A.I. Policy

How Stacks Publishing Uses AI

Last updated: 25 October 2026

Your book is yours. I use AI as a working tool in my business, the same way I use spreadsheets and research software. I don't use it to read or edit your book, and every piece of work you receive from me has been reviewed, edited and signed off by me personally.

In the Alliance of Independent Authors' terms, Stacks Publishing is AI-assisted: AI supports specific tasks, and human judgement makes the decisions.

Where I use AI

  • Research and analysis: organising category and keyword research, comparing competing books, summarising market data.

  • Reading support on manuscript-based work: when I assess a manuscript or prepare a feature or interview, I read the book myself. AI helps me find passages, check consistency and verify references. The judgements and feedback are mine.

  • First drafts of marketing copy: book descriptions, Substack Notes and listing copy may start as an AI draft from your material, which I then rewrite and fact-check against your book.

  • Structuring reports: turning my personal notes and templates into a clear, well-organised audit or marketing plan.

  • My free tools: the analysers at tools.stackspublishing.com use Anthropic's Claude to assess text you paste in. They're AI-powered by design and say so on the page.

  • Business admin: scheduling, email drafts and proofreading my own writing.

Where I don't use AI

  • I never generate, rewrite, expand or restructure your manuscript.

  • I never write reviews, testimonials or endorsements, and I don't accept AI-written reviews through Editorial Reviews.

  • I never publish anything in your name without your approval.

  • Cover design: All covers are designed by humans, using stock images or graphics where relevant.

What happens to your material

  • I use Anthropic's Claude on a paid plan, with training on my content switched off. I never input client material into free AI tools.

  • I only share what the task needs, and I don't keep your files in AI tools longer than the job requires.

  • Your manuscript is treated as confidential under Stacks Publishing’s Terms and Privacy Policy.

Opting out

If you'd prefer no AI to be used on your project, tell me when you book. There's no extra charge. Delivery may take a little longer, and I'll confirm any change to the timeline before we start. The free web tools can't run without AI, so they're the one exception.

Accountability

Whatever tools I use, I'm responsible for the accuracy and quality of what I deliver. If you have a question about how AI was used on your project, ask me and I'll tell you.

I review this policy at least once a year, and whenever my tools or practices change.