diff --git a/fanficfare/writers/base_writer.py b/fanficfare/writers/base_writer.py
index a6263c3b..627f7860 100644
--- a/fanficfare/writers/base_writer.py
+++ b/fanficfare/writers/base_writer.py
@@ -184,7 +184,8 @@ class BaseStoryWriter(Requestable):
         if self.getConfig("output_css"):
             temp_css += self.getConfig("output_css")
 
-        temp_css = self.adapter.include_css_urls(self.story.getMetadata('storyUrl'), temp_css)
+        if self.getConfig('include_images'):
+            temp_css = self.adapter.include_css_urls(self.story.getMetadata('storyUrl'), temp_css)
 
         # minor cheat, tucking css into metadata.
         self.story.setMetadata("output_css",