Last updated: 14 October 2026
I am Ruth Heald, the data controller responsible for personal information collected through ruthheald.com, my mailing list and reader correspondence.
Email: ruth@ruthheald.com
Correspondence address: Unit 173670, PO Box 7169, Poole, BH15 9EL, United Kingdom.
My mailing list
When you subscribe, I collect your email address, any other details you provide, and records of your signup and consent. I use these to send book news, new releases, author updates and offers. My lawful basis for sending these emails is your consent.
I use Brevo to provide my signup form, manage subscriptions and deliver emails. I do not use individual email-open or link-click tracking to monitor your engagement with my newsletters.
You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any newsletter or by emailing me. Withdrawing consent does not affect processing carried out before withdrawal. Contacting me does not automatically subscribe you.
Providing your details is voluntary. Your email address is needed if you wish to receive the newsletter.
Reader enquiries
If you contact me, I use your name, email address and message to respond and manage the enquiry. My lawful basis is my legitimate interest in communicating with readers and running my author business. For contractual enquiries, processing may also be necessary to enter into or fulfil a contract.
Website operation and security
My hosting and security providers may process technical information, including IP addresses, browser details and access logs, to operate, maintain and protect this website. My lawful basis for necessary operational and security processing is my legitimate interest in maintaining a secure, functioning website.
The website and embedded Brevo form may use cookies or similar technologies for their operation. You can manage cookies through your browser settings, although blocking them may affect how the form works.
Sharing information
I use service providers for website hosting, security, email and mailing-list management. They process information where necessary to provide their services. Further information about Brevo is available in its Privacy Policy.
I do not sell your personal information. I may disclose information where required by law or necessary to establish, exercise or defend legal claims.
Where a service provider processes information outside the UK or European Economic Area, applicable data protection law may require safeguards such as an adequacy decision or approved contractual clauses. You can contact me for information about the arrangements applicable to your information.
How long I keep information
I keep mailing-list information while you remain subscribed and the mailing list remains active. After you unsubscribe, I may retain a limited suppression record to prevent further marketing and consent records where necessary to demonstrate compliance.
Reader correspondence is kept for as long as needed to deal with enquiries, maintain relevant business records or meet legal obligations. It is deleted when no longer required for those purposes.
Your rights
Depending on applicable law and your circumstances, you may request access, correction, deletion, restriction or portability of your information, and object to processing. You can withdraw consent at any time.
Email ruth@ruthheald.com to make a request. I will normally respond within one month and may need to verify your identity.
You may complain to the relevant data protection authority where you live or work. In the UK, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office.
External links and updates
Retailers and other websites linked from this site have their own privacy policies. Purchases are handled by those retailers.
I may update this policy as my services change. The date above identifies the latest revision.