The mission of Certified Independent Publishers is to certify to the public a publisher or publication is truly 'independent'. As an organization, we believe independence in publishing means human-authored writing, independent distribution, and convictions in freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Independent publishers play a critical role in society as they almost in all cases are the only ones publishing speech deemed to be unpopular or non-commercially viable. As a result, independent publishers are vital to our communities, our nation, and the world in maintaining freedom of speech and freedom of expression, by allowing minority voices and ideas to be heard and recognized. Certified Independent Publishers is a civil rights organization dedicated to verifying authentic independence in publishing.


Zero Fees. No Membership Dues. 

Criteria for becoming a Certified Independent Publisher:

 

- 100% of your writing and published content must be free of artificial intelligence. This includes no editing or proofreading with artificial intelligence.

- Cannot use artificial intelligence to design your promotional materials or publication designs.

- You must be a print-on-demand publisher or publication. Online-only publications also qualify. No brick-and-mortar publishing houses can qualify as they censor content by omission and prioritize commercially-viable content. 

- Your publisher or publication believes in the concepts of freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

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- A decal to prove to your audience your publisher or publication is truly independent, free of AI, with independent distribution, and does not censor content outside of editorial standards. This decal proves the integrity of your authorship. 

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- Ability to use Certified Independent Publishers as a professional and verifiable reference. We will vouch for you.

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- Receiving membership, a decal, and reference is not an endorsement of the content of any publisher or publication. Certified Independent Publishers does not endorse or oppose any publisher or publication who are verified members. 

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- Membership can be revoked for using artificial intelligence in publishing, overtly censoring content outside of editorial standards, or turning your operation into a brick-and-mortar publishing house. 

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- Unauthorized publishers and publications who use the decal or name of Certified Independent Publishers as a reference will have their publisher / publication listed on our website as an unauthorized user.



How to Apply:

Email your CV and a link to your publisher / publication website or portfolio to [email protected]


Our website is located at https://www.pointpleasantpublishing.net/certified-independent-publishers