Privacy Policy
Kat Shaw and Mettle Press ("we," "us," "our") respect your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through katshaw.com (the "Site"), how we use it, and the choices you have.
INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We collect information in the following ways:
INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE DIRECTLY
When you fill out our contact or booking form, we collect your name, email address, the category you select (podcast host, event organizer, school or library, fellow author or advocate, reader, or other), and any message or details you choose to share.
When you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address (and name, if provided) through our email service provider, Kit.
INFORMATION COLLECTED AUTOMATICALLY
We and our service providers may use cookies, analytics tools, security technologies, and similar technologies to operate, protect, and understand the use of this website. These technologies may collect information such as an IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, referring pages, and other online identifiers.
We do not knowingly use these technologies to profile children under 13, serve them targeted advertising, or collect their personal information for behavioral advertising purposes. Additional information about our use of cookies and third-party services is available in the sections of this Privacy Policy addressing cookies, analytics, advertising, and service providers.
COOKIES
Our Site, hosted on Squarespace, may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to operate properly and to understand visitor behavior. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some functionality of the Site.
HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We use the information we collect to respond to messages submitted through our contact and booking form; send our newsletter to subscribers who have opted in, via Kit; understand how visitors use our Site so we can improve it; and maintain the security and proper functioning of the Site.
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
THIRD-PARTY SERVICES
We use the following third-party services to operate this Site. Each has its own privacy policy governing how they handle data:
Squarespace — our website hosting and analytics platform
[Squarespace Privacy Policy: squarespace.com/privacy]
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) — our email newsletter platform
[Kit Privacy Policy: kit.com/privacy]
[Add any additional third-party tools here, such as a booking calendar, payment processor, or other integrations, once finalized.]
A NOTE ON SENSITIVE TOPICS
Because our Site discusses narcissistic abuse, childhood trauma, and mental health, we recognize that visitors may share sensitive personal experiences when reaching out through our contact form. We treat all messages with care and confidentiality. However, please remember:
Kat Shaw is an author and advocate, not a licensed therapist or mental health provider. Messages submitted through this Site are not a substitute for professional support, and we cannot guarantee an immediate response. If you are in crisis, please contact a crisis line or mental health professional directly rather than relying on this contact form.
We do not knowingly use sensitive information shared with us for any purpose other than responding to your message, unless you separately give us permission (for example, if you ask us to share your story publicly).
CHILDREN'S PRIVACY
Our website, products, and services are intended for a general audience and for readers age 13 and older. Although some of our books and resources may address issues affecting teenagers, this website is not directed to children under the age of 13.
We do not knowingly collect, use, or disclose personal information from children under 13 without verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian. Children under 13 should not submit personal information through this website, including through our newsletter subscription form, contact forms, account features, book-order forms, surveys, promotions, or other interactive features.
Personal information may include a person’s name, email address, mailing address, telephone number, username, photographs, precise location information, persistent online identifiers, or other information that identifies or can be used to contact an individual.
PURCHASES
Individuals under 13 may not make purchases or submit billing, shipping, or contact information through this website without the involvement and authorization of a parent or legal guardian. Purchases for children under 13 should be completed by the child’s parent or legal guardian using the adult’s information.
Payment information may be collected and processed by our third-party payment and e-commerce providers. Please review the privacy policies of those providers for information about their data-handling practices.
NOTICE TO PARENTS AND LEGAL GUARDIANS
If you are a parent or legal guardian and believe that a child under 13 has provided personal information through this website, please contact us at [PRIVACY EMAIL ADDRESS].
After receiving a verified request, we will take reasonable steps to:
Confirm the identity and authority of the requesting parent or legal guardian;
Review the personal information we may have collected from the child;
Stop further collection or use of the child’s personal information;
Delete the child’s personal information, subject to any lawful retention requirements; and
Instruct applicable service providers to delete or restrict the information when appropriate.
A parent or legal guardian may also contact us to request access to a child’s personal information, request correction or deletion, refuse further collection or use, or withdraw previously provided consent.
We will not require a child under 13 to disclose more personal information than is reasonably necessary to participate in an activity.
YOUR CHOICES
You can unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time by using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any marketing email or by contacting us directly.
You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information that you have submitted through our website by emailing us at [KAT’S EMAIL ADDRESS]. We may need to verify your identity before completing your request. In some circumstances, we may retain information when necessary to comply with legal obligations, complete transactions, prevent fraud, resolve disputes, or enforce our agreements.
Depending on where you live and subject to applicable law, you may have additional rights concerning your personal information.
We may be unable to fulfill all or part of a request when an exception applies, when we cannot reasonably verify your identity, or when we are legally required or permitted to retain the information.
Residents of the European Economic Area or United Kingdom may also have the right to submit a complaint to the data protection authority in the country or region where they live or work.
Authorized agents may submit requests on behalf of another person where permitted by applicable law. We may require evidence of the agent’s authority and may also contact the individual directly to verify the request.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will reflect the most recent revision.
CONTACT US
Questions or requests regarding children’s privacy may be submitted to:
[LEGAL NAME OR BUSINESS NAME]
[MAILING ADDRESS]
Email: [PRIVACY EMAIL ADDRESS]
Telephone: [OPTIONAL TELEPHONE NUMBER]