FAQs
General
Can I use more than one discount code?
Only one discount code can be used per order and cannot be combined with other promotions.
How can I contact customer service?
You can contact us via this online form or email us at support@agnesmaelstrom.com and we will get back to you within as soon as possible.
How do I get in touch with Agnès Maelström's management team directly?
To reach out to Agnès' management team directly, please shoot us an email at management@agnesmaelstrom.com and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Please note this email is for booking, collaboration or business Inquiries ONLY.
All other requests (order, info, comment,...) will be automatically forwarded to support@agnesmaelstrom.com
I'd like Agnès to appear on my show, podcast, YouTube channel... How can I contact her?
Please get in touch with Agnès' management team at management@agnesmaelstrom.com and detail the reasons of your inquiry.
Please note this email is for booking, collaboration or business inquiries ONLY.
All other requests (order, info, comment,...) will be automatically forwarded to support@agnesmaelstrom.com
Orders, Shipping & Returns
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and other secure payment methods.
All transactions are processed securely to ensure your information is protected.
Where are you located?
We are an online-based business, and we ship our products from our small, intimate workshop on the outskirts of Toulouse, France.
How much is shipping?
We offer free shipping on all US orders, and a flat rate of $10 for all international orders.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we offer international shipping. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on the destination. Please refer to our shipping policy for more details.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Orders are processed on Monday after 2pm, and on Thursday after 2pm CET time.
Thus, parcels will be dispatched:
- on Tuesday morning for orders placed up to Monday before 2pm CET time,
- on Friday morning for orders placed up to Thursday before 2pm CET time.
Shipping times vary by location, but you can expect to receive your order within 1-3 business days for domestic shipments and 5-10 business days for international shipments.
If offered, custom teas take time, expect processing and shipping to be 10-12 business days.
Contact us for any shipping questions: support@agnesmaelstrom.com
During peak seasons or promotional periods, processing times may vary, but we strive to ship your order as quickly as possible.
Can I track my order?
Yes, once your order has shipped, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number so you can monitor the delivery status of your package.
What is your return policy?
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not happy with your order, you can return it within 14 days after receiving your parcel for a full refund or exchange.
TEA PRODUCTS - Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges for any tea products due to the health and safety considerations. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
SIGNED AND/OR INSCRIBED BOOKS - Any personalization implies that the book in question cannot be returned and refunded.
Please see our refund policy for more details.
Fiction Books
How can I purchase your novels?
Purchasing our novels is easy! Simply browse our dedicated page, select the novels you're interested in, and proceed to checkout.
We accept various payment methods for your convenience.
What genres does your novel cover?
Agnès Maelström's first novel, "Porcelain" (titled "Porcelaine" in its original French version), is somewhere between Stephen King and Tim Burton.
Part psychological horror, part supernatural fiction, part neo-fantastique...
In a word, it's pure Maelström!
Are your novels suitable for all age groups?
When it comes to Agnès Maelström's literature, it's more a question of maturity than age: the subjects dealt with in "Porcelain" are violence, bullying... Subjects with which many children are familiar, and of which they are the daily victims.
Reading “Porcelain” will be very cathartic for them.
"Porcelain" is also a story full of tenderness, with a high vocabulary, which will also appeal to a more adult audience.
If in doubt, feel free to contact Agnès at support@agnesmaelstrom.com and explain the reasons for your doubt; she'll be happy to either clear it up, or point you in the direction of more suitable literature.
Are your books available in digital formats?
Share details about your shipping policies, item returns, or customer service.
Can the book be signed and/or inscribed by Agnès Maelström?
Of course!
Agnès will be delighted to sign and/or inscribe your copies, at no extra charge (obviously!)
To enter the name(s), please use the "Add order notes" section that appears when you add the book to the shopping cart.
If more than one book is purchased, please note for each book whether it
is to be left without any personalization, or signed and/or inscribed, and in the latter case, list the name(s) together with the title of the book.
