How Author Notebook handles your data.
By default, your project on the Windows desktop app is stored on your own device. We designed the app around local-first storage, meaning your manuscript does not require an account or an internet connection to be written and saved.
Cloud Projects is an optional feature for writers who want to sync selected workspaces across devices. If you choose to use it, project data is transmitted to our cloud storage provider to enable sync; it remains a separate, opt-in feature from local use.
AI features are off by default. If you enable them, you provide and control your own API key, and requests are sent to the AI provider you configure. We do not run AI on your content without you turning the feature on.
If you create an account (for example, to use Cloud Projects), we store basic account details such as your email address. Local desktop use does not require an account.
The marketing site may use basic, privacy-conscious analytics and a cookie consent banner to understand general usage. We aim to collect the minimum needed to improve the site and product.
You can use Author Notebook entirely locally without an account. If you have questions about your data, or want something removed, contact us and we'll do our best to help.