How we review

1. What the Reviewed seal means

A work meets the Standard when our reviewers find that the creation evidence shows the text and art were made by people, without generative AI producing any part of the finished work. If a creator tells us they used AI for things like spell-check or research, we say so in the listing.

2. Who decides

People make every decision; software only helps sort evidence. A trained reviewer signs off on each decision.

3. What software does

Tools can help sort files, read version history, transcribe recordings and point out gaps. They never approve or reject a work.

4. Evidence we look at

• Version history from Google Docs or Word
• Photos or scans of drafts and sketches (mailed originals are coming soon)
• Recordings of the creator working (sampled by a reviewer)
• Public work-in-progress posts
• Accounts from witnesses who contacted us

5. Rounds and outcomes

We review in one round, plus an optional second round if we need more information. The second round is free. A work either meets the Standard or doesn't yet. During the pilot, reviews are free.

6. Pre-2023 Publication Records

These aren't reviewed. We check only the publication date, and the creator attests the work was made without generative AI. They carry their own badge and are never called Reviewed.

7. Concerns and appeals

Reports are private and read by a person. Creators get 14 days to respond and one appeal. A withdrawn seal shows only: "This work's Reviewed seal is no longer active as of [date]."

8. Limits

A seal reflects our reviewers' judgment based on the evidence submitted. It is not a guarantee.