An example:
"Porcelain" Paperback (EN version): signed+inscribed to Margaux and John
"Porcelain" paperback (EN version): signed
"Porcelain" paperback (EN version): no personalization
Please be careful with the spelling of the name(s) to be written on the title page: Agnès cannot be held responsible for a typo if it comes from
the customer.
Also, note that any personalization implies that the book in question cannot be returned and refunded.
Inscribed vs Signed: What's the difference?
Inscribed books feature a handwritten note signed by the author, generally written for one or more named individuals, and often appearing on the title page.
They often start by the mention "To [name]".
Signed books have an author’s signature without a specific addressee or personal inscription attached.
Fun Fact:
ABAA-member and bookseller Ken Lopez writes "when you buy a signed book
you are purchasing a signature, but when you buy an inscribed book you are getting a story."
I have other questions about your novels. Can I contact you?
It's quite possible, but before doing so, please consult the FAQs following Agnès Maelström's author bio: the answer to your question may (probably) be there...
Vegan Soy Wax Candles
Why choose soy wax over other types of wax to create your vegan and cruelty-free candles?
Soy wax is a renewable resource and burns cleaner than paraffin wax, producing less soot and reducing indoor air pollution. It also has a longer burn time and better scent throw compared to other waxes.
Also, all our candles are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. We do not use any animal-derived ingredients, and our products are not tested on animals.
How do I ensure a clean and even burn?
To ensure a clean and even burn, trim the wick to 1/4 inch (5 mm) before each use. Allow the wax to melt across the entire surface to prevent tunneling.
Avoid burning for more than 4 hours at a time.
What fragrance combinations are available for your candles?
Share details about your shipping policies, item returns, or customer service.
How long do your candles burn?
Our candles are designed to burn longer than traditional paraffin candles. On average, our soy wax candles burn for approximately 30-50 hours, depending on the size.
Are your candle containers reusable?
Yes, we encourage sustainability! Our candle containers are designed to be repurposed. Once your candle has burned down, simply clean out any remaining wax with warm, soapy water; you can use them for storage, planters, or as decorative pieces.
Do you offer custom scents or bulk orders?
Yes, we do offer custom scents and bulk orders for special occasions such as weddings, parties, and corporate events. Please contact us directly at support@agnesmaelstrom.com to discuss your requirements and for pricing details.
Are there any safety tips for burning candles?
As Frankenstein says, "Fire, bad." So, always burn candles within sight and keep them away from flammable objects, children, and pets. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Organic Teas and Infusions
What makes your teas and infusions organic?
Our teas and infusions are certified organic, meaning they are grown and processed without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. We partner with farmers who use sustainable agricultural practices to ensure the highest quality and purity.
Are your teas gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, all our teas and infusions are naturally gluten-free and vegan.
They are made from pure, organic ingredients without any animal products or by-products.
How should I store my teas?
To maintain freshness, store your teas in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Our Victorian box is designed to keep your teas fresh for as long as possible.
Can I buy tea in bulk?
Yes, bulk purchases are available for many of our teas. Please contact us directly for bulk pricing and availability at support@agnesmaelstrom.com.
How do you ensure the quality of your products?
Quality is our top priority. We conduct rigorous testing and quality checks at every stage of production, from sourcing the raw ingredients to the final packaging. Our teas and infusions are also certified by relevant organic certification bodies.
Can I subscribe to receive teas regularly?
Yes, we offer a subscription service where you can receive your favorite teas and infusions on a regular basis. Subscribers enjoy discounts and special offers. Visit our subscription page for more details.
Are there any special care instructions for your teas and infusions?
While our teas and infusions are designed for easy brewing, we recommend following the specific brewing instructions provided on each product’s
packaging to ensure the best flavor and experience.
You will find below the basic rules regarding the temperature of the water to succeed your tea or rooibos.
