Last updated: 13th July 2026
Novice to Novelist (“we”, “us”, or “our”), the trading name of Victoria Froud EI, provides writing workshops, one-to-one mentoring, manuscript assessment, and related resources. This policy explains what personal data we collect through our website and services, why we collect it, and what rights you have over it.
This policy covers our general website and services. For AuthorFest 2026 specifically, see the separate AuthorFest Privacy Policy, which covers event booking, accommodation, and catering data.
1. Who We Are
Victoria Froud EI, trading as Novice to Novelist, is the data controller responsible for your personal data. We are based at 39 Place du Champ de Foire, Aigurande, 36140, France.
2. What Data We Collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:
● Name, email address, and phone number
● Messages you send us via contact forms or email
● Manuscripts, writing samples, or other material you share for assessment, mentoring, or workshop purposes
● Booking and payment details for workshops, mentoring sessions, or one-to-one services
Payment is handled by our third-party payment processors (Stripe and/or PayPal). We do not see or store your card details — this is provided directly to them and governed by their own privacy policies.
3. Why We Collect It
We use your data to:
● Provide the service you've asked for — a workshop place, mentoring session, or manuscript assessment
● Read, assess, and provide feedback on manuscripts and writing samples you share with us
● Respond to your enquiries and messages
● Process payment for services booked
● Meet our legal and accounting obligations
We do not use your data for automated decision-making or profiling, and we do not use third-party analytics or advertising tools on this website.
4. Manuscripts and Writing Samples
Any manuscript, writing sample, or creative work you share with us for assessment or mentoring remains your property. We use it solely to provide the feedback or service you've requested, and we do not share it with anyone else without your permission.
5. Who We Share Your Data With
● Stripe and/or PayPal, for payment processing
● Where required by law, regulation, or legal process
We do not sell your personal data, and we do not share it with advertisers or marketing partners.
6. Cookies
Our website may use essential cookies needed for the site to function correctly (for example, remembering your preferences as you browse). We do not use cookies for advertising or third-party tracking.
7. How Long We Keep Your Data
We keep your data for as long as necessary to provide our services, meet our legal and accounting obligations, and resolve any disputes. Manuscripts and writing samples are kept only as long as needed to complete the assessment or mentoring relationship, after which they are deleted unless you ask us to keep them for a specific reason.
8. Your Rights
Under data protection law, you have the right to:
● Access the personal data we hold about you
● Correct any inaccurate or incomplete data
● Request that we delete your data
● Object to or request the restriction of certain processing
● Request a copy of your data in a portable format
● Withdraw consent at any time, where we rely on consent
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below. We aim to respond within one month.
9. Children
Our services are not directed at children under 16. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data without appropriate consent, please contact us and we will delete it.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in how we operate. The “last updated” date at the top of this page will always show when it was last revised.
11. Contact
Questions about this policy, or requests relating to your data, should be sent to: