
Hi, I’m Donna McDonald. I own and operate donnamcdonaldauthor.com
So… welcome to my privacy policy. This is just fancy-schmancy wording to basically tell you who I am and how I deal with any information that might be collected while I operate my website.
First up, I’d like you to know that it’s my policy to respect your privacy. This means I’m not going to sell, rent or trade email lists with anyone. I hate when that happens to me so there is no way I will do it to you. In this privacy policy, I’m going to provide lots of detailed info on when and why I collect information, how I use it, and when I might disclose it to others.
So, how do I use your data?
- I use it to make a tailored website available to you
- For market research purposes, so I can see which of my books you like!
- With your permission, to send you newsletters about new releases, special sales, and other offers.
- Where I have a legal duty or right to use or disclose your info (for example, in relation to an investigation by a public authority or in the case of a legal dispute).
Mailing Lists
As part of the signup process for my email newsletter, I collect personal information. I use that information for several reasons. First, I use it to tell you about stuff you’ve asked me to tell you about. I use it to contact you if I need to obtain or provide additional information. I use it to check my records are right and to check every now and then that you’re happy and satisfied.
I don’t rent or trade email lists with other organizations and businesses. I use a third-party provider, MailChimp, to deliver my newsletter. Together, Mailchimp and I gather statistics around you opening and clicking in my emails. This process uses industry standard technologies to help us monitor and improve the email newsletter. For more information, please see MailChimp’s Privacy Policy.
You can unsubscribe to general mailings from me at any time of the day or night just by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any of my emails. Occasionally, I use Prolific Works (formerly Instafreebie) and Bookfunnel to offer free books. I do not set these services to mandatory information collection unless it is a requirement of a special promotion.
No matter how you join any of my email lists, you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” at the bottom of the email.
Please feel free to view their privacy policies:
- Prolific Works (Instafreebie) – https://www.instafreebie.com/about/privacy
- Bookfunnel – https://bookfunnel.com/privacy/
How mailing lists work on my site
Because of the wide variety of genres I write in these days, I decided to not inflict unwanted information on readers who only read one genre or the other. I divided my large mailing list into two smaller lists–one for contemporary and one for paranormal (science fiction romance, fantasy romance, and paranormal romance).
I genuinely, sincerely only want you to hear about the books and series you love.
You may unsubscribe at any time by following the link at the bottom of any email you receive from me.
I am always happy to take suggestions about the value of the email you receive. You can write me back at the address included in the email and send me any feedback you want.
Here are the direct links to each of the two email list groups if you want to see the specific signup form for each:
I Love Romantic Comedy http://eepurl.com/dkKSpT
I Love Paranormal Books http://eepurl.com/dkKRx1
Disclaimer about Mailing List Website Signup Form
It is not practical to put two signup forms all over my website so I had to come up with a way to have one on most of it. The website signup form on my website asks for genre-specific information.
This initial list is a little different than my “real” mailing lists. On a regular basis, I sort those website signups by your answers and move readers into either the contemporary mailing list, the paranormal mailing list, or both if a reader answers yes to both questions.
The website mailing list stays at zero subscribers and is not used for actual mail. It is just a simple way to help me sort you since I don’t have a sorting hat like Hogwartz does in the Harry Potter novels.
Aggregated Statistics
I may collect statistics about the behavior of visitors to my website. I may display this information publicly or provide it to others. However, I will not disclose personally-identifying information other than as described below.
Protection of Certain Personally-Identifying Information
I disclose potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information only to employees, contractors and affiliated organizations that (i) need to know that information in order to process it on my behalf or to provide services available at my websites, and (ii) that have agreed not to disclose it to others. I will not rent or sell potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information to anyone. Other than to its employees, contractors and affiliated organizations, as described above, I disclose potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information only in response to a subpoena, court order or other governmental request, or when I believe in good faith that disclosure is reasonably necessary to protect my property or rights, third parties or the public at large.
Cookies
Unfortunately, we’re not talking about the yummy kind of cookies here. A cookie on a website is a little bit of code that collects info from the person browsing the site. My website uses cookies to see which of my pages and books you guys like the best and things like what browsers you use (so I can make things look all nice and snazzy whatever you’re using!)
Cookies cannot know any personal information by themselves, you would have to enter that information onto the website they reside on and I do not use any tracking cookies, so basically you leave my site and I wave goodbye. I don’t have anything that monitors your movements after you leave me. BUT, if you prefer not to have cookies enabled, then please… set your browser to disable them before using the site. Some things might look a little strange but you’ll still be able to use the site!
Ads
Ads appearing on any of my websites may be delivered to users by advertising partners, who may set cookies. These cookies allow the ad server to recognize your computer each time they send you an online advertisement to compile information about you or others who use your computer. This information allows ad networks to, among other things, deliver targeted advertisements that they believe will be of most interest to you. This Privacy Policy covers the use of cookies by Donna and does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers.
Access to your personal information
You are entitled to view, amend, or delete the personal information that I hold. Click update preferences on my Newsletter.
Email and Personal Information Collected By Direct ebook Purchases from Payhip
If you buy ebooks directly from me via Payhip, the email collected from you is used by Payhip to deliver a link to download your ebook. Your email address is also added to a list at Payhip which is used to send you information about the purchase you just made.
Additionally, when you make a direct ebook purchase, your email will be added to one of my “Donna McDonald” mailing lists — I Love Romantic Comedy (contemporary) or the I Love Paranormal Books (paranormal/sci-fi/fantasy). I will use your email address to send information about my store sales as well as new book releases.
You are free to unsubscribe from any of the Donna McDonald lists at any time. However, please keep in mind that Payhip will add you back when future purchases are made because a valid email address is a necessary requirement for buying directly. It is used to deliver your ebook to you and to track your purchase of the ebook.
Any snail address information collected from you by Payhip is used for tax purposes. Payhip handles all financial transactions on my behalf, including credit card payments via Stripe and Paypal purchases. All inquiries about failed transactions should go through them. This is a link to the Payhip privacy policy.
Privacy Policy Changes
Although most changes are likely to be minor, I may change this Privacy Policy from time to time, to reflect changing needs and legislation. I would advise you frequently check this page for any changes. Your continued use of this site after any change in this Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of such change. This policy was last reviewed and updated on August 10, 2019.