For the duration of the infusion (with exceptions), a difference will be applied depending on the nature of the tea:
Green Tea: 2 to 3 minutes for a water at 160°F-165°F (70°C-75°C)
Black tea: 4 to 5 minutes for a water at 175°F-195°F (80°C-90°C)
Oolong and Pu Erh tea: 5 to 7 minutes (or several successive
infusions with the same leaves, as practiced in the Chinese ceremony of
Gun Fu Cha) for a water at 200°F (95°C)
White tea: 5 to 8 minutes for a water at 160°F (70°C)
Rooibos and infusions: 4 to 5 minutes for a water at 195°F (90°C)
Tea mixes: take the most fragile of the two.
For example, Green and Black mix: 3 min water at 160°F (70°C)
Bibliotherapy Sessions
What is bibliotherapy?
Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes literature, storytelling, and discussion to support individuals in addressing personal challenges, fostering self-awareness, and promoting emotional well-being.
What can I expect from a bibliotherapy session?
During a bibliotherapy session, we'll explore selected texts together, discussing their relevance to your life experiences and emotions.
Through guided reflection and conversation, we aim to uncover insights, promote understanding, and facilitate personal growth.
How does bibliotherapy work?
Bibliotherapy works by engaging with literature in a purposeful and intentional manner. By identifying with characters, themes, and narratives, clients can gain new perspectives on their own lives and challenges, leading to enhanced self-awareness and emotional resilience.
What types of issues can bibliotherapy address?
Bibliotherapy can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, grief, life transitions, and more. It offers a supportive space for exploring emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a non-judgmental setting.
Do I need to have any prior experience with literature to benefit from bibliotherapy?
No prior experience with literature is necessary to benefit from bibliotherapy. Sessions are tailored to your unique interests, preferences, and experiences, ensuring that you feel comfortable and engaged throughout the process.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed varies depending on individual goals, preferences, and the complexity of the issues being addressed. Some patients may find benefit from just a few sessions, while others may choose to engage in bibliotherapy over a more extended period.
How do I schedule a bibliotherapy session?
Planning a bibliotherapy session couldn't be easier: just click on the "SCHEDULE" button on the Bibliotherapy Session page.
You'll be able to schedule your session time directly, and you'll be asked a number of questions to ensure that the session is as beneficial as possible for you.
You'll then receive the Google Meet link by email.
Additional Questions
Do you offer gift wrapping or personalized messages?
Gift Wrapping:
We understand the importance of presentation, especially when it comes to gifts. That's why we offer professional gift wrapping services for your purchases.
During the checkout process, you'll have the option to select gift wrapping for your item(s). Agnès, who takes charge of the packaging and shipping process, will ensure your gift is beautifully wrapped before being shipped.
Personalized Messages:
Adding a personal touch can make a gift even more special. If you'd like to include a personalized message with your order, simply let us know during checkout. There will be a section where you can write your message, and we'll make sure it's included with your gift.
If you have any specific requests or questions regarding gift wrapping or personalized messages, feel free to reach out to our customer support team at support@agnesmaelstrom.com.
Please note that additional charges may apply for gift-wrapping services if your requests prove complex or too costly for our small business
We're here to help make your shopping experience as delightful as possible!
Can I subscribe to receive regular updates and promotions?
Absolutely! Join our mailing list to receive the latest news, exclusive
promotions, and updates about new products. You can sign up down below.
Referral Program
I've heard of a referral program: it sounds nice, but what is it really?
Hey! Agnès here!
Imagine you have a favorite pizza place, and every time you tell a friend about it, you both get a free slice.
That’s what a referral program does!
Think of a referral program as a fun way to share the love!
When you, as a loyal reader or customer, recommend my products to your friends and family, you both the referrer and the new customer get a sweet reward.
It’s a win-win situation for you and your friends... and for me too, because thanks to you I'm gaining new readers and customers, which is sometimes hard to do for a young author who's still unknown to the general public!
And to thank you for trusting me enough to join my referral program and recommend my products and services to your friends and family, I've put together a whole series of cool perks, discounts, or even freebies just for you!
Really, there's nothing to lose by checking it out right here! 🖤
Secure transactions
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Simple checkout
Our secure checkout is quick and easy to use.
Get in touch
Have questions? Get in touch with us at any time.