Privacy & Terms
Privacy Policy
Thank you for visiting [janaeguthrie.com] ("the Site"), operated by Janae Guthrie ("we," "us," "our"). We respect your privacy and want you to understand what information we collect and how we use it.
If you have questions about this policy, contact us at [your real email].
1. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us:
- Newsletter signup: name and email address.
- Contact form: name, email address, and the content of your message.
- Book purchases (when direct sales are available): name, shipping address (for physical books), email address, and payment information. Payment information is processed by our third-party payment processor ([Shopify/Stripe/Gumroad/etc.] — fill in once you pick one) — we do not store your full card details ourselves.
We also automatically collect basic technical information (like browser type and pages visited) through standard website analytics and cookies.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Send you our newsletter and updates about new releases (only if you've signed up)
- Respond to messages sent through our contact form
- Process, fulfill, and ship book orders, and handle related customer service (order questions, exchanges)
- Maintain and improve the Site
- Comply with legal obligations
We do not use automated decision-making or profiling that has a legal or similarly significant effect on you.
3. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal information.
We share information only:
- With service providers who help us operate the Site (email newsletter platform, payment processor, shipping/fulfillment provider)
- If required by law (court order, subpoena, etc.)
- In connection with a business transfer (such as a sale of the Site)
4. Cookies
The Site may use cookies and similar technologies to remember preferences and understand how visitors use the Site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not work as well as a result.
5. Data Retention
We keep your information only as long as needed for the purposes above, or as required by law (for example, financial records related to purchases).
6. Children's Privacy
The Site is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you are between 13 and 18, please only use the Site with a parent or guardian's permission. If we learn we've collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it.
7. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you, and to opt out of marketing emails at any time (every newsletter includes an unsubscribe link).
To exercise any of these rights, email us at [your real email].
California residents: you have rights under the CCPA/CPRA, including the right to know what we collect, request deletion, and correct inaccuracies. We do not sell personal information.
8. Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information, but no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top will reflect the most recent version.
10. Contact Us
Questions about this policy? Email [your real email].
Terms of Use
Welcome to [janaeguthrie.com] (the "Site"), operated by Janae Guthrie ("we," "us," "our"). By using the Site, you agree to these Terms.
1. Who We Are
The Site shares information about Janae Guthrie's books and writing, and (once available) offers books for sale directly and/or links to retailers such as Amazon.
2. Using the Site
You agree to use the Site lawfully and not to:
- Attempt to disrupt or damage the Site
- Copy, reproduce, or redistribute Site content without permission
- Use the Site's content for commercial purposes without our written consent
3. Intellectual Property
All content on the Site — including text, book excerpts, cover art, logos, and images — belongs to Janae Guthrie unless otherwise noted, and is protected by copyright. You may view and share content for personal, non-commercial use, but may not republish, sell, or create derivative works from it without permission.
4. Purchasing Books
When you purchase a book directly through the Site:
- Prices are listed in [USD]. We reserve the right to change prices at any time.
- Payment is processed securely by [payment processor — fill in].
- Physical books: we aim to ship orders within [X business days]. Shipping costs and estimated delivery times will be shown at checkout.
- Digital books (ebooks): delivered electronically after purchase, typically via download link or email.
- Refunds: [decide your policy — a common, reasonable option for indie authors is: "Digital purchases are final once downloaded, except in cases of a technical error on our end. Physical books may be returned within [X] days if damaged or defective. Contact us at [email] to arrange a return or refund."]
5. Links to Other Sites
The Site may link to third-party sites (such as Amazon, IngramSpark, or social media). We don't control those sites and aren't responsible for their content or practices.
6. Children
If you are under 18, please only use the Site, including making any purchase, with a parent or guardian's involvement.
7. Disclaimer of Warranties
The Site and its content are provided "as is." We don't guarantee the Site will always be available, error-free, or uninterrupted.
8. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Janae Guthrie is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Site.
9. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Kentucky, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
10. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Site after changes means you accept the updated Terms.
11. Contact Us
Questions about these Terms? Email [your real email].