diff --git a/wubloader/job.py b/wubloader/job.py
index af86559..97ac4cb 100644
--- a/wubloader/job.py
+++ b/wubloader/job.py
@@ -35,8 +35,14 @@ class Job(object):
 
 	@property
 	def uploader(self):
-		"""A processed uploader check that ignores dead bots"""
-		return self.row.uploader if self.row.uploader in self.wubloader.heartbeat.alive else ""
+		"""A processed uploader check that ignores dead bots (except for publish)"""
+		# Note we can't safely ignore a claimed publish because the drafter needs to be the same
+		# as the publisher.
+		return (
+			self.row.uploader
+			if self.job_type == 'publish' or self.row.uploader in self.wubloader.heartbeat.alive
+			else ""
+		)
 
 	@property
 	def excluded(self):
diff --git a/wubloader/wubloader.py b/wubloader/wubloader.py
index e195b5e..d0f8501 100644
--- a/wubloader/wubloader.py
+++ b/wubloader/wubloader.py
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ class Wubloader(object):
 				for job in self.find_jobs():
 
 					# If it's already claimed, ignore it.
-					# Note this check considers a claim by a dead bot to be invalid.
+					# Note this check considers a claim by a dead bot to be invalid (except for publishes).
 					if job.uploader and job.uploader != self.name:
 						continue