Privacy Policy

At The Draftling, we are deeply committed to protecting the privacy of all our users, especially the young writers who share their voices on our platform. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we keep it safe.

1. Information We Collect

We will only collect and use what you feel comfortable providing us with. Specific information provided in entry release forms will not be published — just what you allow us to. Required competition fields are marked so you can decide whether to enter; optional details can be left blank.

• For Writers Under 13: You may use a first name or chosen pen name. Competition entries request an age to check eligibility and a parent or guardian's email address for private communication. We publish only the byline you authorise, never a child's last name or contact details.
• For Writers Aged 13 to 21: Competition entries request a name or pen name, age and contact email. Writers under 16 should use a parent or guardian's email. Country, region and a note are optional; provide only what you are comfortable sharing.
• For Newsletter Subscribers: We collect only your email address.

2. Public Display of Information

To maintain a safe online environment, we strictly limit the information visible to the public:

• Writers Under 13: Published articles display only the first name or pen name authorised for publication. Age, last names, contact details, location and entry release forms are not published.
• Writers 13 and Older: Published articles display only the byline authorised by the writer — a first name, pen name or chosen name. Age, contact details, location and entry release forms are not published.

All submitted competition articles are published, not just winning entries. This does not make private submission details or release forms public. Only the public details you allow us to use are displayed.

3. Analytics and Cookies

We use standard analytical tools, including Google Analytics, to help us understand website traffic and popular content.

• These tools use cookies to collect non-personal, aggregated data (such as browser types, device types, and general geographic locations like a city).
• They do not collect names, email addresses, or private personal data from our readers or writers.
• You can choose to disable cookies at any time through your internet browser settings.

4. Data Sharing and Security

• No Data Selling: We will never sell, rent, lease, or trade your personal information or contact details to third parties or advertisers.
• Data Security: Our platform is hosted using Netlify, which provides secure cloud infrastructure, automated SSL encryption, and industry-standard security safeguards to protect your data.
• Data Usage: We only use your data to review article submissions, communicate directly with writers and parents regarding edits/publishing, and send our newsletter.

5. Parental Rights and Data Management

We believe parents, guardians, and student writers should have complete control over their digital footprint. At any time, you may request to:

• Review what personal information we have stored.
• Change how a name is displayed on a published article.
• Permanently delete an article or any associated contact information from our database.