Last updated: 15 September 2026
This page explains what information richardwestoverbooks.com collects, why, and what you can do about it. If anything here is unclear, email richard@richardwestoverbooks.com.
Who this is
This site is run by Richard Westover as an author website. Richard is the person responsible for the data described below.
What information is collected
The site collects personal information only when you choose to provide it:
- Mailing list: if you sign up for updates, your email address is collected and stored so you can be sent the updates you’ve asked for.
- Reader forums: if you register an account to post in the discussion forums, WordPress stores your username, email address, and password (encrypted), along with anything you choose to post.
- Standard web logs: like most websites, the hosting provider automatically logs basic technical information (such as IP address and browser type) for security and reliability purposes. This is not used to personally identify visitors.
The site does not use advertising or analytics tracking scripts, and does not sell or share visitor data with advertisers.
How this information is used
- Email addresses from the mailing list are used only to send the publication updates, advance chapters, or event invitations you signed up for.
- Forum account details are used to let you log in, post, and be identified by your chosen username in discussions.
- Your email address is never sold, rented, or shared with third parties for their own marketing purposes.
Mailing list & Mailchimp
The mailing list is managed using Mailchimp, provided by The Rocket Science Group LLC, based in the United States. When you sign up, your email address is stored in Mailchimp’s systems as well as on this site. Mailchimp acts as a data processor and has its own privacy practices, available at mailchimp.com/legal/privacy. Every email sent through Mailchimp includes an unsubscribe link, and unsubscribing removes you from future emails immediately.
Cookies
The site uses only the standard cookies WordPress itself needs to function (for example, to keep you logged in if you register for the forums). It does not use advertising or third-party tracking cookies.
How long information is kept
Mailing list details are kept until you unsubscribe or ask for them to be removed. Forum account details are kept for as long as the account exists, or until you ask for it to be deleted.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to ask to see the personal data held about you, have it corrected, or have it deleted, and you can unsubscribe from the mailing list or close a forum account at any time. To make a request, email richard@richardwestoverbooks.com. You also have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk if you have concerns about how your data is handled.
Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated from time to time as the site changes. The date at the top of this page shows when it was last revised.