WordPatch.co.uk uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure the site functions correctly, to understand how visitors interact with our content, and to support our funding model through advertising and affiliate links. A cookie is a small text file placed on your device when you visit a website. It helps us remember your preferences, analyse site traffic, and enable certain features. This policy explains the categories of cookies we use, how you can manage your consent, and how your data is handled. For detailed information on how we process personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.
Categories of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work without them.
Analytics Cookies
We use analytics cookies (such as those from services like Google Analytics) to collect information about how visitors use WordPatch.co.uk — for example, which pages are most frequently visited and whether users encounter error messages. This data helps us improve the site’s performance and user experience. These cookies do not identify you personally. All data is aggregated and anonymised.
Advertising Cookies
Advertising cookies are used to deliver adverts that are relevant to you and your interests. They may be set by us or by third-party advertising partners. They remember that you have visited a website and this information may be shared with other organisations, such as advertisers. You can control these cookies through our consent mechanism or via your browser settings.
Affiliate Tracking Cookies
WordPatch.co.uk participates in affiliate marketing programmes with book retailers (for example, Amazon UK, Waterstones, Blackwell’s) and software providers (such as writing tools and productivity apps). When you click on an affiliate link, a temporary cookie is placed on your device to track the referral and allow us to earn a small commission if you make a purchase. These cookies do not store any personal data and typically expire within 30 days. For more on how we handle affiliate relationships, see our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure.
Embedded Media Cookies
Some pages on WordPatch.co.uk contain embedded content from third-party services such as YouTube, Spotify, and social media platforms (e.g., Twitter/X, LinkedIn), as well as book retailer widgets (e.g., “Buy from Hive” or “Read on Kindle”). When you interact with this embedded content, the third party may set cookies on your device for their own purposes. We have no control over these cookies. You should check the relevant third party’s cookie policy for more information.
Consent and Your Choices
For visitors in the United Kingdom and European Union, we obtain your consent before placing any non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising, affiliate tracking, and embedded media). When you first arrive on the site, a cookie consent banner will appear asking you to accept or reject non-essential categories. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of every page. Alternatively, you can adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of some parts of the site.
Cookie Retention
The retention period for each cookie varies depending on its purpose. Essential session cookies are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies (used for analytics, advertising, and affiliate tracking) may remain on your device for up to two years unless you clear them manually. Embedded media cookies are governed by the third parties that set them. We regularly review the cookies we use and update this policy accordingly.
More Information
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact our privacy team at privacy@wordpatch.co.uk. You can also reach us through our Contact page. For a full overview of how we collect, store, and protect your personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy. For further context on our editorial independence and funding model, visit About Us.