Privacy Policy – The Path to Publishing

      This Privacy Policy explains how The Path to Publishing ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and handles the information you provide when you apply to become a contributing author. We are committed to handling your data responsibly and transparently.
    

1. Information We Collect

When you submit an application through our Google Form, we collect the information you voluntarily provide, which may include:

Your name (pen name or legal name)
Email address
Details about your publishing journey, genre, and experience
Links to your published works, website, or social media profiles
Any other information you choose to share in the application

We do not collect payment information, government identification, or sensitive personal data through this application.

2. How We Use Your Information

The information you submit is used solely for the following purposes:

To review your application and determine whether your publishing journey is a good fit for the anthology.
To contact you directly via the email address you provide, to discuss your potential participation, answer questions, or move forward with onboarding.
To coordinate your contribution if you are selected, including the editing and marketing phases of the project.

      We will contact you. By submitting an application, you acknowledge and agree that we may reach out to you via email regarding your application status, project details, and partnership opportunities.
    

3. How We Store Your Information

Application responses are stored by Google LLC via Google Forms, subject to Google's Privacy Policy. We access and review responses through a secured Google account.

We retain your application data for as long as the project is active or until you request deletion. We do not store your information on third-party marketing databases or sell your data to any third parties.

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

With co-editors or project partners directly involved in the anthology, on a need-to-know basis
With a literary agent or publisher if the project is shopped for a traditional publishing deal (you will be informed before this occurs)
If required by law or legal process

5. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Request a copy of the information we hold about you
Request that we correct inaccurate information
Request deletion of your application data at any time by contacting us
Withdraw your application at any stage before a partnership agreement is signed

6. Third-Party Services

Our application is hosted via Google Forms. Once you click through to the form, you are subject to Google's own terms and privacy practices. We encourage you to review Google's Privacy Policy.

This website is hosted on GitHub Pages, subject to GitHub's Privacy Statement. GitHub Pages does not collect personal data beyond standard server logs.

7. Children's Privacy

This project is intended for adult authors (18 years of age or older). We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under the age of 18. If you believe a minor has submitted an application, please contact us immediately.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of our site or submission of an application after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please reach out via the contact information provided in your application confirmation email.