Human-Approved Certification™ for Authors

A human-reviewed certification for authors who want readers to trust — and choose — their book in an AI-crowded market.

If your book was selling better a few years ago, you’re not imagining things. As mass-produced AI books flood marketplaces, talented authors are being penalised by association — with lower conversion rates, more hesitation, and fewer sales.

The Human-Approved badge gives readers a fast, visible signal that your book was created with genuine human expertise—not mass-produced AI content. Apply for Certification →

Build Reader Confidence

Show readers that your book has been written with care — so they feel confident choosing it over lower-quality alternatives.

Confirm human authorship

Clearly signal that your book reflects original thinking and human expertise, not mass-produced AI content.

Be chosen by readers

Use a visible trust badge and public verification page to help your book stand out — and be chosen — in an AI-crowded marketplace.

is this certification right for your book?

This certification is for authors who take their books — and sales — seriously.

You wrote the book yourself

You want readers to trust — and choose — your book in an AI-crowded market

You care about protecting your book’s reputation and long-term sales

Apply for human-approved certification

Submit your book for human review. If it meets our criteria, you’ll receive the official Human-Approved badge for use on your book cover and marketing materials, and a public listing page.

Submit Book for Review — $79

Founding Author Pricing

To thank early authors who support this initiative, we’re offering a limited number of Founding Author certifications at a reduced lifetime rate.

Founding Authors help establish the standard for human-reviewed books and are recognised as early adopters in our public registry.

Apply as a Founding Author — $59

Limited availability. Once Founding Author places are filled, standard lifetime pricing will apply.

How the Review Process Works

A clear, human-led review process — no automation, no black boxes.

1 Submit Book

Author applies and provides manuscript for review.

2 Human review

An experienced author reviews the manuscript against published criteria.

3 Decision

You receive an email with the outcome within 3-5 business days.

4 Verification issued

Badge and marketing materials sent; public listing created.

Authorwing Human-Approved Certification Mock up

What You Receive Once Approved

The official Human-Approved Certification™ badge
PNG format, suitable for book covers, listings, and websites.

A public book listing on AuthorWing
Featuring your certified book, verification details, and optional purchase links you can share with readers.

Clear usage guidelines
So you know exactly where and how to display the badge.

Optional: Professional cover placement
Our designers can add the certification badge to your book cover for a small additional fee.

What this certification Is:

A human-reviewed assessment by experienced authors

Evidence of original authorship and editorial care

Proof of responsible use of tools (AI allowed, not relied on)

A visible trust signal for readers and retailers

What This Certification Is Not

An AI-detection or scanning tool

A guarantee of zero AI usage

Pay-to-publish or automatic approval

An endorsement of opinions or viewpoints

This certification exists because readers can no longer tell the difference between professionally-written books and mass-produced content—and that’s hurting the livelihoods of genuine authors.”
Jenny Goldmann, Author & Founder of AuthorWing
15+ years in self-publishing

Apply for Human-Approved Certification

Submit your book for review and, if approved, receive an official set of badges you can use on your book cover and marketing materials as a visible trust signal for readers. Approved books are also listed in our public verification database, allowing readers to confirm the certification. View a sample page here.

Certification is granted only when a book meets our published criteria. Not all submissions are approved.

Submit a Book for Review

FAQs

What does “Human-Approved” actually mean?

Human-Approved means your book has been reviewed by a real person using published criteria. The review looks for clear evidence of human authorship, original thinking, responsible use of tools, and an overall level of care appropriate for publishing.
It is a standards-based review, not an automated check.

Does this mean no AI was used at all?

No. Human-Approved certification does not claim that no AI tools were used at any point.
Many good authors use AI responsibly for brainstorming, research support, or editing. The certification confirms that AI has not replaced authorship, and that the book does not show signs of being mass-produced or primarily generated by AI.

Is this an AI-detection service?

No. AuthorWing does not use AI-detection tools, and we do not claim to identify or “catch” AI usage.
AI-detection is unreliable and often misleading. Our certification is based on human review and professional judgement, not algorithmic scoring.

What exactly do you review?

The review focuses on key sections of the book and considers factors such as:

• Consistency of authorial voice
• Depth and specificity of content
• Evidence of original thought or expertise
• Responsible integration of tools
• Overall credibility and care

The goal is to assess whether the book reflects genuine human authorship and meets our published standards.

How long does the review take?

Most reviews are completed within 3-5 days, depending on current volume.
You’ll be notified once a decision has been made. If, for some reason, you need the review completed more quickly, please get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you.

What happens if my book doesn’t pass?

If a book does not meet the criteria, certification is not granted.
In some cases, we may provide brief feedback explaining why. Authors are welcome to reapply after making substantive changes to the book. Approval is never automatic, and payment does not guarantee certification.

Can the certification be revoked?

Yes. Certification may be revoked if:

• The book is substantially changed after approval
• The badge is misused or misrepresented
• New information comes to light that materially affects the basis of approval

Maintaining trust in the certification is essential.

Can I use the badge on Amazon and on my book cover?

Yes. Approved authors receive clear badge usage guidelines.

The Human-Approved badge may be used on:
• Book covers (print and digital)
• Interior copyright pages
• Amazon product pages (where permitted)
• Author websites and marketing materials

Is this a one-time fee?

Yes. The certification fee is a one-time payment per book edition.
If you release a substantially revised edition, a new review is required.

Who is this certification best suited for?

Human-Approved certification is designed for:
• Experienced self-published authors who have seen a drop in sales
• New authors looking to signal quality from day one

It is naturally not intended for mass-produced or low-effort content.

Who conducts the reviews?

Reviews are carried out by experienced nonfiction authors and publishing professionals who are actively working in the industry.
We remain closely involved in writing and publishing ourselves, ensuring reviews reflect current publishing realities.