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Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2025

Introduction

Welcome to Velvetbound. 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.

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

Files You Upload

When you use our tools (Manuscript Formatter, Blurb Optimizer, etc.), you may upload:

  • Manuscript files (.docx format)
  • Front matter and back matter files
  • Cover images or other supporting documents

Usage Information

We collect minimal usage data to improve our services:

  • Tool usage patterns (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 solely to:

  • Format your document according to your specifications
  • Generate blurb suggestions based on your story content
  • Calculate publishing cost estimates
  • Provide guidance on ISBN and copyright requirements

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
  • Optimize user experience

3. Data Processing & Storage

✓ Current Implementation (No AI)

Your manuscripts are processed entirely in-memory and immediately deleted.

  • Files are never saved to our servers or databases
  • Processing happens in real-time during your session
  • Data is permanently deleted after processing completes
  • No third-party services currently have access to your content

ℹ Future AI Integration (Phase 4)

When we add AI-powered blurb generation, the following will change:

  • Third-party service: Text will be sent to Anthropic (Claude API)
  • Data retention: Anthropic retains data for 30 days per their policy
  • No training: Anthropic does not use API data to train models
  • Opt-in only: AI features will be optional - you choose whether to use them
  • Limited extraction: Only first 3-5 chapters (~5,000 words) will be sent

You will be notified before AI features go live and can choose not to use them.

4. Third-Party Services

Current Third Parties

Vercel (Hosting)

Our website is hosted on Vercel. They may collect standard web analytics (IP addresses, browser types) but do not have access to uploaded manuscript content.

Future Third Parties (When AI is Added)

Anthropic (AI Processing)

When you opt-in to use AI-powered blurb generation, extracted text from your manuscript will be sent to Anthropic's Claude API for analysis.

5. Cookies & Local Storage

We use minimal cookies and browser storage:

  • Essential cookies: Required for the website to function (session management)
  • Preference storage: Remembers your tool settings (format preferences, privacy modal acknowledgment)
  • No tracking cookies: We do not use third-party advertising or tracking cookies

6. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your data:

  • Right to access: Request information about what data we have (currently: none permanently stored)
  • Right to deletion: Your files are automatically deleted after processing
  • Right to opt-out: Choose not to use AI features when they become available
  • Right to data portability: Download your formatted manuscripts at any time

7. Copyright & Intellectual Property

You retain 100% ownership of your manuscripts.

  • We make no claim to your intellectual property
  • Your copyright remains entirely yours
  • Your work stays confidential and private
  • We do not use your content for any purpose beyond the services you request

8. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

  • HTTPS encryption: All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted
  • Secure hosting: Our infrastructure is hosted on Vercel's secure platform
  • No permanent storage: Files are processed in-memory only
  • Regular updates: We keep our software dependencies up to date with security patches

9. 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 major changes (like adding AI features), we'll notify you via the website
  • You'll have the opportunity to review and opt-in to new features

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:

Email: privacy@velvetbound.com

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

Summary

Your privacy and the security of your creative work are our top priorities:

  • ✓Your manuscripts are processed in-memory and immediately deleted
  • ✓You retain 100% ownership and copyright of your work
  • ✓No third-party access to your content (until you opt-in to AI features)
  • ✓All data encrypted in transit via HTTPS
  • ✓You'll be notified of any significant privacy changes