top of page

​​​

Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions

 

Last Updated: 24 November 2025

​​

1. Who I Am

​​

This Privacy Policy explains how I, Maria Frankland, collect, use and protect your personal information.
In this policy, the words “I”, “Me”, “My” refer to:

​​

  • Maria Frankland – Psychological Thriller Author & Creative Writing Teacher

  • Autonomy Press – my small independent press under which I publish fiction, poetry and writing-related resources.

 

I have operated as a Creative Writing Teacher since April 2013, and I run this website to offer books, writing courses, resources and updates for readers and writers

 

I hold Qualified Teacher Status and an MA in Creative Writing

​​​

2. What Information I Collect

​​​

I only collect information that is necessary to deliver services such as:

​​​

  • Signing up for newsletters, updates and writing resources

  • Enrolling onto creative writing courses

  • Providing access to reader groups such as FrankFans

  • Processing online orders and transactions

  • Sending advance copies, signed copies, book news, or marketing communications you have opted into

​​

The information I may collect includes:

​​​

  • Your name and title

  • Email address

  • Contact preferences

  • Your postal address in the event of you purchasing a signed book

  • A record of correspondence between us

  • Details of purchases made on my website
    (Note: all payment details are handled securely by Stripe, not by me)

  • I do not collect unnecessary or excessive data

​​

3. How I Use Your Information

​​​

Your personal data is used only for the purpose for which you gave it. This may include:

​​​

  • Processing course enrolments and book purchases

  • Sending creative writing course information

  • Informing you about book launches, events, writing resources and reader opportunities

  • Providing access to newsletters or advance reader copies

  • Responding to your enquiries

​

I will never use your personal information for any unrelated purpose without your explicit consent

​​

4. How I Share Your Information

​​​

I do not share, sell or distribute your data to any third parties for marketing

The only organisations that may process your data are essential service providers acting on my behalf, including:

​​

Email Distribution

​​

  • I use MailerLite to send newsletters and reader updates

  • Your information is stored securely on their GDPR-compliant system

​

Payment Processing

​​​

  • Online payments are processed securely through Stripe

  • I do not see or store your financial details

​​

All service providers are GDPR-compliant and act only under my instruction

​​​

5. Marketing Communications

​​​

  • ​I will contact you with newsletters, course information, or book updates only if you have opted in

  • You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in the email or by requesting removal

  • I do not share subscriber data with third parties for marketing

​​

6. How I Store Your Data & Keep It Secure

​​​

I take reasonable and appropriate measures to secure your data:

​​​

  • All personal data is held in encrypted or password-protected electronic form

  • No paper copies are kept

  • I only retain your data for as long as necessary to provide the services you requested

  • You may request deletion of your data at any time

​​

7. Your Data Rights (GDPR)

​​

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

​​​

  • Access the personal data I hold about you

  • Request correction or deletion

  • Withdraw consent at any time

  • Object to or restrict processing

  • Request transfer of your data

​​

To exercise any of these rights, contact me at maria@mariafrankland.co.uk

​​

8. Cookies

​​

This website may use basic cookies to:

​​​

  • Improve site functionality

  • Analyse traffic

  • Remember your preferences

​​​

You can disable cookies via your browser settings at any time

​​​

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

​​​

I regularly review and update this Policy.


The latest version will always be available on www.mariafrankland.co.uk

​​​

10. Contact Information

​​​

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your data:

​​

Email: maria@mariafrankland.co.uk
Website: www.mariafrankland.co.uk

​

Terms & Conditions

​​

1. Online Creative Writing Courses

​

You may pay directly in full at checkout or select “Pay Without Link” to use Klarna Pay in 3

​​

  • Klarna takes the first payment immediately

  • The second after 30 days

  • The third after 60 days

​​

Your agreement is with Klarna, not with me. This does not affect your statutory 14-day money-back guarantee.

​​

14-Day Money-Back Guarantee

​​

If you choose not to continue with a course:

​​

  • You must notify me in writing via email within 14 days of purchase

  • A £10 deduction will be applied to cover admin and processing fees

  • Refunds may take up to 5 working days to reach your payment method​

 

What Is Included in the course (and Not Included)

​

Courses include writing guidance and self-editing instruction, delivered fortnightly, by email.
They do not include private consultancy or individual manuscript critiques. This must be purchased separately. Fill in the contact form to discuss either of these options and their fees further.

​​

2. Private Consultancy

​​

Private consultancy is subject to availability. The sessions (online or in person) must be:

​​​

  • Pre-arranged

  • Fully paid for at least 24 hours before the session

  • I cannot hold or confirm unpaid sessions.

​​

Attendance

​​

I will wait for 15 minutes for late arrivals before ending the session.
Missed sessions are non-refundable.

​​​

3. Manuscript Critique

​​

Subject to availability, I offer an in-depth appraisal of a prose extract (per 500 words) or poetry (per 20 lines)

​​

  • As well as providing comments within the text, I will also provide a written assessment of your writing.

  • Payment must be made at the time of submission

  • Fees available on request

​

4. Public Speaking & Group Consultancy

​

Subject to my availability, I will take bookings for talks at reader events, workshops and both one-to-one and group consultancy.
Fees, date, time and location must be agreed in advance​

​

5. Sales of Signed Books

​​

  • Only books published by Autonomy Press are eligible to be sold as signed copies

  • All personalisation is completed personally by me, ensuring each signed edition is unique

  • If you wish to purchase multiple signed books, please use the contact form so a postage discount can be arranged before ordering

  • I aim for all signed books to be delivered within five to ten business days

  • Any issues regarding non-delivery or damage in transit should be reported to me as soon as possible so I can resolve the matter promptly​

​​​

bottom of page