THE WRITE DEAN
Official Website of author, Leighton Dean
Privacy Policy
This is the official website of Leighton Dean, author ("I", "me", "my"). I take your privacy seriously. This policy explains what personal data I collect when you use this website, why I collect it, how I look after it, and the rights you have under UK data protection law — the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
I am the data controller for this website. If you have any questions about this policy or your data, you can contact me via my contact page: https://www.leightondean.co.uk/privacyquestion
The data I collect when you visit
IP addresses — When you visit this website (as with any website), the server needs your IP address to send pages back to you. An IP address can indicate your internet provider and approximate location. If you would rather not share it, you can use a VPN, which masks your originating IP.
Server log files — As part of running the site, the server records basic technical information such as IP addresses, browser type, timestamps and pages visited. I use this only for administration, maintenance and security — not to identify individual visitors — and I delete these logs routinely.
Cookies — This site uses cookies and similar technologies. Strictly necessary cookies are required for the site to work; analytics and other non-essential cookies are only used with your consent. You can manage your preferences at any time — see my Cookie Policy for full detail and a list of the cookies used.
The data you give me
Contact form — If you message me through my contact page, I collect your name, email address and your message. This is stored by my website platform and emailed to me. Once I've read and replied, I delete the email, and I periodically clear contact-form history from the platform.
Newsletter — My newsletter is optional; you can use the whole site without it. It's managed by MailerLite, who store subscriber details (your email address, your name if you give it, which emails I've sent, and how you interact with those emails and the site) on their systems. MailerLite is operated by UAB MailerLite in the European Union; their privacy policy is at https://www.mailerlite.com/legal/privacy-policy. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email. I do not keep newsletter data on my own servers.
How I use your data, and my legal basis
Under UK GDPR I must have a lawful basis for using your data. I use it to:
- run and manage your use of this website (legitimate interests);
- respond to your questions, comments and requests (legitimate interests);
- send you marketing emails where you have opted in, and tailor them to your interests (consent);
- understand how the site is used so I can improve it (consent, via analytics cookies);
- meet legal obligations where these apply (legal obligation).
You can withdraw consent at any time — for example by unsubscribing or changing your cookie choices — without affecting anything done before you withdrew it.
Where your data is stored and hosted
This website is built and hosted on Wix (Wix.com Ltd). Wix stores and processes data on cloud infrastructure that may be located in the United States and other countries. Wix's privacy practices are described at https://www.wix.com/about/privacy.
International transfers
Some of the providers I use (such as Wix and Google) may process data outside the UK. Where that happens, the transfer is protected by an appropriate safeguard — such as a UK adequacy decision for the country concerned, or standard contractual clauses / the UK International Data Transfer Agreement.
Other third parties
I use a small number of third parties that collect data in aggregate. I cannot identify individuals through these tools; any request about data held by them should be made to them directly.
Google Analytics — Helps me understand, in aggregate, how visitors use the site so I can improve it. See how Google uses data at https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245. Google offers a browser add-on that blocks Google Analytics on all sites.
Amazon Associates — I take part in the Amazon Associates affiliate programme and link to books on Amazon. Links are labelled as affiliate links where appropriate. If you buy after clicking one, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and I receive no details about individual purchasers. Amazon sets its own cookies once you follow a link to its site; Amazon's privacy notice is at https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201909010.
How long I keep your data
I keep personal data only for as long as I need it for the purposes above, then delete or anonymise it. I review what I hold at regular intervals.
Sharing your data
I won't share your personal data with anyone else except: if I ever sell all or part of this site or business to a buyer; where I'm legally required to; or to help prevent fraud.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to:
- be told what data I hold about you, why, and who it may be shared with;
- ask me to correct inaccurate data;
- ask me to delete your data;
- object to, or ask me to restrict, how I use it;
- withdraw any consent you've given;
- ask for a copy of your data in a portable format.
To exercise any of these, contact me via my contact page: https://www.leightondean.co.uk/privacyquestion
If you're unhappy with how I've handled your data, you can complain to the UK's data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), at https://ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.
Children
This website and what I offer are aimed at adults. I don't knowingly market to, or collect data from, anyone under 18. If you're under 18, please don't send me your personal data, including your email address.
Changes to this policy
I may update this policy from time to time. Any changes take effect when posted here, so please check the date below.
Contact
This policy is provided to keep you informed about how I handle your data. Marketing emails and non-essential cookies rely on your active consent, which you can withdraw at any time. If you have any questions or suggestions, contact me at https://www.leightondean.co.uk/privacyquestion.