Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

PublisherMate™ ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our publishing workspace at publishermate.com (the "Service"). Please read this policy carefully. By using the Service, you agree to the practices described herein.

2. Information We Collect

Information you provide directly:

• Account registration information (name, email address, password)
• Profile information (pen name, bio, genre preferences)
• Content you create (manuscripts, notes, Story Bible entries, project data)
• Payment information (processed securely via our payment provider — we do not store card details)
• Communications you send to our support team

Information collected automatically:

• Usage data (features used, pages visited, session duration)
• Device and browser information (browser type, operating system, IP address)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 6)
• Log data (errors, performance metrics)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and improve the Service
• Create and manage your account
• Process payments and send transaction-related communications
• Respond to your comments and questions
• Send service-related emails (account confirmations, password resets, feature updates)
• Analyze usage patterns to improve the Service
• Detect and prevent fraud and abuse
• Comply with legal obligations

We will never sell your personal information to third parties. We will never sell or license your manuscript content. Your creative work belongs to you.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data under the following legal bases:

• Contract performance: Processing necessary to provide the Service you subscribed to
• Legitimate interests: Improving the Service, fraud prevention, security
• Legal obligation: Compliance with applicable laws
• Consent: Where we have obtained your explicit consent (e.g., marketing emails)

5. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Restriction: Request that we limit processing of your data
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw consent: Where processing is based on consent, withdraw it at any time

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@publishermate.com. We will respond within 30 days.

6. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate and improve the Service. Types of cookies we use:

• Essential cookies: Required for authentication and core functionality
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how the Service is used (e.g., PostHog)
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect Service functionality.

7. Data Sharing

We share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service providers: Trusted third parties who assist in operating the Service (cloud infrastructure, payment processors, email delivery) — bound by confidentiality obligations
• Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets — you will be notified
• Your consent: With your explicit consent

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. You may delete your account at any time from your account settings. Upon deletion, we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law. Your manuscript content and creative work can be exported at any time before account deletion.

9. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit (TLS/HTTPS), encrypted storage, and regular security reviews. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We encourage you to use a strong, unique password and to contact us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.

10. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or a prominent notice on the Service. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: