Our Commitment to Transparency
How we use AI.
Your story belongs to you. Part of our integrity as your publisher is being honest about the tools we use — including artificial intelligence.
We believe your story belongs to you. Our job as your publisher is to take that story from manuscript to market with integrity, professionalism, and care. Part of that integrity is being honest about the tools we use — including artificial intelligence.
AI is changing the publishing industry. We have chosen to be on the front end of that conversation, not because we think AI should replace the human heart of a book, but because we believe transparency builds trust. And trust is the foundation of every author-publisher relationship.
What We Use AI For
Transcription
When a book is built from recorded interviews, oral histories, or spoken-word sessions, we may use AI tools to transcribe audio into text. This is a mechanical conversion — your words stay your words.
Copyediting & proofreading support
AI helps us catch grammar errors, spelling inconsistencies, and formatting issues across long manuscripts. It is a second set of eyes, not a replacement for our editorial judgment.
Plagiarism & copyright review
We run manuscripts through AI-powered detection tools to help ensure your work is original and does not inadvertently include copyrighted material from other sources. This protects both you and us.
Fact-checking assistance
For nonfiction works, AI can help us verify names, dates, scripture references, and other factual claims more efficiently.
Design & visual production
Our standard design process may use AI tools to generate initial concepts, mood boards, visual references, and design elements for book covers, interior graphics, and promotional materials. A human designer makes all final creative decisions on every visual element we publish.
What We Don’t Use AI For
AI does not write your book. AI does not choose your voice, structure your story, decide what stays or goes, or make creative decisions on your behalf. Every substantive editorial choice — from the arc of your narrative to the final word on your last page — is made by a human being.
We will never use AI to generate content and pass it off as yours. We will never upload your manuscript into an AI system without your knowledge and written consent. And we will never allow your unpublished work to be used for AI model training.
“Your story is human. The tools we use to help bring it into the world are clearly disclosed, contractually defined, and always in service to — never in replacement of — the real, living voice behind the work.”
Your Choices as an Author
We respect that every author has a different comfort level with AI. When you sign with us, our publishing agreement includes a detailed AI Disclosure Addendum that spells out exactly how AI may be used in your project — and exactly how it won’t be.
You have the right to decline AI-generated visual content for your book’s cover, interior artwork, and promotional materials. If you prefer exclusively human-created visual work — commissioned photography, hand-drawn illustration, or licensed imagery from human artists — we are happy to accommodate that. Because these services involve additional third-party costs, any additional expenses will be discussed and agreed upon in writing before we proceed. No surprises.
Why We’re Telling You This
Most publishers don’t have this page. We do because we think you deserve to know.
The publishing industry is navigating a significant shift right now. AI tools are becoming standard across editorial workflows, design studios, and production pipelines. Some publishers use them quietly. We’d rather use them openly.
If you have questions about any of this, we welcome the conversation. That is what good publishing relationships are built on.
Ready to talk about your book?
we’d love to hear your story.
Call 417.499.3246, submit your manuscript to submit@surrenderedheartpublishing.com, or schedule a conversation at hello@surrenderedheartpublishing.com.