Last Updated: 25/04/2026
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Author Approved (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website, Author Approved (https://marketingapproved.com). By using our Site, you agree to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy, subject to your right to manage your preferences. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the site owners. “First-party cookies” are set by our Site. “Third-party cookies” are set by domains other than our Site, for example by a payment processor or analytics provider.
2. Legal Basis for Use
Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), we place strictly necessary cookies without consent because they are essential for the website to function. For all other categories of cookies (performance, functional, and targeting/advertising), we will ask for your explicit consent through our cookie banner when you first visit the Site. This complies with updated UK guidance under the DUAA, which confirms that consent remains required for non-essential cookies. You may withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences.
3. Categories of Cookies We Use
– Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for the website to function. These include cookies that enable you to log into secure member areas, use a shopping cart, or maintain your login session. The Site cannot function properly without them. Example: session_id, csrf_token.
– Performance and Analytics Cookies: These collect anonymous information about how visitors use our Site (e.g., pages visited, time on site, errors encountered). We use this to improve the Site’s performance. We only set these after obtaining your consent. Example: _ga (Google Analytics, if used).
– Functional Cookies: These remember choices you make (such as your username, language, or the region you are in) to provide a more personalised experience. Example: user_preferences.
– Targeting or Advertising Cookies: These are used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. We do not currently deploy [or adjust details] these types of cookies on the Site.
4. Specific Cookies We Use
You can find a detailed, current list of the individual cookies we use, their purpose, and their lifespan in our Cookie Accept Bar, accessible via the cookie icon on the Site.
5. Third-Party Cookies
Some third-party services we use for functionality, analytics, or payment processing may set their own cookies. For example:
– Stripe: A secure payment processor that sets cookies for fraud prevention.
– PayHip: A Secure Digital Download Provider.
We do not control the use of these third-party cookies. Please refer to the respective third-party’s privacy and cookie policies for more information.
6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can set and manage your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of our website. Most web browsers also allow you to control cookies through their settings preferences (usually found under “Options” or “Preferences”). You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies, or to alert you when websites set or access cookies. Please note that if you disable or refuse strictly necessary cookies, some parts of the Site may become inaccessible or not function properly.
7. Retaining Cookie Data
Cookies and the data they collect are retained for periods ranging from the duration of your browsing session to a persistent period of up to 12 months unless you clear them manually. Specific retention periods for each cookie are detailed in our Cookie Declaration.
8. Changes to This Policy
Updates to this Cookie Policy will be posted on this page and, where appropriate, notified to you by email or through an updated banner on the Site. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.