Content & Copyright Policy

Gistbite is built to respect authors and publishers. Here's exactly what we publish, what we don't, and how we handle copyright.

What Gistbite is

Gistbite publishes original summaries, study guides, and analysis of non-fiction books. Every summary is written by us in our own words. They are educational, transformative works — closer to a book review, a lecture, or a set of study notes than to the book itself.

What we do not do

  • We do not reproduce, host, or distribute the original books, their full text, or substantial verbatim excerpts.
  • We do not provide pirated copies, PDFs, ePubs, or scans of any book.
  • We do not host or stream publishers' audiobooks. Our audio is AI narration of our own summary text — not a recording of the book.
  • We do not claim to replace the original works. We encourage readers to buy the full book when an idea resonates.

Why this is lawful

Summarizing and commenting on a book is a long-standing, protected activity. Facts and ideas are not protected by copyright — only a specific creative expression is. Our work conveys the ideas of a book in entirely new language and structure, which is transformative and consistent with fair-use principles in many jurisdictions, the same way book reviews, CliffsNotes-style study guides, and critical essays have operated for decades.

Trademarks & titles

Book titles, author names, and publisher names are used only to identify the work being summarized (nominative reference). All trademarks and book titles remain the property of their respective owners. Gistbite is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any author or publisher whose work we summarize.

AI narration

Audio versions are generated with text-to-speech technology applied to our own original summary text. No part of an author's or publisher's recorded audiobook is used.

Reporting a concern (takedown / DMCA)

We take rights-holders' concerns seriously. If you are an author, publisher, or authorized agent and believe a summary crosses the line — for example, that it contains too much verbatim material — contact us and we will review it promptly and, where appropriate, edit or remove it.

Please email legal@gistbite.com with: (1) the page URL, (2) the work concerned, (3) the specific issue, and (4) your contact details and authority to act for the rights holder. We aim to respond within a few business days.

This page explains our approach in plain language and is not legal advice.