Privacy

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Privacy

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Last updated: 20 November 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit my website, Ghosts & Music, or interact with my content, newsletter, or contact forms.

By using this website, you agree to the practices described here.

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1. Who I Am

This website is operated by Annette McHattie, an author and musician based in the United Kingdom.

If you have any questions about this policy, you can contact me at: [my new email address to set up]

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2. What Information I Collect

Information You Provide Directly

I may collect: • Name and email address (if you subscribe to my newsletter or contact me) • Any information you include in messages or enquiries • Story submissions or feedback, if you voluntarily send them

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit the site, certain data may be collected automatically: • IP address • Browser type and version • Pages you visit • Time spent on pages • Device information

This data is collected through cookies or standard web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Squarespace/Wix analytics, etc.)

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3. How I Use Your Information

I may use your information to: • Send newsletters or updates you’ve signed up for • Respond to your messages or enquiries • Improve my website and content • Monitor website performance • Share new writing, music, or podcast episodes • Protect the website against spam or security threats

I will never sell your data or share it for marketing by third parties.

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I process personal data under the following legal bases: • Consent – You give permission (e.g., signing up for a newsletter) • Legitimate interests – For website analytics, improving content, preventing abuse • Contract – If you request something you expect me to provide • Legal obligation – If required to comply with UK laws

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5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

This website may use cookies to: • Understand visitor behaviour • Improve user experience • Deliver website functionality • Track newsletter sign-ups/conversions

You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.

If you want a full Cookie Policy, I can generate one too.

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6. How I Store and Protect Your Data

I take reasonable steps to keep your data secure.

Your information may be stored through: • Website hosting platforms (e.g., Squarespace, Wix, WordPress) • Newsletter services (e.g., Mailchimp, Substack) • Email systems

All providers I use comply with GDPR or equivalent privacy standards.

I will never store payment information, as no payments are processed directly on this site.

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7. How Long I Keep Your Information

I keep your data only for as long as needed: • Newsletter details: until you unsubscribe • Contact messages: up to 12 months • Analytics data: varies based on platform (usually 14–26 months)

You may request deletion at any time.

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You have the right to: • Access your personal data • Correct inaccurate information • Request deletion (the “right to be forgotten”) • Withdraw consent at any time • Object to certain types of processing • Request a copy of the data I hold • Complain to the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office)

If you’d like to exercise these rights, contact me at: [my new email address to set up]

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9. Third-Party Services

Your data may be handled by trusted third parties, including: • Website hosting providers • Newsletter/email services • Analytics tools • Spam protection tools

These services only process data necessary to perform their functions and adhere to GDPR standards.

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10. Updates to This Privacy Policy

This policy may be updated occasionally. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.

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11. Contact

For questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is used:

Annette McHattie [my new email address to set up]