Privacy Policy

Gretchen Elaine Author

Last Updated: Jan 2026

Image of a woman wearing a coat with the hood up, she is facing away so you only see her back. She is looking out at snowy mountains and hills in front of her.

Hey there, I know privacy policies can feel like reading a textbook,
but your privacy matters to me.

So let me break down what information I collect, why I collect it,
and how I keep it safe—in plain English.

WHAT INFORMATION DO I COLLECT?

When you visit my website or interact with my content, here's what I might collect:
• Email Address: If you sign up for my newsletter or reach out to me directly
• Name: So I know what to call you when we connect
• General Location: Just city/state level—helps me understand where my readers are
• Website Usage Data: Things like which pages you visit and how long you stay (this helps me know what content resonates with you) I don't collect sensitive information like your full address, phone number, or financial details unless you specifically provide it for a reason (like ordering signed books, if that becomes available).

HOW DO I USE YOUR INFORMATION?

I use the information I collect to:
• Send you my newsletter (only if you signed up for it—I won't spam you, promise)
• Respond to your emails and messages
• Improve my website and understand what content helps you most •
Share updates about my books and mental health resources
• Build a community of readers who support each other.

I will NEVER sell your information to third parties. Your trust means everything to me.

COOKIES & TRACKING

Like most websites, mine uses cookies (not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately).
These are small files that help me understand how people use my site.
• Google Analytics: Helps me see which pages are most popular
• Social Media Pixels: If you visit from Instagram or Facebook, they might track that you were here

You can turn off cookies in your browser settings if you prefer. The site will still work!

THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

I use a few trusted services to run this website:
• Email Service Provider: [Mailchimp/ConvertKit/etc.] for newsletters
• Website Host: Squarespace for hosting this site
• Analytics: Google Analytics to understand site traffic

These companies have their own privacy policies, and they're required to keep your information safe too.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES & CRISIS INFORMATION

If you access mental health resources through my website, please know:
• I don't track who accesses crisis hotlines or mental health resources
• Your privacy when seeking help is incredibly important
• I'm not a mental health professional—just someone who cares and wants to connect you with real help

YOUR RIGHTS

You have the right to:
• Ask what information I have about you
• Request that I delete your information
• Unsubscribe from my newsletter anytime (there's an unsubscribe link in every email)
• Update your information

Just email me at gretchenelaineauthor@gmail.com and I'll take care of it.

CONTACT GRETCHEN