Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 2026

1. Who we are

This website is operated by Author Carl (Carl Williams) (“we”, “us”, “our”). If you have questions about privacy, email carl@authorcarl.co.uk.

2. What we collect

• Newsletter / giveaway sign-ups: email address (and any other details you choose to submit).
• Contact enquiries: your name, email address, and message content.
• Orders (if you buy a product): name, email address, billing/shipping address, and purchase details (items, amounts, timestamps). Payment details are handled by Stripe (we do not store full card details).
• Basic technical data: device/browser info and pages visited (only if analytics/cookies are enabled on your device).

3. How we use your data

• To send the resource you requested (for example, the free checklist).
• To send newsletters and updates if you opt in (you can unsubscribe at any time).
• To process and fulfil orders, provide receipts, and handle customer service.
• To improve website performance and user experience.
• To prevent fraud and protect the security of the site.

4. Lawful basis (UK GDPR)

We use your data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Consent: for email marketing/newsletters and giveaway sign-ups.
• Contract: to process and fulfil orders you place.
• Legitimate interests: to run and protect our website, prevent fraud, and improve content (balanced against your rights).
• Legal obligation: where we must keep records (for example, accounting/tax records).

5. Who we share data with

We do not sell your personal data. We share limited data with service providers only when needed:

• MailerLite – email list management and newsletter delivery (for opt-in subscribers).
• Stripe – payment processing for purchases.
• Meta – advertising measurement, but only after you accept optional cookies through the website's cookie choices.
• Google Analytics – website usage measurement, but only after you accept optional cookies through the website's cookie choices.
• Hosting / site delivery – our web hosting and related infrastructure providers used to deliver the site.

These providers process data on our behalf and are expected to apply appropriate security measures. Some providers may store/process data outside the UK. Where this happens, we rely on appropriate safeguards permitted under UK GDPR.

6. Cookies

Cookies are small files stored on your device. Essential storage supports features such as the shopping basket. Meta Pixel, Conversions API tracking and Google Analytics stay off unless you select “Accept optional cookies”. If allowed, Meta may receive the pages and products viewed, basket and checkout actions, completed purchase value, device/browser information, IP address and Meta cookie identifiers. Browser and server events share an event reference so the same action can be recognised rather than counted twice. Google Analytics may receive website usage information such as pages viewed, approximate location, device/browser information and referral source.

You can change your choice at any time using the “Cookie settings” button. Choosing “Use essential only” stops new Meta and Google Analytics events and removes optional analytics/advertising cookies that this website can access. You can also control cookies through your browser settings.

7. Email marketing

If you join our list, we will send occasional emails with practical tips, updates and offers. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email. Unsubscribing stops marketing emails, but we may still send necessary service messages (for example, order confirmations or customer service replies).

8. Data retention

• Newsletter data: kept until you unsubscribe, or until we no longer need it.
• Customer/order records: kept for as long as needed for customer service and legal/accounting obligations.
• Enquiries: kept as long as needed to deal with your request.

9. Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have rights including:

• Access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction of inaccurate data.
• Deletion of data (where applicable).
• Objection to processing in certain circumstances.
• Withdrawal of consent (for example, newsletter opt-in).

To exercise these rights, email carl@authorcarl.co.uk. You also have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

10. Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information. No online system is 100% secure, so you use the site at your own risk.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will always be posted on this page with the updated date.

12. Contact

Email: carl@authorcarl.co.uk