Privacy policy

Last updated: October 20, 2026

Custom Book Studios ("we", "us") is based in Damascus, Maryland. This policy explains what we collect when you use custombookstudios.com, why, and what we do with it. We've written it in plain English. If anything is unclear, email [email protected].

The short version about your child's photo: we use it once to draw your child as a storybook character, then we delete it. That happens as soon as the character is made, and never more than one hour after you upload it. We never use the photo for advertising, never sell it, and never use it to train AI.

What we collect

When you make a preview

Your child's first name, age, and the pronouns you choose, so we can write them into the story.
One photo of your child. See "Your child's photo" below for exactly how it's handled.
Basic technical information your browser sends (IP address, browser type), which we use to prevent abuse and keep the site secure.

When you buy

Your email address, so we can deliver your book and send your receipt and order updates.
Your dedication message and "from" name, if you add them.
Shipping name and address (for printed books), collected on the checkout page.
Payment details are entered directly with our payment processor, Stripe. We never see or store your full card number.

When you join our email list

Your email address and, if you give it, your first name.

How you found us

If you arrived from an ad or link, we record the campaign tags in the link (for example, which ad you clicked) so we know which ads are working.

Your child's photo

The photo is sent securely to our AI image provider, which uses it to draw a cartoon version of your child in our storybook style (we call this the "character").
The photo is deleted as soon as the character is made. If something goes wrong, it's deleted anyway, never more than one hour after upload. It is not saved to our database, not kept in backups, and not shown to anyone.
We don't use the photo, or the character, to identify your child, to recognize faces, or for any purpose other than making your book, unless you tick the optional box at checkout letting us share a few of your book's illustrations.
Sharing is optional and off unless you tick the box. If you allow it, we may post a few illustrations from your book on our Instagram. We never share the photo you uploaded or your child's name, and you can withdraw permission any time by emailing [email protected]; we'll take the posts down.
We keep the cartoon character (a drawing, not the photo) and your book's illustrations for 90 days after your order, so we can redraw a page if you ask. After that we delete them. Your purchased ebook download stays available to you.
You can ask us to delete everything sooner, at any time.

Children

Our site is for adults. Children should not use it, and we don't knowingly collect information from children. A parent, guardian, or someone with their permission provides the child's first name, age, and photo, and confirms that permission before uploading. If you believe a child has given us information, contact us and we'll delete it.

How we use information

To make, deliver, print, and ship your book, and to provide support.
To send emails about your order. If you joined our list, to send occasional news and offers (you can unsubscribe any time).
To measure and improve our advertising, as described below.
To prevent fraud and abuse and to meet legal and tax obligations.

Who we share it with

We don't sell your personal information. We share it only with the service providers that help us run the shop, and only what each one needs:

AI image providers process your child's photo and the story descriptions to create the illustrations.
Stripe processes payments.
Our print partner receives the book files and the shipping name and address for printed orders.
Our email provider sends order emails.
Hosting and security providers (such as Cloudflare) run and protect the website.
Meta (Facebook and Instagram): see "Cookies and advertising".
Google (Analytics): see "Cookies and advertising".

We may also share information if the law requires it, or to protect our rights or someone's safety.

Cookies and advertising

We use Google Analytics to understand how people find and use the site (for example, which pages are visited and how many visits turn into orders). Google Analytics uses cookies and receives information such as the pages you view and general device and location details; it does not receive your child's name or photo. You can opt out with Google's browser add-on at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

We use the Meta pixel and Meta's Conversions API to understand which of our Facebook and Instagram ads lead to visits, sign-ups, and purchases, and to show our ads to people likely to be interested. These tools can use cookies and share events like "viewed a story" or "made a purchase" (with the order value) with Meta. When we send purchase or sign-up events, your email address is converted into a scrambled code (hashed) before it's sent. We never send your child's name or photo to Meta.

You can control ad personalization in your Facebook or Instagram settings and through your browser's cookie settings. We also use a few small storage items that the site needs to work, for example to remember your progress while making a book.

How long we keep things

Child's photo: deleted once the character is made, at most one hour.
Cartoon character and illustrations: 90 days after your order.
Order records (name, email, address, what you bought): as long as needed for support, accounting and tax, typically up to 7 years.
Email list: until you unsubscribe.

Your choices and rights

You can ask us to show you, correct, or delete the information we hold about you, or to stop sending you marketing email. Email [email protected] from the address you used and we'll respond within 30 days. Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under your state's privacy laws, and we'll honor them.

Security

We use encryption in transit (HTTPS), restricted access, and reputable providers. No system is perfect, but we work to protect your information and keep only what we need.

Changes

If we change this policy, we'll update the date at the top. Significant changes will be highlighted on the site.

Contact

Custom Book Studios
Damascus, Maryland, USA
[email protected]