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Cindy Jill Shortt ("Cindy Jill Shortt," "I," "me," or "my") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how I collect, use, share, and protect information about you when you visit www.thebeyoubook.com (the "Site"), sign up for communications, or otherwise interact with me through the Site.

By using the Site, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

1. Scope of This Policy

This Site shares information about my children's book, Be You, and sells the book directly to readers. This Policy applies to information collected through this Site.

It does not apply to other websites I link to, including www.cindyjillshortt.com and online booksellers, or to any clinical, counseling, or therapeutic services I may provide under a separate professional agreement. Those have their own privacy practices.

2. Information I Collect

Information you provide directly:

• Contact details such as your name, email address, phone number, and mailing or shipping address when you contact me, place an order, or submit a form.

• Order and transaction details when you purchase the book or related products.

• Account information if you create an account on the Site.

• Information you include in messages or inquiries you send to me, such as questions about the book, school or library visits, bulk orders, or speaking requests.

Information collected automatically:

When you visit the Site, certain information may be collected automatically through cookies and similar technologies, including:

• Your IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system.

• Pages you view, links you click, and the dates and times of your visits.

• Referring website addresses and general location information derived from your IP address.

Payment information:

Payments are processed by third-party payment providers. I do not collect or store full payment card numbers on the Site. The payment provider handles your card details under its own privacy and security practices.

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3. How I Use Your Information

I use the information I collect to:

• Process, fulfill, and deliver your orders.

• Send order confirmations, shipping updates, and service-related messages.

• Respond to your questions, inquiries, and requests.

• Send newsletters, updates, and announcements about the book if you have asked to receive them.

• Operate, maintain, and improve the Site.

• Understand how visitors use the Site so I can make it better.

• Protect the security of the Site and comply with legal obligations.

4. How I Share Your Information

I do not sell your personal information. I share information only as described below:

• Service providers: I share information with companies that help me run the Site and fulfill orders, such as website hosting, payment processing, order fulfillment and shipping, email and newsletter delivery, and analytics. These providers may use your information only to perform services for me.

• Legal reasons: I may disclose information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of myself, my visitors, or others.

• Business transfers: If my business is involved in a merger, sale, or transfer of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Site uses cookies and similar technologies to keep the Site working properly, remember your preferences, support shopping cart and checkout functions, and understand how the Site is used. You can usually adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. Some features of the Site may not function properly without cookies.

The Site may use analytics services, such as Google Analytics, to help me understand visitor activity. These services may collect information about your use of the Site and other websites.

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6. Email and Marketing Communications

If you sign up to receive emails from me, you can opt out at any time by following the unsubscribe link in any message or by contacting me directly.

7. Third-Party Websites

The Site contains links to other websites, including www.cindyjillshortt.com, online booksellers, and social media platforms. I am not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites. I encourage you to review the privacy policies of any site you visit.

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8. Data Retention

I keep personal information for as long as needed to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, including to complete orders and maintain business records, and to comply with legal, tax, and accounting requirements. When information is no longer needed, I take reasonable steps to delete or de-identify it.

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9. Data Security

I take reasonable measures to protect the information I collect. However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure. I cannot guarantee absolute security.

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10. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information.

California residents: Under the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, you may have the right to:

• Know what personal information I collect, use, and disclose.

• Request access to the specific pieces of personal information I have collected about you.

• Request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.

• Request correction of inaccurate personal information.

• Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information. I do not sell your personal information.

• Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise any of these rights, contact me using the information in the Contact section below. I may need to verify your identity before responding to your request.

Other regions: If you are located outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where privacy laws may differ from those in your location.

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11. Children's Privacy

Be You is a children's book, but this Site is created for adults: parents, caregivers, educators, librarians, and others who buy books for and read with children. The Site is not directed to children, and I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If you believe a child has provided me with personal information, please contact me and I will take steps to delete it.

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12. Do Not Track

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" signal. The Site does not currently respond to these signals because no common industry standard has been adopted.

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13. Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When I do, I will revise the Effective Date at the top of this page. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted means you accept the updated Policy.

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14. Contact Me

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

cindy@thebeyoubook.com Mailing address: available upon request