FAQ

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

What is Novel Effect?

As you read aloud, Novel Effect follows along and plays customized music and sound effects at just the right moment.

The app keeps up with your voice and personal reading style at your pace. Skip pages, read your favorite parts over and over again, or take a break - the app will respond to you no matter how you read.

How do I use Novel Effect?

To use Novel Effect you'll need your own copy of the print book (or ebook!) you want to read aloud. Some free in-app ebooks are available in the ebook collections.

Open the app, find the book you want to read and press play. Then open your print book or ebook and start reading aloud.

Is Novel Effect Free?

Yes. The Novel Effect app is completely free to use on both iOS in the App Store and Android in the Google Play Store.

What devices and operating systems does Novel Effect support?

The Novel Effect app is compatible with mobile and tablet devices. It’s available for free in the App Store for devices running iOS 10.0+ and in the Google Play Store for devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop and up.

What type of content is available on Novel Effect?

We provide music and sounds that complement popular kids books and poetry as you read aloud. Professional sound designers with experience in video games, movies, and television compose the audio to match each book’s spirit and tone. All content is rated for kids 12 and under.

How many books do you have?

We have over 200 books with soundscapes in our library, and we’re constantly adding more! Browse the most popular books in our library

Do I need a copy of the book to use Novel Effect?

Yes. To enjoy a book with Novel Effect you'll need your own copy of the book you want to read aloud, either in print or as an ebook. Some free in-app ebooks are available within the app in the ebook collections.

How can I access the free ebooks?

We offer a selection of free ebooks within the app. Free ebooks can be found together in the featured free ebook collection of the app. Novel Effect even includes audio that works with free ebooks for popular poetry by Robert Louis Stevenson, Lewis Carroll, and more.

Can I use Novel Effect with my ebook reader?

Yes. If you’re using the same device to read your ebook and run Novel Effect, first open the book in the app and press play. Then return to your ebook reader. The red bar at the top of your screen means Novel Effect is running in the background. If the red bar is present, Novel Effect will follow along as usual while you read aloud from your ebook.

If you are using separate devices, treat your first device as a physical book, and read aloud with Novel Effect running on your second device.

Can I use my Bluetooth speakers or other speakers?

Yes. Use your device settings to connect to a Bluetooth speaker or mirror to AppleTV. To connect within the app, select a book and then tap the ‘Connect’ icon at the bottom of the screen to select a connected device.

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

I’m having issues with the app audio

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:

Make sure the volume level on your device or speakers is set to an appropriate level.
Make sure that nothing is blocking your microphone so that Novel Effect can hear you reading out loud.
- Some phone and tablet cases, especially protective waterproof ones, may obstruct the microphone. Removing the case will improve the reliability of your microphone.
Minimize the noise in your surrounding environment.
- If the volume meter on the book screen is consistently above the halfway point when you’re not reading, background noise may be interfering with the app performance.
If your device is connected to external speakers, check that the connection is working properly.
Contact customer support at support@noveleffect.com.

I forgot my password

Go to the email login screen in the Novel Effect app and tap the link to reset your password. After entering your email address, you’ll receive an email with further instructions. If you don’t see the email, check your spam folder or contact customer support at support@noveleffect.com.

I’m an author. How can I get my book added to Novel Effect?

We’re always adding to our library and support authors large and small! Contact our team at authors@noveleffect.com for details on how to get your books added to Novel Effect.

How does Novel Effect’s voice recognition work?

Our system uses voice recognition powered by Keen Research and other components to play music and sounds based on your personal reading style.