TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FOR THE USE OF THE WEBSITE WWW.NOVELA.RO
CHAPTER I: GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Article 1: Scope of Application
This document establishes the terms and conditions under which SC MY NOVELA SRL, a Romanian legal entity with its registered office in Timișoara, Strada Petre Cermena no. 1, Corp A1, Timiș County, registered at the Trade Register under no. J2017000468350, VAT RO37094870, (hereinafter “Novela” or “the Company”), makes available to Users the website www.novela.ro and its related subdomains. By accessing, browsing, and using the website, as well as by creating accounts and placing orders, any person agrees to comply with the terms and conditions set forth in this document.
Article 2: Definitions
The website novela.ro belongs to the Company Novela, which offers print-on-demand services, the sale of books and other printed materials, as well as the opportunity for authors or publishers (Partners) to publish their titles. The term “Client” refers to the natural or legal person who purchases Products from the site, while “Partner” denotes the natural or legal person registered and approved by Novela who publishes books on a print-on-demand basis. The “Client Account” is the electronic space where the buyer manages personal data, order history, and preferences, whereas the “Partner Account” is intended for authors or publishers who wish to list titles for sale.
Article 3: Agreement and Acceptance
By continuing to use the website, the User confirms that they have read and understood these Terms and Conditions and agree to abide by them in full. Novela reserves the right to unilaterally modify the content of this document without prior notice, with any updated version being published on the site, and continued use of the website signifies acceptance of those modifications.
Article 4: Print On Demand (PoD) Policy
Novela provides a digital print-on-demand system. Books are not printed in advance but only at the moment a firm order is received from a Client. This approach helps reduce costs and waste while ensuring the permanent availability of titles listed on the site. By placing an order, the Client acknowledges that the products are printed especially for them and that minor variations in physical appearance (for example, cover color, finish, paper type) may occur depending on production flows.
CHAPTER II: USER AND PARTNER ACCOUNTS
Article 5: Creating a Client Account
The Client Account provides access for placing orders and managing personal data. The User can create a Client Account using an email and password or through third-party login solutions (Google, Facebook), and is responsible for keeping their password confidential. In the dedicated section, the Client can choose whether to display products designated for adults (+18), view order history, order status, track shipments in real time, access issued invoices, and save shipping and billing addresses as well as card details for faster payment of future orders.
Minimum age. A Client Account may be created only by a person who has reached the age of 16. By creating the account, the User declares on their own responsibility that they meet this condition. A minor under the age of 18 may place orders only with the consent of their parent or legal guardian, in accordance with the rules on the capacity to contract. Novela does not verify age through documents; if it becomes aware that an account was created in breach of this condition, it may suspend or close the account under Article 7.
Article 6: Creating a Partner Account
The Partner Account is intended exclusively for natural or legal persons who wish to publish and sell books or other printed materials on the Novela website. To become a Partner, an online application must be submitted on the page partners.novela.ro/register along with the requested identification documents. Novela reserves the right to approve or reject the application without the obligation to provide any justification. Once approved, the Partner can add books with all the related details, upload digital files for the product image, printing PDFs for both cover and interior, and choose printing specifications (paper type, format, colors, finish) as well as the sale price. Furthermore, the Partner declares that they hold the necessary copyrights or licenses for publication and fully assume legal responsibility for the uploaded content.
Article 7: Account Administration
Novela reserves the right to restrict, suspend, or close User accounts that abuse the website (for example, through repeated uncollected orders, attempted fraud, or by publishing illegal or defamatory content). In such cases, Novela will inform the affected User of the reasons behind the decision, insofar as it is possible, and personal data will be managed in accordance with the Privacy Policy.
CHAPTER III: ORDER PLACEMENT, PAYMENT, AND DELIVERY
Article 8: Order Procedure
The Client adds the desired products to the virtual shopping cart, selects the payment method (bank card or cash on delivery), and, if applicable, enters a coupon or discount voucher. After providing all delivery and billing details, placing the order constitutes only a purchase request. Firm confirmation and the finalization of the distance sales contract occur when Novela sends a separate confirmation email indicating product availability, the estimated processing time, and the total cost.
Article 9: Payment Methods and Restrictions
Payment can be made cash on delivery or online via card. However, Novela may impose restrictions on cash-on-delivery payments if a Client already has an undelivered or returned order. In such cases, until that delivery is completed, the Client will only be able to pay new orders by card. Additionally, for shipments exceeding a certain value as communicated on the site, full or partial payment may be required solely by card.
Article 10: Delivery and Processing Time
Orders are processed between 08:00 and 15:00 on working days. The usual delivery time ranges between 24 and 48 hours, but it may be affected by courier availability, the volume of orders, and weather or logistical conditions. In the Print On Demand system, books are printed on the same day if workload permits, otherwise they may be completed on the next working day. The Client Account displays the order status and AWB, allowing the Client to track shipment progress in real time.
Article 11: Uncollected Shipments and Processing Costs
For shipments paid online that are not accepted upon delivery by the Client, the refunded amount will be deducted by the round-trip shipping cost (processing fee). At the Client's explicit request, products may be reshipped, but only after paying the shipping fees. If a Client repeatedly places orders and refuses to collect them, Novela reserves the right to block access to cash-on-delivery payments and accept only orders paid by card.
CHAPTER IV: RETURN POLICY AND RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL
Article 12: Right of Return for Private Individuals
Any private individual has the right to return products purchased via www.novela.ro within 365 calendar days from receipt of the shipment, without needing to provide a reason, in accordance with Emergency Ordinance no. 34/2014. To initiate a return, the Client must notify their intention via email to reclamatii@novela.ro and send the products to the address provided on the site, selecting the “open/inspect package” option.
Article 13: Return Conditions
Returned products must be in their original condition, without major signs of wear or damage, and accompanied by the original packaging and documents received with the delivery. In cases where the shipment contained gifts, they must be placed back in the package. If the product was printed at the Client’s request and shows clear signs of use or excessive personalization, Novela reserves the right to refuse the return or retain a depreciation fee calculated between 30% and 70% of the invoiced price. In cases where products from an order that benefited from free shipping are returned, the processing cost will be deducted as a priority.
Article 14: Refund Process
Upon receiving and inspecting the returned products, Novela will refund the amounts paid, at the Client's choice, either into a bank account at a bank in Romania specified by them or in the form of a gift voucher usable on www.novela.ro. A fee of 50 RON (excluding VAT) will be deducted from the refunded amount for shipping and processing costs if such costs have not already been paid or if the return is made without a reason attributable to the Company. A confirmation of the refund will be sent via email, and any remaining difference will be transferred within a few working days depending on the beneficiary’s bank.
Article 15: Repackaged or Slightly Defective Products
Books or products listed as “repackaged” on the site may exhibit minor imperfections. These imperfections do not affect the content of the work. Should the Client wish to return a repackaged product, the same return rules apply, with the understanding that any depreciation fee will be determined based on the product’s condition at the time of the original delivery.
CHAPTER V: PRIVACY POLICY AND DATA PROTECTION (GDPR)
Article 16: Data Collection and Processing
Novela collects personal data such as name, surname, delivery/billing addresses, email, phone number, and payment details for processing orders, issuing invoices, and enhancing the browsing experience. Data is processed in accordance with the applicable legislation and is not sold or rented to third parties. For more information, please refer to https://novela.ro/privacy-policy.
Article 17: Rights of Data Subjects
Any User has the right to access, rectify, delete, object to, and port their data under the conditions established by law. These rights may be exercised by sending a written request to the designated data protection email address provided in the Privacy Policy displayed on the site. In the event of violations of GDPR regulations, Users have the right to file a complaint with the National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing.
Article 18: Cookie Policy
Novela uses cookies to store information regarding Users’ preferences, personalize content, and analyze website traffic. Users may adjust their cookie settings directly from their browser. Additional details are available on the Cookie Policy page at https://novela.ro/cookie-policy.
CHAPTER VI: COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Article 19: Website Content and Licenses
The design, texts, graphics, and any other elements published on www.novela.ro are protected by copyright and are exclusively owned by Novela’s Partners. Reproduction, in whole or in part, of any content from the website is prohibited without prior consent from Novela.
