Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 1, 2026

Last Updated: May 14, 2026

J. Dale Dillard ("I," "me," "my") operates jdaledillard.com (the "Site"). This Privacy Policy outlines how I handle data privacy, including what information I collect from visitors and customers, how I use it, and the choices you have. By using the Site, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

1. Information I Collect

I collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

- Subscribe to my newsletter (your email address).

- Submit a pre-order form (your name, email address, format preference, and shipping address).

- Contact me directly by email.

I also collect limited user information automatically when you visit the Site, including:

- Standard server log data (IP address, browser type, pages visited, referring URL, timestamps), collected by GoDaddy as my hosting and website-builder provider.

- Cookies and similar technology used for basic site functionality and aggregated analytics, as described in my cookies policy.

2. How I Use Your Information

I use the information you provide to:

- Send newsletter updates if you have subscribed. Every newsletter contains an unsubscribe link, and you can opt out at any time.

- Process and fulfill your pre-order, including sending you a payment link, shipping your paperback, or delivering your ebook.

- Respond to your questions and inquiries.

- Maintain, secure, and improve the Site.

- Comply with legal obligations (for example, tax and recordkeeping requirements).

I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

3. Service Providers I Use

To operate the Site and fulfill orders, I share information with the following third-party services as necessary:

- GoDaddy — Website hosting, form processing, and basic analytics.

- Google reCAPTCHA — Spam and abuse prevention on forms. Your interaction with reCAPTCHA is governed by Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

- Payment processor — When you complete a pre-order, you will receive a payment link processed by a third-party payment service. Your payment details (card number, etc.) are handled by that service and are not stored by me.

Each of these providers has its own privacy practices, which I encourage you to review.

4. Cookies and Analytics

The Site uses cookies for basic functionality and to understand aggregate visitor patterns. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some parts of the Site may not function correctly without them. Any analytics data I review is in aggregate and not used to identify individual visitors.

5. Data Retention

I retain your information only as long as needed for the purposes described above:

- Newsletter subscriber data is kept until you unsubscribe.

- Pre-order information is kept for the duration needed to fulfill your order, plus a reasonable period for tax, accounting, and customer-service purposes.

- I may retain information longer where required by law.

6. Your Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:

- Request access to the personal information I hold about you.

- Request correction or deletion of your personal information.

- Opt out of marketing communications at any time (every newsletter includes an unsubscribe link).

- Restrict or object to certain types of processing.

To exercise any of these rights, email me at jdd@jdaledillard.com. I will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

7. Children's Privacy

The Site is intended for adult readers of crime fiction and is not directed at children under 18. I do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you believe a child has provided information through the Site, please contact me and I will delete it.

8. Security

I take reasonable steps to protect your information, including relying on the security practices of GoDaddy and other reputable service providers. However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure, and I cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top reflects when changes were made. Significant changes will be communicated by posting them on this page and, where appropriate, by email.

10. Contact

For questions about this Privacy Policy or your information, contact:

J. Dale Dillard

Email: jdd@jdaledillard.com