Privacy Policy
Last updated: August 15, 2026
The Indie Book Index respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we may collect when you visit, browse, contact us, or submit a book to The Indie Book Index, as well as how that information may be used.
Information We Collect
We may collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:
- Submit a book for consideration
- Contact The Indie Book Index
- Request an update or correction to an existing listing
- Communicate with us by email or through forms on the website
Depending on the form or request, this information may include your name, author or pen name, email address, book information, website or retailer links, uploaded book covers, and other information you choose to provide.
We may also collect limited technical information automatically when you visit the website, such as browser type, device type, referring pages, pages visited, and general usage information.
Book Submissions
Information submitted through the Submit a Book form is used to review books for possible inclusion in The Indie Book Index and to communicate with submitters regarding their submissions.
Submitting a book does not guarantee that it will be accepted or published on the Index.
Certain information provided during submission is intended for public display if the book is accepted. This may include the book title, author or pen name, book cover, description, genres, formats, prices, content information, and links to websites or retailers.
Contact information provided specifically for administrative communication, such as an email address, will not be publicly displayed unless you explicitly provide it for that purpose.
How We Use Information
Information collected by The Indie Book Index may be used to:
- Review and manage book submissions
- Create and maintain book listings
- Respond to questions, corrections, and update requests
- Operate and improve the website
- Understand how visitors use the Index
- Prevent spam, abuse, or misuse of the website
- Maintain the security and functionality of the site
- Comply with applicable legal obligations
We do not sell personal information.
Cookies and Analytics
The Indie Book Index may use cookies and similar technologies necessary for website functionality, security, analytics, and user preferences.
Third-party services used by the website may also set cookies or collect limited technical information according to their own privacy policies.
As the site’s features and services change, this section may be updated to provide additional information about specific analytics, advertising, or consent technologies in use.
Affiliate Links
Some links on The Indie Book Index may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase after following one of these links, The Indie Book Index may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
Affiliate tracking may involve cookies or similar technologies operated by the applicable retailer or affiliate network.
For more information, please see our Affiliate Disclosure.
Third-Party Websites
Book listings may contain links to author websites, retailers, publishers, audiobook platforms, social media platforms, and other third-party websites.
The Indie Book Index does not control the privacy practices, content, or security of third-party websites. Once you leave the Index, your use of another website is governed by that site’s own policies and terms.
Uploaded Content
Authors and other authorized submitters may provide book covers and other materials as part of a submission.
Submitted materials will be used for purposes related to reviewing, displaying, maintaining, and promoting eligible listings on The Indie Book Index in accordance with our submission terms.
Do not submit private, confidential, or sensitive information through fields intended for public book information.
Data Retention
We may retain submission records and related communications for as long as reasonably necessary to operate the Index, maintain accurate records, resolve disputes, prevent abuse, and comply with legal obligations.
Information associated with a published book listing may be retained while the listing remains active.
Your Choices and Requests
You may contact The Indie Book Index to request a correction or update to information you previously submitted.
Where applicable, you may also request access to or deletion of personal information associated with your submission. Some information may need to be retained when required for legitimate administrative, security, recordkeeping, or legal purposes.
Children’s Privacy
The Indie Book Index is not intended to knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
If we learn that personal information from a child under 13 has been collected without appropriate authorization, we will take reasonable steps to remove it.
Security
We use reasonable administrative and technical measures intended to protect information handled through the website. However, no website, transmission method, or electronic storage system can guarantee absolute security.
Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated as The Indie Book Index grows, adds features, changes service providers, or adopts new legal or operational requirements.
The current version will be posted on this page with its most recent update date.
Contact
Questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or information submitted to The Indie Book Index may be sent through our Contact page.