Article 20: Partner Obligations
Partners listing titles through the Partner Account guarantee that they hold the necessary copyrights or licenses for publication. In the event of uploading materials that infringe on the copyrights of third parties, full responsibility rests with the Partner, who shall indemnify Novela against any claims or complaints made by a third party.
CHAPTER VII: LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE
Article 21: General Limitations
Novela cannot be held liable for internet network dysfunctions, system errors, website downtime, or for situations of force majeure (such as disasters, strikes, national protests, government decisions, etc.) that may impede the fulfillment of contractual obligations.
Article 22: Situations Not Attributable to the Company
If a shipment is delayed due to reasons attributable to courier companies, Novela will make all reasonable efforts to inform the Client and resolve the issue; however, the Company shall not be held liable for any indirect damages or losses incurred by the Client.
CHAPTER VIII: REVIEWS, OPINIONS, AND USER-GENERATED CONTENT
Article 23: Rules for Reviews and User-Generated Content
These rules apply to all content that Users submit or make visible on the website and in the Novela app, including book reviews and ratings, the display name and profile image shown on an account, and messages a User sends to Novela’s automated assistant (collectively, “User Content”). By submitting User Content, the User confirms that it is their own or that they hold the right to publish it, and grants Novela a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to host and display it for the operation of the service.
User Content must observe civil conduct and must not: (a) be unlawful or promote unlawful acts; (b) incite hatred, violence or discrimination on any ground; (c) harass, threaten, bully or defame any person; (d) contain sexual content involving minors, or any sexual or intimate content published without the consent of the person concerned; (e) disclose another person’s confidential or personal data (“doxxing”); (f) impersonate another person or entity; (g) contain spam, advertising, or links to competing platforms, malware or phishing; or (h) contain obscene language directed at other Users.
Reporting. Any User may report a review or an assistant message that they consider to breach these rules, using the report control shown next to that content in the app. Novela reviews reports without undue delay and may hide the content pending review. Reports are handled confidentially.
Consequences. Where User Content breaches these rules, Novela may, proportionately to the seriousness of the breach and to any repetition: hide or remove the content; issue a warning; temporarily suspend the account’s ability to post reviews or to use the assistant; or, for serious or repeated breaches, close the account. These measures do not affect the User’s statutory rights, and a User may contact Novela at the address in Chapter XIII to contest a measure.
Article 24: Authenticity and Verification
Any authenticated User may post a review, whether or not they purchased the product concerned. For transparency, reviews are labelled distinctly: a review written by a Client who actually purchased the product carries the “Verified Purchase” mark, determined automatically by the system from the orders recorded on that account, while other reviews carry the “Novela User” mark. Novela does not remove reviews on the ground that they are unfavourable.
Once published, a review can no longer be modified or deleted by its author. Novela acts on a review only under the conditions of Article 23.
CHAPTER IX: PROMOTIONS, VOUCHERS, AND CONTESTS
Article 25: Coupons and Discounts
Novela periodically offers discount coupons or vouchers. Each coupon has its own eligibility conditions, which are displayed on the website or communicated via email. Some coupons may not be used in conjunction with other discounts, particularly those exceeding 50%. Furthermore, products offered with very high discounts may be limited to one unit per order; if this limit is exceeded, Novela will adjust the order and refund the difference.
Article 26: Contests and Promotional Campaigns
Contests organized by Novela are announced through the Company's official channels, and the specific rules for each contest are published on the website. These may include the contest period, participation deadlines, the selection process for winners, and the conditions for claiming prizes.
CHAPTER X: FRAUD PREVENTION AND SANCTIONS
Article 27: Integrity and Reporting to Authorities
Novela treats any attempt at fraud, deception, or intentional non-payment with the utmost seriousness and reserves the right to contact the authorities and provide them with all necessary data for a legal investigation. Users engaging in such practices will be subject to blocking and permanent removal from the platform.
Article 28: Restricting Access and Damages
If a Client abuses the system (through fictitious orders, uncollected shipments, unjustified returns, card cloning, or uploading pirated content), Novela reserves the right to restrict the Client's access to certain payment methods or to permanently close their account. The Company may also pursue recovery of any financial or reputational damages incurred.
