FAQ

Would you like to know more about Novel Effect? Let us answer some of your frequently asked questions! (version 1.60.2)

What is Novel Effect?

Novel Effect is voice interactive storytelling. Add music, sounds, and even characters voices, simply by reading a book out loud with the app. Watch your child’s jaw drop as you bring the world on the pages of their favorite stories to life!

What type of content is available on Novel Effect?

We provide music and sounds that complement popular kids books as you read them out loud. Professional sound designers with experience in video games, movies, and television compose the soundscapes to match each book’s spirit and tone.

How does Novel Effect work?

Our system uses voice recognition to play the music and sounds at just the right moment based on your personal reading style.

How do I use Novel Effect?

Once you’ve picked a book to read, find it in our library and tap its cover. A new screen will appear with the prompt, “Read Book.” Tapping this prompt will load the book’s soundscape and activate your device’s microphone. Now you can set your device aside nearby and read aloud from anywhere in the book to begin.

Where can I find Novel Effect?

The latest version, 1.60.2, for iPhone and iPad is available here, on the iTunes AppStore. Novel Effect is only compatible with iOS 8.0 or later. We are currently working on Android and desktop versions to be available soon.

Is Novel Effect safe and appropriate for my kid?

All content on Novel Effect is appropriate for kids 12 and under. Our library includes everything from board books for the youngest bookworms to sophisticated picture books for budding bibliophiles.

Do I need to have the book to enjoy its Novel Effect soundscape?

Yes, to enjoy a book’s soundscape you do need have a copy of that book on hand. You can even borrow a book from your local library to try out a soundscape without the commitment of buying the book from your local bookstore.

Novel Effect also works with eBooks downloaded to your favorite eReader or smartphone. We've made it easy to purchase an iBook, if one is available, by clicking the 'Open in iBooks' button that appears after tapping 'Read Book.' You can even use the iBooks preview to get a sample of the soundscape before deciding to buy it.

How can I access the free eBooks?

We offer a small selection of free eBooks within the app, including the Tale of Benjamin Bunny and the Tale of Peter Rabbit both by Beatrix Potter, as well as The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore.

Once you’ve selected 'Read Book' on one of these titles, you will have the option to tap 'Open Free eBook.' Tapping this button opens the free eBook. Begin reading to trigger the soundscape.

How do I use Novel Effect with my eBook reader?

If you’re using the same device to read your eBook and run Novel Effect, open your desired book in the app. Then return to your device’s homescreen by tapping your device's home button (or swiping up on the iPhone X). The red bar at the top of your device means Novel Effect is running in the background. You can now open your eBook in another app and begin reading as usual.

If you are using separate devices, treat your eReader as a physical book, and read it aloud with Novel Effect open on your second device set off to the side.

Can I use my Bluetooth speakers or other speakers?

Yes. Using your device settings, connect to your speakers via Bluetooth or AirPlay. Then open the selected book in the Novel Effect app. You can check that your speakers are connected by tapping the bluetooth icon in the bottom-right corner of the microphone display that appears after selecting 'Read Book.'

You can also use an auxiliary cord to connect your device to speakers through your device’s headphone jack.

I can’t get the app to work.

Technical issues may arise for a variety of reasons. Here is a list of possible solutions:

1. Close the book in the Novel Effect app and reopen it.
2. Hard close the Novel Effect app and reopen it.
3. Turn off your device and restart it.
4. Uninstall Novel Effect from your device and reinstall the latest version 1.50.3.
5. Contact our customer support team at support@noveleffect.com.

My app is working but the sound is not.

Audio issues may arise for a variety of reasons. These issues might include no sound at all, or sounds that do not seem to change. Here is a list of possible solutions:

1. Make sure the volume level on your device or speakers is set to an appropriate level.
2. Minimize the noise in your surrounding environment.
3. If your device is connected to external speakers, check the connection is working properly.
4. Some phone and tablet cases, especially the protective waterproof ones, obstruct the device’s microphones. Removing the case will improve the reliability of your microphone.
5. Run through the list of instructions for technical difficulties.
6. Contact our customer support team at support@noveleffect.com.

How many soundscapes do you have? Can you add one for our favorite book?

We currently have nearly 100 soundscapes in our library, and we’re constantly adding more!

If you have a recommendation for a book you’d like to see added, send us your thoughts via our social media channels or the support link located at the bottom of this page!

I'm an author and I'd like more information on how to get my book added to Novel Effect.

We love sharing books of all kinds, including independent authors. If you want your book added to Novel Effect, you can reach out to support@noveleffect.com.

I forgot my password.

You can reset your password by going to the email login screen on the Novel Effect app and tapping the 'Reset Password' link. After entering your email address you will receive an email within a few minutes with instructions to reset you password. If you don’t see the email check your spam folder.