diff --git a/lib/default-input.js b/lib/default-input.js
index 973a5b2..d72feee 100644
--- a/lib/default-input.js
+++ b/lib/default-input.js
@@ -280,5 +280,9 @@ exports.type = yes ? type : prompt('type', type, (data) => {
 // Only include private field if it already exists or if explicitly set in config
 const configPrivate = getConfig('private')
 if (package.private !== undefined || configPrivate !== undefined) {
-  exports.private = package.private !== undefined ? package.private : configPrivate
+  if (package.private !== undefined) {
+    exports.private = package.private
+  } else if (!config.isDefault || !config.isDefault('init-private')) {
+    exports.private = configPrivate
+  }
 }