Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 22nd, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how BGFG (“The Writer”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, and protects information when you:

• Visit writermag.com or our associated sites (the “Site”)

• Subscribe to The Writer magazine (print, digital, or both)

• Enter our contests, sweepstakes, or photo competitions

• Sign up for newsletters or marketing emails

• Submit photographs, stories, or comments

• Contact us for support or information

By using our Site or services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site or submit personal information.

Please also review our Terms of Use, which govern your use of the Site.

1. Age Requirement

Our Site and services are intended for individuals 18 years or older.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact [email protected] so we can delete it.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in three ways:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect personal information when you:

• Subscribe to the magazine (print, digital, or combined)

• Enter a contest or promotion

• Submit photographs or other content

• Sign up for newsletters or email updates

• Create an account or profile

• Make a purchase

• Contact customer service

• Complete forms or surveys

This may include:

• Name

• Email address

• Physical mailing address

• Billing address

• Payment information (processed by third-party providers)

• Phone number

• Subscription details (plan type, renewal status)

• Contest entry details (photos, captions, metadata)

• Any other information you choose to provide

For contests and photo submissions, we may also collect:

• Photo files and embedded metadata (EXIF)

• Titles, captions, stories, and descriptive text

• Rights granted to us under contest rules or submission terms

Providing this information is voluntary, but some services (like subscriptions or contest entry) require it.

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit the Site, we automatically collect certain information such as:

• IP address

• Device type

• Browser type and version

• Operating system

• Pages viewed

• Time spent on pages

• Referring / exit pages

• General geographic location (non-precise)

This helps us understand how users interact with the Site and improve our services.

2.3 Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Operate the Site effectively

• Remember your preferences

• Maintain your subscription or login session

• Understand Site traffic and usage patterns

• Improve content, layout, and features

The types of cookies we may use include:

• Essential cookies – required for core functionality

• Analytics cookies – measure usage and performance (e.g. Google Analytics)

• Functional cookies – remember preferences (e.g. language, region)

We do not use third-party advertising cookies for targeted ad tracking.

You can adjust cookie settings in your browser. Disabling essential cookies may affect Site functionality.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use personal and non-personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 Subscriptions & Account Services

• Process and deliver magazine subscriptions

• Manage renewals, billing, and account status

• Provide access to digital content

• Communicate subscription notices and service updates

3.2 Contests, Sweepstakes & Submissions

• Verify eligibility

• Administer entries

• Communicate with finalists and winners

• Display selected or winning images online, in print, or on social media

• Use photos in accordance with contest rules or submission terms

3.3 Email Communications

• Send newsletters

• Send editorial updates and announcements

• Provide offers or promotions related to The Writer
  You may unsubscribe at any time.

3.4 Site Improvement & Analytics

• Understand user engagement

• Improve Site functionality and performance

• Develop new content and features

3.5 Customer Support

• Respond to questions and requests

• Provide troubleshooting assistance

• Resolve subscription or account issues

3.6 Legal & Security

• Prevent fraud or misuse

• Protect our rights and users

• Comply with legal obligations

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share information with the following categories of third parties:

4.1 Service Providers

Companies that help us operate the Site and services, such as:

• Payment processors

• Subscription fulfillment and mailing partners

• Customer service tools

• Email and marketing platforms

• Web hosting and analytics providers

They are required to protect your information and use it only as needed to perform services for us.

4.2 Contest Partners

If a contest has a sponsor or partner, we may share entry information only as disclosed in the contest rules.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if necessary to:

• Comply with laws or legal process

• Respond to lawful government requests

• Protect our rights, property, or safety

4.4 Business Transfers

If we undergo a merger, acquisition, asset sale, or restructuring, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for their independent marketing purposes.

5. User-Generated Content & Public Areas

If you submit content in public areas of the Site such as comments, photo galleries, or contest displays your username, image, caption, and other submitted information may be visible to other users and the public.

Do not share sensitive personal information in public posting areas.

6. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including:

• Encryption of data transmitted over HTTPS

• Secure third-party payment processing

• Access controls and authentication measures

• Regular system monitoring

No system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

If you create an account, you are responsible for maintaining your username and password confidentiality.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide your subscription or services

• Maintain your account

• Administer contests

• Comply with legal obligations

• Resolve disputes

If your subscription ends, we may retain limited contact information to manage renewals or reactivation unless you request deletion.

8. Your Choices & Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

• Access the information we hold about you

• Update or correct information

• Request deletion

• Request restriction of processing

• Object to certain uses

• Request a copy (portability)

• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

• Opt out of marketing communications

You may unsubscribe from promotional emails using the link provided or by contacting us at [email protected].

To exercise data rights, contact:
[email protected]
Attn: Privacy

We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

9. International Users

If you access the Site from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.

By using the Site and providing personal information, you consent to this transfer.

If you are in the EEA or UK, we process your data under one of the following bases:

• Your consent

• Performance of a contract (e.g., subscriptions)

• Legitimate interests (e.g., analytics, security)

• Legal obligations

You may withdraw consent at any time.

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you may have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA), including the right to:

• Know what personal information we collect

• Request deletion of personal information

• Opt out of “selling” or “sharing” personal information (we do not sell data)

• Access personal data

• Not be discriminated against for exercising privacy rights

To make a request, contact:
[email protected]
Subject: “California Privacy Request”

11. Links to Third-Party Websites

The Site may contain links to third-party websites.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we do, we will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. If changes are material, we may also notify you via email or a notice on the Site.

Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, you can reach us at:

BGFG
Email: [email protected]
Attn: Privacy