Submissions

Until relatively recently authors were limited to using AI-enhanced apps (such as Grammarly et al) to tweak their work. Relatively modest in their original aims, such technologies’ editorial potential typically focused on spell-checking and basic narrative tone.

Arrival of generative-AI technology (ChatGPT et al) revolutionised the space, and continues doing so, many tens of thousands routinely using such technologies for their work. We cannot begin to imagine where we’ll be in five years…

Intense debate of ‘AI in publishing’ highlights crucial legal, moral and ethical dilemmas implied for those engaged in generative-, as against predictive-AI tech.

Literary agents are in a bind, mindful the Top 5 trade publishers’ senior executives all in their individual ways publicly recognise the inevitability of AI in publishing. For example, HarperCollins‘ and Penguin’s CEO’s openly discuss their AI ambitions, the NYT, too, all underline how carefully agents must consider their positions.

NAC Literary –

  • warmly applauds creative integrity of authors whose work contains no input from AI-empowered tools (the very large majority of our published works)
  • recognises AI’s inevitable future influence, notes some will use ‘predictive-tech’ tools such as Quantifiction’s Iris Editor and Iris Assessment
  • has not and will not knowingly represent work created using ‘generative-text’ technologies.

NAC Literary also suggests the industry adopts a standard requiring (i) every fiction and nonfiction author to state in their submissions whether they used any form of AI-powered tool, and, if so, define the nature and extent of such assistance, and (ii) publishers to state the same at the beginning of each book. Readers must be informed whether the work was created with –

  • no input from AI-empowered tools of any kind
  • predictive-AI input from (the source stated – e.g. Grammarly, Quantifiction’s Iris etc)
  • generative-AI input from (the source stated).

Quantifiction’s >2000 subscribers suggests Iris’ next-generation predictive-AI manuscript assessment technology is user-friendly, Iris Editor provides wonderfully intuitive guidance, pointing the author to editorial ideas across 25 metrics, while Iris Assessment adds near-instant evaluation of a work’s commercial prospects, enabling several passes of each manuscript for a small annual subscription.

We also understand Iris’ Assessment & Iris Editor are incapable of creating text.

The first deal we’re aware of, to publish a book enhanced by predictive AI, was signed Christmas Eve 2024; and another, signed June 2025, publication yet to be announced. Both used Iris… So, authors, publishers, agents & editors, and B2B service providers to publishing are encouraged to inform themselves of the differences between generative– and predictive-AI, and how Quantifiction creates a level playing field for authors to engage with publishers, readers and others in pursuit of their goal of being successfully published.

Please e-mail if you have any questions, or, if you like what you see of Quantifiction’s Iris, a couple of minutes will have you registered to use her predictive-AI tech.

Quantifiction’s confidential obligation-free trial of Iris is available to all authors today.

Historically, we’ve looked for well-written, original and thought-provoking adult works in English from authors anywhere in the world. Our particular interest has been in:

  • Fiction: literary upmarket and commercial, including historical, mystery, romance, dystopian, thriller, psychological thriller and crime
  • Nonfiction: memoir and history
  • Backlists in any of these genres.


Exclusions – academic or technical works, poetry, short stories, younger readers’ works, horror, new age, occult, religious/devotional/inspirational works, sci-fi, supernatural, strong violence or abusive sex, nonfiction except as listed above. Previously self-published works will only be considered along with one or more new works.

Joining NAC’s list:

A keen appreciation of our ethos, commitment to being the very best writers they can be, is key to all authors joining our list.

First consideration is given to writers recommended by authors already on NAC’s list, a member of our Panel of Reviewers or an editor whose opinion we may rely on. Rarely will we consider submissions outside these parameters.

Works go through a rigorous review process taking several months, involving significant work for most authors; 3-4 significant edits of the manuscript, or more, is typical.

Your Submission to NAC

Then What?

  • All submissions meeting these guidelines are acknowledged. Please resubmit if you have not heard from us in 7 days.
  • Personal visits are not accepted other than by invitation.
  • If NAC considers inviting you on our journey we will be in contact.
  • Typically the process from acceptance of a work into our system takes 3-4 months.
  • Progress reports are not provided, nor are reasons given.

Other Information

  • We do not ‘look at’ or ‘offer an opinion’ on work, nor do we charge for proofreading or editing services though we may point authors to others providing such services.
  • Typically two, rarely three or four authors may join our list annually.
  • Always save electronic versions of your work, as NAC is not responsible for lost work.
  • Significant in considering an author, is whether they genuinely subscribe to our ethos, the ‘collective’ spirit implied – a willingness to support our authors, as will they when your work is published.

Please read the whole of our website, especially this page and the FAQs, before contacting NAC.