Privacy Policy

Effective date: October 1, 2026

Last updated: October 1, 2026

Your privacy matters to me. This policy explains what information Crescent Moon Writing Co ("I," "me," or "my"), a copywriting business owned by Ellen Merriss and based in California, collects when you visit this website (the "Site") or contact me, how I use it, and the choices you have.

The short version: I collect only what I need, I use it to run my business and talk with you, and I don't sell your information.

1. Information I collect

Information you give me. When you use the contact form on the Site, I collect what you choose to submit, which typically includes your name, email address, and your message. If you include other details (like your business name, website, or project info), I'll receive those too. Please don't include sensitive information such as financial account numbers, government ID numbers, or health information in the form.

If we start working together, I may also collect business and billing information needed to deliver services and get paid, along with the project materials you choose to share.

Information collected automatically. Like most websites, this Site automatically collects some technical information when you visit, such as:

• Your IP address

• Browser type and device type

• Pages you view, links you click, and how long you stay

• The website that referred you to the Site

• Approximate location (such as city or region) based on your IP address

This is collected through cookies and similar technologies provided by my website platform, Squarespace, and any analytics tools I use.

Testimonials. If you give me a testimonial, I'll publish it (along with the name or business details you approve) only with your permission.

2. How I use your information

I use your information to:

• Respond to your questions and inquiries

• Provide, manage, and invoice my services

• Operate, secure, and improve the Site and understand how it's being used

• Keep records needed for taxes, accounting, and legal obligations

• Protect against fraud, abuse, and unlawful activity

• Comply with the law and enforce my Terms of Service

I use your email address only to communicate with you about your inquiry or services. I don't add you to a mailing list unless you ask me to.

3. Cookies and similar technologies

Cookies are small files stored on your device. This Site, through Squarespace, uses cookies to keep the Site working, remember preferences, keep it secure, and gather analytics about visits.

You can control cookies through your browser settings, including blocking or deleting them. If you block some cookies, parts of the Site may not work as well.

Do Not Track. Some browsers send a "Do Not Track" signal. Because there is currently no common standard for responding to these signals, the Site does not respond to them. You can still limit tracking through your browser settings and by opting out of cookies.

4. How I share information

I do not sell your personal information, and I do not share it for cross-context behavioral advertising.

I share information only as needed with:

• Service providers that help me run the Site and my business, such as Squarespace (hosting, forms, analytics), email providers, and invoicing, payment, or scheduling tools. They may only use your information to provide services to me.

• Legal and safety needs. When required by law, court order, or government request, or when needed to protect my rights, safety, or property, or that of others.

• Business transfers. If my business is sold, merged, or transferred, your information may be part of that transfer.

I won't share client-provided project materials with anyone else without your explicit permission, as explained in my Terms of Service.

5. How long I keep information

I keep information only as long as needed for the purposes in this policy. Contact form messages are kept for as long as is reasonably necessary to respond to you and manage any resulting relationship. Client and billing records are kept as long as needed for tax, accounting, and legal purposes (generally up to seven years). You can ask me to delete your information at any time (see Section 8), subject to what I'm legally required to keep.

6. Security

I use reasonable safeguards to protect your information, and I rely on reputable platforms such as Squarespace for hosting and security. Still, no website or method of electronic transmission is completely secure, so I can't guarantee absolute security.

7. Your California privacy rights

If you're a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know what personal information I've collected about you and how it's used and shared

• Access a copy of the personal information I hold about you

• Correct inaccurate information

• Delete your personal information (with certain legal exceptions)

• Not be discriminated against for exercising these rights

I don't sell or share personal information for advertising. To make a request, email emmerriss@gmail.com with "Privacy Request" in the subject line. I may need to verify your identity before acting on a request, and I'll respond within the time required by law. You can also use an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf.

California's "Shine the Light" law also allows California residents to ask about disclosure of personal information to third parties for their direct marketing. I don't make such disclosures.

8. Visitors from outside the United States

I'm based in the United States, and information collected through the Site is processed and stored in the U.S. and in other countries where my service providers operate. If you are in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, or another region with data protection laws, then:

• My legal bases for using your information are: your consent (for example, when you send me a message or accept cookies), my legitimate interests in running and improving my business, performing a contract with you, and complying with legal obligations.

• You may have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to the use of your information, to receive a portable copy of it, and to withdraw consent at any time.

• You may complain to your local data protection authority.

To exercise your rights, email emmerriss@gmail.com. By using the Site, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, which may have different data protection laws than your country.

9. Children's privacy

The Site is intended for business owners and is not directed to children under 16. I don't knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has sent me information, please email me and I'll delete it.

10. Third-party sites

The Site may link to other websites and tools that I don't operate. I'm not responsible for their privacy practices, so please review their policies before sharing information with them.

11. Changes to this policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When I do, I'll change the "Last updated" date at the top. If changes are significant, I'll make that clear on the Site. Your continued use of the Site after an update means you accept the revised policy.

12. Contact me

Questions, requests, or concerns about your privacy? Get in touch:

Crescent Moon Writing Co Ellen Merriss, owner Email: emmerriss@gmail.com