Effective Date: 19/10/2026
This Privacy Policy explains how James H. Townsend (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and protects personal information when you visit https://jameshtownsend.com/ (the “Website”), purchase a book, subscribe to our email list, or contact us. By using the Website, you agree to the practices described here.
Information We Collect
Information you provide directly. When you place an order, join our email list, submit the contact form, or request a book club conversation, we may collect:
- Your name and email address
- Billing and shipping addresses
- Phone number, if you choose to share it
- Your group or organization name
- The content of any message you send us
Payment information. Payments are handled by secure third-party payment processors. We do not store full credit or debit card numbers on our systems.
Information collected automatically. When you browse the Website, we may collect basic technical details such as your IP address, browser type, device type, pages viewed, time spent on pages, and the website that referred you. This information helps us understand how visitors use the Website and how we can improve it.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Process, fulfill, and ship your orders
- Send order confirmations, receipts, and delivery updates
- Respond to your messages and book club requests
- Send newsletters, release announcements, and event news to subscribers
- Improve the content, design, and performance of the Website
- Protect the Website against fraud and misuse
- Meet our legal and accounting obligations
Cookies and Similar Technologies
The Website uses cookies and similar tools to remember your preferences, keep your shopping cart active, and measure site traffic. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies at any time. Some features, such as checkout, may work less smoothly if cookies are turned off.
We may use analytics services, such as [Google Analytics or similar], to learn how visitors interact with the Website. These providers may collect information through their own cookies according to their own privacy policies.
How We Share Your Information
We value your trust and do not sell your personal information. We share information only with trusted partners who help us run the Website and serve you, including:
- Payment processors that handle transactions
- Shipping and fulfillment partners that deliver your order
- Email service providers that send our newsletters
- Website hosting and analytics providers
These partners receive only the information they need to perform their services and are expected to protect it. We may also disclose information when required by law, to respond to legal requests, or to protect our rights, property, or safety and those of our readers.
If you purchase the book through an outside retailer, such as Amazon or another bookseller, that retailer’s own privacy policy governs your purchase.
Email Communications
If you subscribe to our email list, we will send occasional updates about new releases, events, and reader resources. Every email includes an unsubscribe link, and you may opt out at any time. Even after you unsubscribe, we may still send messages related to an active order.
Data Retention
We keep personal information only as long as needed to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, including completing orders, maintaining records for tax and accounting purposes, and resolving any questions. When information is no longer needed, we delete it or store it in a form that no longer identifies you.
How We Protect Your Information
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information. The Website uses encrypted connections (SSL) for checkout and form submissions. While we work hard to keep your information secure, no method of online transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Your Privacy Choices and Rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Ask us to correct information that is inaccurate
- Ask us to delete your personal information
- Opt out of marketing emails
Residents of certain states, including California, may have additional rights under state privacy laws. To make a request, email us at [email address]. We will respond within the time required by applicable law and may ask you to confirm your identity before completing a request.
Children’s Privacy
The Website is intended for adult readers. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will promptly delete it.
Links to Other Websites
The Website may include links to online retailers, social media platforms, and other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites, and we encourage you to review their policies before sharing any information.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or in applicable law. When we do, we will post the revised version on this page and update the effective date above. Your continued use of the Website after an update means you accept the revised policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:
James H. Townsend
Email: [email address]
Website: https://jameshtownsend.com/