CHAPTER XI: FUTURE AMENDMENTS AND NOTIFICATIONS
Article 29: Updating the Terms and Conditions
Novela may modify these Terms and Conditions at any time in accordance with legislative requirements or changes in the services provided. The updated version will be published on the website, and it is the responsibility of the Users to stay informed. Continued use of the website constitutes tacit acceptance of the new provisions.
Article 30: Official Notifications
All official communications related to rule violations, account restrictions, fraud, system updates, or other legal matters will be sent by Novela via the contact email provided in the User’s account. The User is responsible for keeping their contact information (email, phone) accurate and up to date.
CHAPTER XII: DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Article 31: Contacting the Company
Any complaint or report may be submitted to the email address reclamatii@novela.ro. Novela’s representatives undertake to respond as quickly as possible, generally within 24 to 72 hours depending on the complexity of the case.
Article 32: Dispute Resolution Procedures
Dispute resolution will first be attempted amicably through discussions and negotiations, taking into account the legitimate interests of both parties. If an amicable agreement cannot be reached, the dispute will be submitted to the competent courts at Novela’s registered office, in accordance with Romanian law.
CHAPTER XIII: CONTACT DETAILS AND FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 33: Contact Details
Novela can be contacted via email at contact@novela.ro or at the office in Timișoara, Strada Petre Cermena no. 1, Corp A1, Timiș County. Working hours and additional details are provided on the website. For issues regarding partnerships or publication requests, Partners may use the same email address or the forms available in their account.
Article 34: Final Provisions
By accepting these Terms and Conditions, the User acknowledges and undertakes the rights and obligations set forth herein. Any discrepancy between these clauses and other information published on the website will be resolved in favor of the official Terms and Conditions. Should any clause be declared null or partially unenforceable, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected. This document is governed by the laws of Romania, and any reference to laws, ordinances, or regulations is made in accordance with the legislation in force as of the date of the most recent update.
CHAPTER XIV: DIGITAL PRODUCTS, THE NOVELA APP, AND CATALOGUE RULES
Article 35: The Novela App and the My Novela Account
In addition to the website www.novela.ro, Novela makes the Novela mobile application available to Clients (hereinafter the "App"). "My Novela account" means the section of the App in which the Client finds the digital products they have purchased. These Terms and Conditions apply in full to the use of the App as well, and the provisions of this chapter supplement the other chapters in everything concerning digital products.
Article 36: Purchase and Delivery of Digital Products
Digital files can be purchased on the website by card payment and are delivered instantly in the App. The same digital files can also be purchased from within the App, using crystals. Regardless of where the purchase is made, digital products are delivered directly to the My Novela account in the App. The rules governing crystals are set out in the Crystals Policy.
Article 37: Use of the App on a Single Device and Transfer to Another Phone
The App cannot be used in parallel on several devices. At any given time, the Client Account may be active in a single installation of the App. Moving to another phone follows the procedure below.
- When signing in on another phone, the User is notified that they must approve the activation of the new device and the blocking of the previous one. Without that approval, the new device is not activated.
- The previous device can be unblocked from the App, through an activation request sent to Novela. Novela examines the request and may approve it or refuse it.
- If the active device is deactivated without the User wanting it, the User may press "Nu am fost eu" ("It was not me"), either in the App or from the notification e-mail. In that case their own device is reactivated and can sign in again, while the other device is marked as fraudulent: the App installed on it is blocked and can no longer sign in with any account.
Article 38: Protection of Digital Files and Fraud Prevention
Digital files are protected by technical measures and cannot be opened on other devices. Any attempt at fraud blocks the App on the phone concerned. Through this measure Novela protects itself against attacks and against the piracy of the content made available by its Partners.
A User whose phone has been blocked may request that it be unblocked, from the App or at the contact address provided for in Article 33. Novela examines the request and, if the examination establishes an intent to defraud, Novela reserves the right not to activate the App again for that User. The measures in this article are technical and apply independently of the sanctions provided for in Article 27 and Article 28.
