Privacy Policy

Storybound Society of Indie Authors

Effective Date: May 21, 2026

Storybound Society (“Storybound,” “we,” “our,” “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our website.

By using Storybound, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

Storybound Society is an independent author discovery platform that helps readers find participating author stores.

Storybound does not sell books directly and does not process customer purchases.

Contact:

Website: [URL]

Email: [EMAIL]

If required under applicable law:

Data Controller: Storybound Society

2. Information We Collect

We may collect:

Information You Provide

Name
Email address
Newsletter signup information
Contact messages
Author applications

Information Collected Automatically

Device type
Browser type
IP address
Country/region
Pages visited
Referral source
Usage statistics

Collected through:

Cookies
Analytics tools
Website logs

3. How We Use Information

We use information to:

operate Storybound;
improve reader experience;
communicate updates;
respond to inquiries;
manage author participation;
monitor website performance;
protect against abuse.

We do not sell personal information.

4. Legal Basis (EEA / UK GDPR)

Where GDPR applies, processing is based on:

Consent

Example:

newsletters;
optional cookies.

Legitimate Interests

Example:

site improvement;
fraud prevention;
analytics.

Contract

Example:

author participation requests.

Legal Obligations

Example:

compliance requirements.

5. Cookies

Storybound may use:

Essential Cookies

Required for site functionality.

Analytics Cookies

Measure site performance.

Preference Cookies

Remember settings.

Visitors may manage cookies through browser settings.

Where legally required, cookie consent will be requested.

6. Newsletter Communications

If users subscribe:

We may send:

updates;
author announcements;
featured books;
Storybound news.

Users may unsubscribe anytime.

7. External Author Stores

Storybound links to independent author websites.

Purchases and account creation occur directly with those authors.

Their privacy policies apply.

Storybound is not responsible for:

transactions;
customer accounts;
data collection on external sites.

We encourage reviewing each author’s privacy practices.

8. Analytics

Storybound may use analytics services to understand:

visitor trends;
genre interest;
navigation patterns.

Analytics may collect:

anonymized usage data;
technical information.

Where required, consent will be requested.

9. Data Sharing

We do not sell user information.

We may share data only with:

website providers;
analytics providers;
legal authorities (when required).

All providers must protect personal data appropriately.

10. International Transfers

Information may be processed outside your country.

Where required, safeguards such as:

Standard Contractual Clauses;
lawful transfer mechanisms

will apply.

11. Data Retention

We keep information only as long as necessary.

Typical periods:

Contact requests → up to 24 months

Newsletter records → until unsubscribe

Analytics → according to provider settings

12. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on location, users may request:

access;
correction;
deletion;
restriction;
portability;
objection;
withdrawal of consent.

Requests:

[EMAIL]

We may verify identity before processing requests.

13. California Rights (if applicable)

California residents may have additional rights under applicable law.

Storybound does not sell personal information.

14. Children

Storybound is not directed to children under 13.

We do not knowingly collect children’s data.

Parents may request deletion.

15. Security

We use reasonable measures to protect information.

However, no online system is completely secure.

16. Changes

We may update this policy periodically.

The updated version becomes effective when posted.

17. Contact

Storybound Society of Indie Authors

Email: sesmith@sesmithfl.com

Website: https://payhip.com/storyboundsociety