FAQ
Frequently asked questions — Onceling
Quick answers about how Onceling works, what you pay for, and what happens to your data.
- Is Onceling a subscription service?
- No. Onceling uses simple per-book pricing with no subscription. You pay when you unlock a full book or add optional extras.
- How much does a personalized book cost?
- Standard digital and hardcover prices are shown on the pricing page in your selected currency. Prices are calculated from each story's book size, page count, and cast, so some books cost more than others; the exact price always appears before checkout.
- What is included for free?
- Every account gets 2 free story previews each calendar month, plus a one-time allowance of 5 free generations for retries, extra preview pages, and edits (not renewed monthly). Loyal customers also earn reusable preview credits every 10th book. The preview milestone — cover illustration plus readable story text — is always free within that monthly allowance.
- Can I order a printed hardcover?
- Yes. Printed hardcovers are produced on demand and shipped to your door. If you already purchased the digital edition, that amount is credited toward the hardcover price.
- Are colouring books available?
- Yes, as an optional add-on. A digital colouring book turns your illustrations into printable colouring pages; a printed colouring edition can also be ordered.
- Can I create my own story templates?
- Yes. Creators can write and publish their own story templates on Onceling and earn when others personalize them. Creator stories appear alongside Onceling's platform templates in the gallery.
- How long does generation take?
- Generation time depends on story length and current demand. Progress is shown on your project page. You receive an email when the preview or full book is ready.
- Can I gift a book to someone else?
- Yes. After purchase you can create a gift link — an unlisted URL so the recipient can read the digital book online without signing in. It's not searchable on Onceling, and you can revoke it any time. Printed books ship to whatever address you enter at checkout.
- What are the printed books like?
- Our printed books are premium hardcovers with a full-colour interior on 80# coated white paper. The casewrap binding prints the illustration directly onto the cover board (no dust jacket), and you can choose from several trim sizes, including square 8.5 in and 7.5 in, US Letter, and A4 in portrait or landscape.
- Which countries do you ship printed books to?
- We ship printed books to 19 countries across North America, Europe and Oceania — including the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and much of Western and Northern Europe. The destination is confirmed at checkout.
- How long does delivery take?
- Every book is printed on demand, so delivery typically takes about 14–21 days depending on your destination. This is an estimate rather than a guarantee, and you'll receive tracking once your order has shipped.