What is Human Author Verified?
HAV is a museum-backed verification that confirms an author is a real human and the primary writer of their books—not AI.
Who runs HAV?
The program is administered by the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History. It’s independent of publishers and tech companies.
Who can apply?
Any living author, any country, any genre. Pen names are fine (we verify the legal identity privately).
Do you judge the quality or politics of a book?
No. HAV verifies authorship integrity, not taste, ideology, or commercial merit.
What are the tiers?
-
HAV Bronz – Identity Verified
-
HAV Silver – Work & Authorship Verified
-
HAV Gold – Fully Human Verified (live check + promo perks)
Current pricing is posted on the Apply page.
What proof do I need?
Links/ISBNs to published work (or equivalent release), basic ID (kept private), and a short disclosure of any AI use in your process.
Can I use AI tools and still be verified?
Yes—for support (grammar, outlines, research, light line suggestions).
No—if AI generated most of the prose. Those works can’t carry the HAV badge.
If one of my books used heavy AI, am I disqualified forever?
No. HAV verifies the author. You can still be Human Author Verified, but that specific AI-dominant book must not display the badge.
Where can I display the badge?
On your website, author pages, business cards, event signage, and on or near books that meet HAV’s human-authorship standard. Don’t place it on ineligible works.
Can my publisher pay or submit on my behalf?
Yes. The author still completes identity/authorship steps; the invoice can go to a publisher or sponsor.
How is pen-name privacy handled?
We verify your legal identity off-record and list only the public pen name unless you ask otherwise.
Do you keep my documents?
Only what’s needed for verification and audits, stored securely under museum policy. We don’t sell data or share it with advertisers.
What languages and regions are supported?
Global and multilingual. Provide materials in your book’s language; if we need clarification, we’ll coordinate.
What about co-authors and ghostwriters?
List all contributors. HAV is fine with transparent collaboration. Don’t claim sole human authorship for work written mainly by someone (or something) else.
Are translations eligible?
Yes. Badge applies to the original human-authored work; translated editions may also display it with proper credits to the translator.
Does this cover poetry, short stories, and anthologies?
Yes. For anthologies, clearly state which parts you authored.
Do you verify children’s books and erotica?
Yes to children’s books. Erotica is allowed if legal; HAV verifies authorship, not content ratings. (Content advisories are handled by separate programs.)
How long does verification take?
Most cases move efficiently. Pro includes a brief live check that’s scheduled at a mutually convenient time.
How long does my verification last?
HAV status includes a renewal cycle. At renewal we re-confirm authorship alignment and your pledge.
Can HAV be revoked?
Yes, for clear misuse or deception (e.g., presenting AI-written work as human). We notify, review evidence, and provide an appeal path.
How do readers, libraries, and bookstores use HAV?
As a trust cue and filter. The public archive and the badge make human-authored work easier to discover, feature, and defend.
What’s the difference between HAV and VTAP?
HAV = human-authorship verification for anyone, worldwide.
VTAP = regional verification for Texas authors. Texans can hold both.
Is there financial assistance?
A limited number of aid spots may be available through the museum. Check the Apply page for current options.
Do you guarantee sales, reviews, or distribution?
No. HAV increases trust and clarity; it doesn’t promise outcomes.
How do I report misuse of the badge?
Use the “Report Misuse” link on our site with a screenshot or URL. We investigate and act per policy.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes. Verified authors can earn cash or credit for successful referrals, plus milestone bonuses. Details are on the Referral page.
What statement can I use in my bio?
“Human Author Verified by the Texas Authors Museum — confirming I’m the real human who wrote my books.”