Privacy Policy
This policy describes how the website maryellenlapp.ink handles information in connection with Mary Ellen Lapp's books, reader correspondence, and links to external services. This website is part of the HarePress author portfolio.
1. Information you choose to share
If you email Mary Ellen through a contact link, we receive the information in your message, including your email address and any details you voluntarily provide. We use it to read and respond to correspondence, address requests, and maintain reasonable records of reader communications. Please do not include passwords, financial account details, or other sensitive information in a message.
2. Reader gifts and newsletters
Reader gifts may be distributed through BookFunnel, which has its own privacy practices. If you separately choose to join Mary Ellen Lapp's reader email list through a signup form or participating reader promotion, we may receive the email address and other signup information you provide, along with subscription and delivery information. Such information may be processed through our email-management platform, Mautic (the Warren), and email-delivery services such as Amazon Simple Email Service (SES). We use the information to send the author communications you requested and manage subscriptions. You may unsubscribe from marketing emails using the unsubscribe link in those messages. Simply emailing the author does not by itself subscribe you to a marketing list.
3. Site operations and technical information
Our web host and other necessary infrastructure providers may process routine technical information, such as IP addresses, browser details, access logs, and request times, to deliver the website, maintain security, troubleshoot issues, and prevent misuse. Such information is generally subject to the provider's retention and security practices.
4. Cookies, fonts, and analytics
This site currently uses externally hosted Google Fonts, which may cause a request from your browser to Google when the page loads. The site does not include a custom tracking form or advertising pixel in the supplied version. If we add analytics, cookies beyond those needed for site operation, or advertising technologies, we will review and update this policy as appropriate. Your browser settings may allow you to block or delete cookies.
5. Amazon and other external links
Our site links to third-party websites including Amazon and, when available, BookFunnel. If you follow one of those links, that provider may independently collect information under its own policies. We do not control the privacy practices of third-party sites. Amazon purchases and Kindle Unlimited activity occur on Amazon's services, not this website.
6. Sharing of information
We do not sell reader mailing lists. We may share information with service providers only as needed to operate the website, communicate with readers, provide requested digital delivery, maintain security, or comply with applicable law. These providers may process data in accordance with their contracts and policies.
7. Retention and security
We retain correspondence and subscription records only as reasonably needed for the purposes described here, for business records, or to meet legal obligations. We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards, but no online system can be guaranteed completely secure.
8. Your choices and requests
You may ask about information associated with your correspondence, request correction or deletion where applicable, or withdraw consent for marketing emails. Contact us using the email below. We may need to confirm the email address involved before acting on a request, and some records may be retained where legally required or necessary for security and recordkeeping.
9. Children's privacy
The stories may appeal to readers of many ages, but this website is not intended to collect personal information directly from children under 13. If you believe a child provided personal information to us, please contact us so we can review and, where appropriate, delete it.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy when the website, its reader services, or legal requirements change. The effective date shown at the top identifies the latest posted version.
11. Contact
For questions or privacy requests, email maryellen@maryellenlapp.ink.
This policy reflects the static website and the described reader-email workflow. Review it when adding new signup forms, analytics, or other services.