Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 18, 2025
Last Updated: June 18, 2025

 joylewisauthor.com (“we”, “us”, “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (https://joylewisauthor.com), subscribe to our newsletter, participate in surveys, sweepstakes, or giveaways. By using the website or participating in our activities, you accept the practices described below.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

  • Newsletter Subscription: When you sign up for our newsletter via MailerLite, you provide your email address (and optionally your name).

  • Contact Forms / Emails: If you email us at joylewis@joylewisauthor.com or joylewisauthor@gmail.com, we collect the details you share.

  • Surveys: If you choose to participate in surveys (e.g., feedback, preferences), you provide the responses requested. These may include demographic info (age range, location), preferences, opinions, or other non-sensitive data. Participation is voluntary.

  • Sweepstakes/Giveaways Entries: When you enter a sweepstakes or giveaway, we may collect your name, email address, mailing address (for prize fulfillment), phone number (if needed for contact), and any other information required by the official rules. You must agree to those rules to enter.

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

  • Analytics Data: We use Google Analytics to collect standard website usage data, including IP address (anonymized/aggregated), browser type, pages visited, referring/exit pages, and timestamps. This helps us understand and improve site performance.

  • Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies (including Google Analytics cookies) to recognize repeat visitors, analyze trends, and administer the site. You can manage cookies via your browser settings; see “Cookies & Opt-Out” below.

2. How We Use Your Information

  • Website Improvement: Aggregate analytics data to understand user behavior and improve site content and structure.

  • Newsletter & Communications: Send you updates, book release news, promotions, and other author-related communications via MailerLite.

  • Surveys: Use survey responses to improve content, tailor offerings, understand reader preferences. Responses are typically aggregated/anonymized; if any personal data is collected, it will be used only as described in that survey’s notice.

  • Sweepstakes/Giveaways Administration: Validate entries, select winners, notify winners, and fulfill prizes.

  • Marketing & Promotions: With your consent (e.g., newsletter opt-in), we may send promotional materials. For giveaway entrants, unless otherwise stated, entry does not automatically subscribe you to marketing—opt-in is separate unless rules specify otherwise.

  • Responding to Inquiries: Use contact information to respond to questions or requests you submit.

  • Legal Compliance & Security: Maintain records for legal or auditing purposes, detect and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized activities.

3. Sharing and Disclosure

  • Third-Party Service Providers:

    • Google Analytics: We share analytics data (in aggregated/anonymized form) with Google. Google’s processing is governed by Google’s Privacy Policy (https://policies.google.com/privacy).

    • MailerLite: Newsletter data (your email address and any optional fields) is stored and processed by MailerLite under their privacy policy (https://www.mailerlite.com/privacy-policy).

    • Survey Platforms: If we use third-party survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms), your survey responses are stored/processed by that provider under their privacy policy. We will indicate the provider in each survey’s notice.

    • Giveaway Administration: We may use third-party services or fulfillment partners to administer sweepstakes/giveaways and deliver prizes. Personal data for this purpose (e.g., mailing address) is shared only as necessary for prize fulfillment and under confidentiality.

  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose personal data if required by law or to protect rights, property, or safety of joylewisauthor.com or others.

  • Publicity for Winners: By entering a sweepstakes/giveaway, you may consent to our use of your name, likeness, city/state for promotional/publicity purposes if you win. Details will be in the official rules.

  • Business Transfers: If we reorganize or sell assets, user data may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to this Privacy Policy or successor privacy commitments.

4. Surveys, Sweepstakes & Giveaways Details

4.1 Survey Participation

  • Voluntary: You choose whether to participate. You may skip questions or exit at any time.

  • Data Use: Responses are used to improve the website, offerings, or for aggregated insights. If any response could identify you personally, we will state how it’s used.

  • Retention: Survey data is retained only as long as needed for the described purpose, then deleted or anonymized. You may request deletion of your identifiable responses by contacting us.

4.2 Sweepstakes/Giveaways Entry

  • Official Rules: Each sweepstakes or giveaway will have Official Rules posted (e.g., at https://joylewisauthor.com/giveaway-rules/ or a dedicated page). Rules specify eligibility (e.g., age, residence), entry period, how to enter, prize details, odds, winner selection/notification, and any other requirements.

  • No Purchase Necessary: Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no purchase is required to enter or win. Void where prohibited.

  • Data Collected: Typically: name, email, mailing address (for prize), phone (if needed). We use this data solely to administer the sweepstakes/giveaway and to contact winners; we do not share it beyond necessary service providers.

  • Publicity: Winners may be required to consent to publicity (e.g., announcement on website, email, or social media). This will be stated in Official Rules.

  • Opt-Out: Entry does not automatically subscribe you to marketing communications unless you explicitly opt in. You may unsubscribe at any time.

  • Data Retention: We retain entry data until after the giveaway concludes and winners are confirmed, then retain for recordkeeping as required by law or our internal policy, afterwards deleted or archived appropriately.

  • Prize Fulfillment: We share necessary details with shipping providers or prize sponsors solely for delivery.

  • Compliance: We comply with all applicable U.S. laws governing sweepstakes, including any state-specific requirements.

5. Cookies & Opt-Out

  • Cookies Used:

    • Essential Cookies: Required for site functionality.

    • Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics sets cookies to track user interactions.

  • Managing Cookies: You can disable or delete cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

  • Google Analytics Opt-Out: To opt out of Google Analytics tracking, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on:
    https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

  • Newsletter Unsubscribe: Each newsletter contains an “unsubscribe” link. You can also contact us at joylewis@joylewisauthor.com to be removed.

6. Data Retention

  • Newsletter Data: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

  • Analytics Data: Retained in aggregated/anonymized form per Google Analytics settings.

  • Survey Data: Retained only as needed for the stated purpose, then deleted or anonymized.

  • Sweepstakes/Giveaway Data: Retained until after prize fulfillment and any legal retention period, then deleted or archived per policy.

  • Contact Correspondence: Retained as needed for response and recordkeeping, then deleted or archived per internal policy.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our website and activities are directed to general audiences and not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such data, please contact us so we can delete it.

8. Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), such as the right to request access to, deletion of, or information about the categories of personal data we collect and share. To exercise these rights, contact us at joylewis@joylewisauthor.com. We do not sell your personal data.

10. External Links

Our site may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., retailers selling books, survey platforms, social media). We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. We encourage you to review their policies before providing personal information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. When we do, we will revise the “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the site or participation in surveys/giveaways after changes constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions or requests about this Privacy Policy, please contact: