Privacy Policy
Effective Date: September 25, 2025
Last Updated: November 18, 2025
Introduction
MAR Literary Services (“we,” “us,” “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information across our websites and services.
This policy applies to:
- MAR Literary Services (https://marliteraryservices.com) – our main services website
- Maria’s Corner (https://marliteraryservices.com/corner) – our blog website
- The First Draft Club (https://marliteraryservices.com/first-draft-club) – our membership website (not active as of November 18, 2025)
All websites are owned and operated by MAR Literary Services, controlled by Maria Acosta Ramirez.
Contact Information
MAR Literary Services
Maria Acosta Ramirez
2165 Nolte Rd Unit 1023
St. Cloud, FL 34772
USA
Phone: (407) 228-3029
General Contact: hello@marliteraryservices.com
Support: support@marliteraryservices.com
For privacy-specific inquiries, please contact us at hello@marliteraryservices.com with “Privacy Inquiry” in the subject line.
Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide
When you use our services, subscribe to our newsletter, or make purchases, we may collect:
- Name (first and last name)
- Email address
- Geographic location (state and country) – collected to coordinate service delivery and manage time zones
- Manuscript materials (for alpha reading services)
- Communication records (emails, messages, support requests)
- Service preferences and requirements
- IP Address for form submissions through our Contact Us page
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our websites, certain information may be collected automatically through third-party services:
- Analytics Data: Browsing behavior, pages visited, time spent on site, referral sources (collected via Google Analytics through SiteKit WordPress plugin)
- IP Addresses: May be collected by our analytics provider (Google Analytics) and hosting provider (DreamHost), though we do not personally collect or store IP addresses
- Cookies and Tracking Technologies: See the “Cookies and Tracking Technologies” section below, or visit our Cookie Policy page
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, and device type (collected via analytics)
Information We Do NOT Collect
- Payment Information: We do not collect, process, or store credit card information, bank details, or other payment data. All payment processing is handled by PayPal and Stripe (through Kit). Their privacy policies govern how they handle payment information.
- Children’s Data: We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age.
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
Service Delivery
- Providing life coaching for writers, alpha reading services, and other professional services
- Coordinating service schedules across time zones
- Delivering digital products and membership access
- Managing membership accounts and access to The First Draft Club
Communication
- Sending newsletters and marketing emails (via Kit)
- Sending transactional emails such as order confirmations and service updates (via Gmail API on WP MailSMTP plugin, or any other plugin that has access to the transactional messages that are sent after purchases, including, but not limited to: Easy Digital Downloads, WP Paypal, Stripe, or Kit)
- Responding to customer support inquiries using JetPack Forms or CRM
- Providing updates about services, products, and company news
Business Operations
- Processing payments through third-party processors (PayPal and Stripe via Kit)
- Improving our services based on feedback and usage patterns
- Maintaining business records for legal and tax compliance
- Reviewing past work to improve service quality and professional development
Legal Compliance
- Complying with legal obligations
- Protecting against fraud and abuse
- Enforcing our terms and conditions
Third-Party Services and Data Sharing
We use various third-party services to operate our websites and provide services. These providers may have access to your personal information as necessary to perform their functions. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for their marketing purposes.
Email Marketing and Communication
- Kit (ConvertKit): Email marketing, newsletter management, digital product delivery, and payment processing (via Stripe integration)
- WP MailSMTP, WordPress Email using Gmail API Key
Payment Processing
- Stripe: Payment processing for digital products and memberships (integrated through Kit)
- PayPal: Payment processing for services and products
- Note: We do not have access to your complete payment information. These processors handle all sensitive payment data according to their own privacy policies and PCI-DSS compliance standards.
Analytics and Website Performance
- Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis, user behavior tracking (via SiteKit WordPress plugin)
- WP Consent (Cookie consent banner and cookie scanner)
- JetPack Security and CRM, client relationship management and invoicing system
Website Infrastructure
- DreamHost: Website hosting and server infrastructure
- Google Workspace: Business email, calendar scheduling, potential future use for chats and video calls
- Fantastical Openings: Calendar scheduling for booking services
- Cal.com, booking system embeds
Communication Tools
- Google Voice: Phone communication (planned use)
- Google Workspace: Video calls and chat (planned use)
- Zoom, video chat platform
- Facebook Messenger
- Threads
AI and Content Tools
- OpenAI API: for website chats
- ElevenLabs Audio Native Player: for text to speech generation
WordPress Plugins and Security
- WP Members: Membership management
- WP Accessibility: Website accessibility features
- WP Armour Honey Pot Anti Spam: Spam protection
- JetPack Security
- Other WordPress plugins: As necessary for website functionality
Potential Future Services
- Facebook Pixel: May be installed in the future for advertising purposes (not currently active)
- Social Media Integration: May include additional platforms as business grows
Each third-party service provider has its own privacy policy governing their data practices. We encourage you to review their policies:
- Kit Privacy Policy: https://convertkit.com/privacy
- Stripe Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy
- PayPal Privacy Policy: https://www.paypal.com/privacy
- Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- DreamHost Privacy Policy: https://www.dreamhost.com/legal/privacy-policy/
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our websites. They help us understand how you use our sites and improve your experience.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential/Functional Cookies:
These cookies are necessary for our websites to function properly and cannot be disabled. They enable basic functions like page navigation, secure access to member areas, and remembering your cookie consent preferences.
Analytics Cookies:
We use Google Analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our websites. These cookies collect information about pages visited, time spent on site, and navigation patterns. This data is aggregated and anonymous.
Marketing/Advertising Cookies:
We do not currently use marketing or advertising cookies. However, we may implement these in the future (such as Facebook Pixel) to deliver relevant advertising. If we do, we will update this policy and request your consent where required.
Cookie Consent
We use the WP Consent plugin to manage cookie consent. When you first visit our website, you’ll be asked to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your cookie preferences at any time through the cookie banner or your browser settings.
Managing Cookies
You can control and/or delete cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our websites. For more information about managing cookies, visit: www.allaboutcookies.org
Data Storage and Security
Where Your Data Is Stored
Your personal information is stored:
- Google Drive: For business records, client files, and service-related documents
- Local Storage: On our business computers with regular backups to external drives and iCloud
- Third-Party Platforms: With service providers listed above (Kit, Google Workspace, DreamHost, etc.)
- Hosting Servers: DreamHost servers (as required for website functionality)
We do not maintain separate data servers beyond what is provided by our hosting and service providers.
Data Security Measures
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. These include:
- Secure connections (SSL/HTTPS) for all websites
- Regular backups of data
- Access controls and password protection
- Secure storage through reputable third-party providers
- Spam and security protection through WordPress plugins
However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
How Long We Keep Your Information
Email Addresses:
We retain email addresses indefinitely for the following reasons:
- Legal protection and record-keeping
- Protection against spam and fraudulent activities
- Understanding client feedback about our services
- You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time (see “Your Rights” section below)
Client Service Data:
Information related to coaching sessions, alpha reading services, and other client work is retained:
- For the duration of our professional relationship
- For up to 5 years after services have been completed or terminated
- This retention allows us to review our work for professional development and quality improvement purposes
Manuscript Materials (Alpha Reading):
Author manuscripts and related materials are retained for up to 5 years after service completion to allow us to review our feedback process and improve our ability to provide detailed analysis.
Transaction and Financial Records:
Customer transaction data and financial records are retained for 10 years for tax compliance and legal purposes.
Newsletter Subscribers:
Email addresses of newsletter subscribers are retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
Data Deletion
After the applicable retention period, personal information is securely deleted or anonymized. You may request early deletion of your data subject to legal and contractual obligations (see “Your Rights” section below).
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information under data protection laws such as GDPR (European Union) and CCPA (California, USA).
Rights Available to All Users
Right to Access:
You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Right to Correction:
You have the right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
Right to Deletion:
You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations.
Right to Withdraw Consent:
You may withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time by unsubscribing from emails or contacting us.
Right to Object:
You may object to certain processing of your personal information, such as marketing communications.
Additional Rights for EU Residents (GDPR)
Although, just because this rights are based on the EU, doesn’t mean no one else can ask for them. If you feel that you need these rights, even if you are not based on the EU, please contact us at the email provided through this document and request these rights be applied to you.
If you are located in the European Union, you have additional rights:
Right to Data Portability:
You have the right to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used format.
Right to Restriction:
You have the right to request restriction of processing in certain circumstances.
Right to Lodge a Complaint:
You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
Legal Basis for Processing:
We process your data based on:
- Consent (for newsletters and marketing)
- Contract performance (for services)
- Legitimate interests (for business operations and service improvement)
- Legal obligations (for tax and record-keeping requirements)
Additional Rights for California Residents (CCPA)
Same clause applies here, if you feel these rights apply to you, even if not located in California, please contact us and request these rights. We want to help you keep your privacy as much as you do.
If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:
Right to Know:
You have the right to know what personal information we collect, use, disclose, and sell.
Right to Delete:
You have the right to request deletion of your personal information.
Right to Opt-Out:
You have the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information. Note: We do not sell your personal information, ever
Right to Non-Discrimination:
You have the right to not receive discriminatory treatment for exercising your CCPA rights (we do not discriminate against anyone for any reason whatsoever), but if you ever feel like we are being discriminatory, please contact me directly at support@marliteraryservices.com
How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us:
- Email: hello@marliteraryservices.com with “Privacy Rights Request” in the subject line
- Phone: (407) 228-3029
- Mail: MAR Literary Services, 2165 Nolte Rd Unit 1023, St. Cloud, FL 34772, USA
We will respond to your request within 30 days (or as required by applicable law). We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.
Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails
To unsubscribe from our newsletter and marketing emails:
- Click the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any email
- Contact us at newsletters@marliteraryservices.com
- Email hello@marliteraryservices.com with your unsubscribe request
International Data Transfers
Our business is based in the United States, and we serve clients internationally. If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States and other countries where our service providers operate.
These countries may have data protection laws that are different from the laws of your country. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries. We take steps to ensure that your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
Age Requirements for Services:
- Under 13: No child under 13 should submit any personal information to our websites or use our services.
- Ages 13-15: Young people aged 13-15 may use our services only with guardian permission, which requires a video call meeting between the guardian and us.
- Ages 16+: Individuals aged 16 and older may use our services with written permission from a guardian for the first session, after that they may use our services independantly.
If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information immediately. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us at hello@marliteraryservices.com.
Data Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you and relevant authorities as required by applicable law. Notification will be provided without undue delay and will include:
- The nature of the breach
- The type of information affected
- Steps we are taking to address the breach
- Recommended actions you can take to protect yourself
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. When we make changes, we will:
- Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
- Post the revised policy on our websites
- Notify you of material changes via email or prominent website notice when appropriate
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
Do Not Track Signals
Some web browsers have a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want to be tracked. Our websites do not currently respond to DNT signals. We rely on cookie consent mechanisms to honor your tracking preferences.
Third-Party Links
Our websites may contain links to third-party websites, resources, and services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
Your Consent
By using our websites and services, you consent to this Privacy Policy and our collection, use, and sharing of your information as described herein.
Questions and Concerns
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
MAR Literary Services
Maria Acosta Ramirez
2165 Nolte Rd Unit 1023
St. Cloud, FL 34772
USA
Primary Contact: hello@marliteraryservices.com
Phone: (407) 228-3029
Support: support@marliteraryservices.com
Newsletter Inquiries: newsletters@marliteraryservices.com
We are committed to resolving privacy concerns and will respond to all inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.
By using MAR Literary Services websites (marliteraryservices.com, marliteraryservices.com/corner, and marliteraryservices.com/first-draft-club) and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.
