Your Privacy Matters

Introduction

Sky Scrawl Publishing (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates skyscrawl.com and provides publishing services to authors. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting any personal information you share with us.

This Privacy Policy describes what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information. By using our website or services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Submit a manuscript or query: Name, email address, manuscript files, author bio, and any other information included in your submission materials
• Contact us: Name, email address, subject matter, message content, and any attachments you choose to include
• Subscribe to our newsletter: Email address and optional name
• Create an author account: Name, email address, mailing address, phone number, payment information, and biographical details
• Engage on social media: Public profile information when you interact with our social media accounts

Information Collected Automatically

We collect minimal technical information to ensure our website functions properly:

• Browser information: Browser type and version to ensure compatibility
• Device information: Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet) for responsive design
• Referral source: How you arrived at our website (search engine, direct link, etc.)
• Pages visited: Which pages you view to improve user experience

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

How We Share Your Information

We share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist with website hosting, email delivery (newsletter services), payment processing, and distribution partners (e.g., IngramSpark, Amazon). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.
• Publishing Partners: When publishing your book, we share necessary information with distributors, retailers, printers, and other partners essential to producing and selling your work. This is done only with your consent as part of our publishing agreement.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or the public.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you via email and/or prominent notice on our website of any change in ownership or use of your personal information.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
• Secure storage of manuscript files and personal data
• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Secure password requirements for author accounts

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use minimal cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality, such as remembering your theme preference (light/dark mode) or maintaining your session if you log in to an author account.
• Analytics: We may use privacy-focused analytics tools to understand how visitors use our site, helping us improve content and user experience. These tools do not track you across other websites.

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically choose to accept, reject, or delete cookies. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality.

Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at our contact page. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law or contract:

• Submissions: Declined submissions are retained for 90 days, then permanently deleted
• Newsletter subscribers: Until you unsubscribe
• Author contracts: For the duration of the contract plus seven years for legal and tax purposes
• Contact inquiries: Up to two years for reference and follow-up
• Website analytics: Aggregated data retained for up to two years

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., retailer book pages, social media platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information promptly.

International Users

Sky Scrawl Publishing operates globally. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to our servers and third-party service providers, which may be located in different countries. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page with a new “Last Updated” date
• Sending an email notification to newsletter subscribers and authors with active contracts
• Displaying a prominent notice on our website

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

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