Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 7, 2025

Introduction

Welcome to VelvetBound ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data with transparency and care. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our self-publishing tools at velvetbound.com.

As a platform designed for romance authors, we understand that your manuscripts represent your creative work and intellectual property. We treat them with the utmost respect and security.

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

  • Email address (required for account creation and login)
  • Name (optional, used for personalization)
  • Password (securely hashed, never stored in plain text)

Files You Upload

When you use our tools, you may upload:

  • Manuscript files (.docx, .pdf, .txt formats)
  • Front matter and back matter content
  • Inspiration images (for Story Bible Pinterest integration)

Payment Information

For purchases (Deep Analysis, subscriptions):

  • Payment processing is handled entirely by Stripe
  • We never see or store your full credit card number
  • We receive only a transaction confirmation and customer ID from Stripe

Usage Information

We collect minimal usage data to improve our services:

  • Feature usage (which tools you use, how often)
  • Error logs (to identify and fix technical issues)
  • Browser type and device information (for compatibility)

2. How We Use Your Information

Manuscript Processing

Your uploaded manuscripts are used to:

  • Format your document according to your specifications
  • Perform AI-powered Deep Analysis (characters, themes, pacing)
  • Generate blurb variations optimized for your genre
  • Extract data for your Story Bible (characters, locations, timeline)

Communication

We use your email address to:

  • Send account-related notifications (welcome email, password reset)
  • Notify you when Deep Analysis is complete
  • Alert you to errors or issues with your purchases
  • Send important service updates (we do not send marketing emails)

Service Improvement

We use aggregated, anonymized usage data to:

  • Improve tool performance and reliability
  • Identify and fix bugs
  • Develop new features based on user needs

3. AI Processing & Data Handling

Deep Analysis & Blurb Optimizer

When you use our AI-powered features, your manuscript text is sent to Anthropic's Claude API for analysis:

  • What is sent: Your manuscript text for analysis
  • Third-party processor: Anthropic (Claude API)
  • Data retention: Anthropic retains API data for up to 30 days for safety monitoring
  • No training: Anthropic does NOT use API data to train their models
  • Results storage: Analysis results are stored in our database linked to your account

Manuscript Formatter

The Manuscript Formatter processes files differently:

  • Files are processed in-memory on our servers
  • No AI processing is involved
  • Files are deleted immediately after download is complete
  • We do not retain copies of formatted manuscripts

Story Bible

Story Bible data is stored persistently:

  • Character, location, and timeline data is stored in our database
  • Pinterest-linked images are referenced by URL (not stored on our servers)
  • Data remains until you delete it or close your account

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services to operate VelvetBound:

Anthropic (AI Processing)

Powers Deep Analysis and Blurb Optimizer. See their privacy policy.

Stripe (Payments)

Processes all payments securely. See their privacy policy.

Vercel (Hosting)

Hosts our website and serverless functions. See their privacy policy.

Supabase (Database & Storage)

Stores user accounts, Story Bible data, and uploaded manuscripts. See their privacy policy.

Resend (Email)

Sends transactional emails (welcome, analysis complete). See their privacy policy.

Pinterest (Optional Integration)

If you connect Pinterest to your Story Bible, we access your boards/pins via their API. See their privacy policy.

Sentry (Error Tracking)

Monitors application errors to help us fix bugs. See their privacy policy.

5. Cookies & Local Storage

We use minimal cookies and browser storage:

  • Session cookies: Required to keep you logged in
  • Preference storage: Remembers your formatter settings between sessions
  • No advertising cookies: We do not use any third-party advertising or tracking cookies

6. Data Retention

  • Account data: Retained until you delete your account
  • Deep Analysis results: Retained until you delete them or close your account
  • Story Bible data: Retained until you delete it or close your account
  • Formatted manuscripts: Deleted immediately after download
  • Payment records: Retained as required by law and for accounting purposes

7. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your data:

  • Access: View all data associated with your account in your dashboard
  • Correction: Update your account information at any time
  • Deletion: Delete individual items or request full account deletion
  • Export: Download your Deep Analysis results and Story Bible data
  • Opt-out: Choose not to use AI-powered features

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@velvetbound.com.

8. Copyright & Intellectual Property

You retain 100% ownership of your manuscripts and creative work.

  • We make no claim to your intellectual property
  • Your copyright remains entirely yours
  • AI-generated analysis and blurbs are yours to use as you wish
  • We do not use your content for any purpose beyond providing the services you request

9. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

  • HTTPS encryption: All data transmitted is encrypted
  • Secure authentication: Passwords are hashed using bcrypt
  • Database encryption: Data at rest is encrypted
  • Access controls: Only authorized personnel can access systems
  • Regular updates: We keep dependencies updated with security patches

10. Children's Privacy

VelvetBound is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make significant changes:

  • We'll update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
  • For material changes, we'll notify you via email
  • Continued use of VelvetBound after changes constitutes acceptance

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data:

Email: support@velvetbound.com

We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries within 48 hours.

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