Loose Parts Press is a purpose-driven children’s publishing company. Since founding in 2020 we have been guided by the values listed below. In 2026 we’ve decided to also publicly share our stance on AI.
Firstly we recognise the distinction between assistive AI which has accessibility benefits and generative AI which has been built using labor and ideas from unconsenting creators.
Loose Parts Press does not use generative AI at any stage of the creation of our books. Our authors and illustrators have written agreements affirming that they have not used generative AI to produce text or artwork for their books and our editors and designers also do not use these tools. We’ve also begun adding a policy into our contracts with authors and illustrators confirming that we will never put any of their work into generative AI tools.
This firm stance is based on our belief that the rapid proliferation of generative AI tools is damaging to creative professionals and has no place in the world of literature – particularly for young readers. Children deserve access to books and art made by real humans.
Generative AI is antithetical to all of our values. The water consumption of AI data centres is unsustainable and damaging to our planet, it creates less collaboration between artists, the companies behind this technology have dubious ethical practices, it is built on content stolen from artists and writers many of whom are already marginalised, and “creators” who use it do not respect their audience – children. More information on our values is below.
Sustainability
Wherever possible we publish on recycled papers and print locally in order to reduce our carbon footprint. Unfortunately, not all types of books can be printed locally. As our board books must be made overseas we purchase carbon offsets to cover the emissions through CarbonNeutral.com. We also strive for plastic-free packaging in our shipping where possible.
Collaboration
We take a much more collaborative approach to working with authors and illustrators than many other traditional publishers. Though we have offered services for self-publishers we are not a vanity press (a practice we find to often be exploitative). We also value relationships with independent bookshops, local businesses and community organisations in the Blue Mountains and beyond.
Integrity
We hold ourselves to high standards both artistically and ethically. Our content is created by talented authors and illustrators living in Australia who are all compensated for their efforts. We are currently developing an anti-slavery policy for our supply chain and strive to work with other ethical companies and small local businesses wherever possible.
Diversity
Although we publish a limited number of books per year, diversity is important to us – both in character representation and in the voices we amplify. We actively encourage submissions from authors and illustrators from CALD backgrounds and under-represented voices. We have no hidden fees around submissions as we feel money should not be a barrier to having your book published.
Playfulness
While we take our values seriously, at the end of the day, we make books for and about KIDS! We love reading with kids, playing with kids, creating with kids – and we love books that inspire, empower and spark joy.
We acknowledge that we live and operate our business on unceded land and pay our respects to the Darug and Gundungurra people and all Aboriginal elders past and present. We believe in “paying the rent” and each month a portion of our book sales are donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