Article 39: Right of Withdrawal for Digital Products
Digital products are digital content not supplied on a tangible medium, the supply of which begins immediately after payment, by delivery to the My Novela account. When finalising any digital order, both on the website and in the App, the Client ticks a confirmation by which they expressly request that supply begin immediately and acknowledge that, once delivery has begun, they lose their right of withdrawal; without that tick, a digital order cannot be finalised. On the basis of that express confirmation and pursuant to Article 16 letter m) of Emergency Ordinance no. 34/2014, returns of digital products are not accepted, and the right of withdrawal provided for in Article 12 does not apply to such products. The 365-day term provided for in Article 12 concerns physical products.
Article 40: Use of the AI Assistant
Use of the AI assistant made available by Novela is free of charge.
Article 41: Content Intended for Adults (18+)
Products with content not recommended for minors (18+) are displayed on the website and in the App only if the User has given their specific consent for such content to be displayed, from the section of the Client Account provided for in Article 5. If that consent is subsequently deselected, 18+ digital books already purchased are not removed from the My Novela account.
18+ content is displayed on the basis of the User's self-declaration, expressed by enabling the option in the Client Account. Novela does not verify age through identity documents. Responsibility for the accuracy of that declaration lies with the User, and the parent or legal guardian is responsible for a minor's access to their account.
Unauthenticated visitors are treated in all cases as a non-adult audience: 18+ content is not displayed to them and cannot be added to the cart without signing in and without the option enabled.
The rule applies to bundles as well: a bundle containing at least one 18+ book is treated in its entirety as 18+ content — it is not displayed and cannot be purchased by a User who has not enabled adult content, even if the other books in the bundle do not carry that classification.
Article 42: Book Previews and Catalogue Rules
Every book, on the website and in the App, can be previewed free of charge, for a number of pages set by each Partner and displayed on the product concerned. On Novela there is no product sold by two Partners; only books received directly from the holder of the copyright are offered for sale.
Article 43: Validity of the Reading Licence and the Need for Periodic Connection
The purchase of a digital product grants the Client a personal, non-transferable licence to read or listen to that product in the App, on the active device associated with the account. The licence does not transfer copyright and does not confer the right to copy, extract, distribute or make the file available to the public.
For technical content-protection reasons, the licence has a limited validity and is renewed automatically when the App connects to the internet. A licence is ordinarily valid for 7 days from issue or from the last renewal. Within that period the Client may read or listen to the product without an internet connection. After the period expires, the App needs to connect to the internet in order to renew the licence; renewal is automatic and involves no further payment. A brief loss of connection while reading does not interrupt reading.
Novela may change the validity period, with effect for the future, where security reasons require it. Such a change does not affect the Client's right to access products already purchased.
Article 44: Effects of Account Deletion on Digital Products
Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. By deleting the account, the Client permanently loses: the library of purchased digital products and the associated licences, so that previously downloaded files can no longer be opened; any remaining crystal balance, including bonus crystals; and reading progress, bookmarks and preferences.
Digital products and crystals already paid for are not refunded upon account deletion. Deletion is a decision of the Client, taken with express confirmation, and not a termination of the contract attributable to Novela.
For fraud-prevention and content-protection reasons, the records of the devices associated with the deleted account, together with their access logs, are retained — without the account — rather than erased. These records do not prevent the Client from registering or using a new Novela account. Where erasure of such records is requested, the Client may write to the contact address provided in Article 33, and Novela reviews the request in accordance with Article 38.
A Client who wishes to retain access to purchased products should not delete their account. Erasure of personal data under Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 is carried out through the procedure described on the dedicated data deletion page.
Article 45: Recording of Activity on the Platform
In order to operate the service, Novela records the Client's activity on the website and in the mobile application, such as browsing, interactions with products and purchases made. This information is used to operate and secure the service, to personalise recommendations and to produce aggregate, non-identifiable statistical reports made available to publishing partners. While the Client is signed in these events are linked to the Client's account, so that the library, the recommendations and the reading history can work; for visitors who are not signed in a pseudonymised, device-derived value is used instead. The events are not used to build advertising profiles outside the platform and they are not sold to third parties. The processing is described in detail in the Privacy Policy, which also sets out the Client's right to object and the possibility of deleting the account and the associated data at any time.
By using the website www.novela.ro, any person confirms that they have read and fully agree to the provisions of these Terms and Conditions.