and Agreement before applying here. >>
Terms & Conditions. Community Historian Society Collaborative Publishing Partnership
1. Program Overview
The Community Historian Society Collaborative Publishing Partnership is a curated publishing and archival initiative operated by Trace Thy Roots. Participation in this partnership, including designation as a Root Keeper, is selective and subject to review, approval, and program capacity.
Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
2. Eligibility & Representation
Applicants must accurately represent their identity, lineage, experience, and public research activity. Trace Thy Roots reserves the right to review publicly available content, including social media activity, to assess alignment with the mission of the partnership.
Misrepresentation may result in removal from consideration or termination of participation.
3. Selection & Participation
Participation in the Community Historian Society Collaborative Publishing Partnership is by invitation or approval only. Trace Thy Roots retains sole discretion regarding acceptance, project assignment, and continuation within the partnership.
Failure to meet agreed-upon standards, timelines, or conduct expectations may result in removal from the program.
4. Scope of Collaboration
Root Keepers assist the trained genealogist and publisher in organizing, compiling, and preparing historical newspapers, public records, and related documents for publication in hardcover and paperback formats.
Root Keepers are not employees of Trace Thy Roots and are not guaranteed ongoing or future publishing projects.
5. Meetings & Participation Requirements
Participation in the program requires attendance at mandatory meetings held twice per month. These meetings are used for training, project coordination, progress review, and publishing guidance.
By participating in the program, Root Keepers agree to:
attend required meetings or provide advance notice if unable to attend
follow publisher direction after training
complete assigned tasks in a timely manner
communicate progress and challenges responsibly
Failure to meet participation or meeting requirements may result in removal from the program.
6. Publishing & Copyright
All works produced through the Community Historian Society Collaborative Publishing Partnership are published under the Griot Publishing House imprint.
Trace Thy Roots is the copyright holder of all published works.
Contributors are credited as Author / Compiler where applicable.
T’Malkia Zuri is listed on the copyright page as a contributor.
Trace Thy Roots retains final editorial authority over all publications.
Library of Congress registration and publication logistics are handled by Trace Thy Roots.
7. Compensation & Earnings
Publishing fees typically associated with professional publication are waived for selected Root Keepers.
Contributors may earn independently by purchasing author copies at printing cost only, and reselling them through their own platforms at full price. Trace Thy Roots retains proceeds from books sold through publisher-controlled distribution channels.
No income, sales volume, or distribution outcome is guaranteed.
8. Conduct & Standards
Participants agree to follow publisher direction after training, complete assigned tasks in a timely manner, and handle historical materials responsibly and accurately. Plagiarism, fabrication, or misrepresentation of sources is grounds for removal.
9. Modifications
Trace Thy Roots reserves the right to modify these Terms & Conditions as needed. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of any updates.
10. Acknowledgment
By applying to or participating in the Community Historian Society Collaborative Publishing Partnership, applicants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
Last Update: Jan. 13. 2026
What would you like to do next?
HOW IT WORKS
Interested in joining our Team? See how it all works before you apply.
READY TO JOIN?
Ready to join our Team? Make sure you check out the Terms and Agreement before applying.
OVERVIEW
Return to the main page for summary of the Partnership Program.
