Privacy Policy

Effective date: October 12, 2026

Who we are and what this policy covers

This Privacy Policy describes how Hardball HQ LLC d/b/a MTN Duck Press handles information collected through mtnduck.com, including information submitted through our contact form, author application form, newsletter signup, and any purchase or service order made through the site.

This policy applies to information we collect through our website and related communications. A third-party retailer, payment provider, or other service may have its own privacy policy that applies to information it collects directly.

Information we collect

Information you provide

Depending on how you use the site, you may provide information such as:

• Your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number.
• Your author name or pen name.
• Information about a book, manuscript, publishing history, sales history, or project.
• Manuscripts, images, and other files you choose to submit.
• Information about a purchase or service request.
• Messages and other information you send us.

Please do not send information you do not want us to receive. We aim to collect only information reasonably needed to respond to you, evaluate an application, provide services, process a transaction, or operate our business.

Payment information

Payments are handled by Stripe and PayPal. We do not store full payment card numbers or security codes on our own servers. The payment processor may provide us with transaction information needed to confirm, support, refund, or account for a payment, such as the amount, payment status, transaction reference, and limited card details.

The payment processor's own terms and privacy policy apply to the information it collects directly.

Information collected automatically

When you visit the site, we or our service providers may automatically collect information such as:

• Internet Protocol (IP) address.
• Browser and device type.
• Pages viewed and actions taken on the site.
• The page or website that referred you to us.
• Approximate location based on your IP address.
• Information collected through cookies and similar technologies.

See our Cookie Notice for more information.

How we use information

We use information to:

• Respond to messages and questions.
• Review author applications and project information.
• Provide, support, and administer services.
• Process payments and maintain business records.
• Send newsletters or updates you have asked to receive.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and secure the site.
• Understand and improve how the site is used.
• Meet tax, accounting, legal, and regulatory obligations.
• Protect our rights, our users, and our business.

We do not sell personal information. We do not share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.

Who we share information with

We may share information with service providers that help us operate our website and business. Depending on which services are in use, these may include:

• Website hosting provider: Hostinger.
• Domain registrar: Porkbun.
• Email and newsletter provider: Hostinger and Foxsend.
• Payment processor: Stripe and PayPal.
• Print-on-demand, publishing, or distribution partners: Lulu, Amazon KDP, and IngramSpark.
• Accounting, tax, or legal professionals we engage.

We share only the information reasonably needed for the provider to perform its work. Where applicable, our service providers are required by contract or law to protect the information they handle.

We may also disclose information when we believe disclosure is reasonably necessary to comply with law or a lawful request, enforce our terms, establish or defend legal claims, or protect the rights, safety, or property of a person or business. We may transfer information as part of a sale, merger, reorganization, or transfer of all or part of our business.

Cookies and similar technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies to operate the site, remember preferences, understand site use, or support other site features. See the Cookie Notice for details and information about available controls.

You can block or delete cookies through your browser settings. Some features of the site may not work properly if you do so.

How long we keep information

We keep information for as long as reasonably needed for the purposes described in this policy, and then delete it or anonymize it when practical.

• Application and project records: For as long as needed to review or provide services, and then for 7 years for tax, accounting, and dispute-related purposes.
• Newsletter information: Until you unsubscribe or ask us to remove you, subject to records we may need to keep to honor your request.
• Site logs and analytics records: For 12 months, unless a longer period is needed for security, troubleshooting, or legal purposes.
• Transaction and tax records: For as long as required by applicable tax, accounting, or other legal obligations.

Your choices and privacy rights

You may unsubscribe from a newsletter using the unsubscribe link in the message. To ask us to remove you from other non-essential email communications, contact us at press@mtnduck.com.

You may also contact us to request access to, correction of, deletion of, or a copy of personal information you have provided to us. We will review and respond to requests as required by applicable law. We may need to verify your identity before acting on a request. We may not be able to delete information we must retain for tax, accounting, security, or legal reasons.

Residents of California and residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws may have additional rights under applicable state privacy laws. Depending on the law and the circumstances, these rights may include rights to access, correct, or delete personal information; obtain a portable copy; opt out of certain sales, sharing, targeted advertising, or profiling; appeal a decision on a privacy request; or exercise rights without unlawful discrimination. To submit a request, contact press@mtnduck.com. We will handle requests in accordance with the laws that apply to our business and the request.

We do not knowingly sell or share personal information of consumers under 16.

Children's information

The site and our services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information to us, contact press@mtnduck.com. We will review the request and delete the information where appropriate.

Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect the information we handle. No method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

International visitors

If you visit the site from outside the United States, your information may be processed or stored in the United States, where privacy protections may differ from those in your country.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. If we make a material change, we will post the updated policy on this page and update the effective date. Where required, we will provide additional notice.

Contact

For privacy questions or requests, contact:

Hardball HQ LLC d/b/a MTN Duck Press
Email: press@mtnduck.com
Mailing address: available upon request

This policy provides general information and is not legal advice.