Privacy Policy


Last updated: October 9, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Dale Bowers ("I," "me," "my") collects, uses and protects information when you visit www.dalebowers.com (the "Site"). I only collect what I need to reply to you and, if you ask for them, to send you news about new stories.


Information you give me

  • Contact form: your name, email address and message.
  • Email signup: your email address (and name, if you give it). You're added to my mailing list only if you tick the consent box.


Information collected automatically

  • Site and server data: like most websites, the Site automatically records basic technical information. That includes your IP address, browser and device type, the pages you visit, the site that referred you, and the date and time of your visit. The Site is hosted by Duda, which handles this data for me.
  • Cookies: the Site uses a small number of cookies set by my website platform, Duda. They help the Site work properly and provide basic, built-in visitor statistics, such as how many people visit and which pages they view. I don’t use advertising or social media tracking cookies. You can block or delete cookies at any time in your browser settings.
  • Spam protection: the Site's forms use Google reCAPTCHA to block spam. reCAPTCHA collects hardware and software information and is subject to Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.


How I use your information

  • To read and reply to your messages
  • To send you the emails you signed up for
  • To understand how the Site is used and improve it
  • To keep the Site secure and free of spam
  • To meet legal requirements

I do not sell or rent your personal information, and I don't use it for targeted advertising.


Who I share it with

I share information only with the services that help run the Site:

  • Duda: website hosting and form handling
  • Google: reCAPTCHA spam protection on the Site’s forms
  • My email service provider: to send newsletters
  • Spline: some illustrations on the Site are interactive scenes loaded from Spline's servers. Spline may receive basic technical information such as your IP address and browser type.

I may also disclose information when the law requires it.


Social media

The Site links to my Instagram and Facebook pages, and blog posts have share buttons. When you click one of these, you leave the Site and that platform's own privacy policy applies.


Emails and unsubscribing

Every email I send includes an unsubscribe link. You can also email me to be removed from the list at any time.


Children's privacy

My books are written for children, but this Site's forms and mailing list are meant for grown-ups: parents, caregivers, educators, librarians and booksellers. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13, in line with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If a young reader wants to get in touch, please ask a parent or caregiver to write to me on their behalf. If I learn that I've collected information from a child under 13, I will delete it promptly.


Your choices and rights

You can ask me to see, correct or delete the personal information I hold about you by emailing me at the address below. Depending on where you live, for example California, you may have additional rights under state law, and I'll respond to requests as applicable law requires.

Do Not Track: there is no agreed industry standard for "Do Not Track" browser signals, so the Site does not currently respond to them.


Security and retention

The Site is served over a secure (HTTPS) connection, and I take reasonable steps to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, though. I keep contact messages only as long as I need them to reply and keep reasonable records. I keep mailing list details until you unsubscribe. If a security breach ever affects your personal information, I will notify you as required by Maine law (10 M.R.S. §§ 1346–1350-B) and other applicable laws.


Where your information is processed

The Site and its service providers are based in the United States. If you visit from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States.


Governing law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Maine and applicable United States federal law.


Changes to this policy

I may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top shows when it last changed.


Contact

Dale Bowers
Email: dale.bowers1@gmail.com