2025 NB Retreat

Terms & Conditions

(Governing law — State of California; venue — Riverside County, CA)

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1 DEFINITIONS

“Company” means Novel Bitches LLC, a California limited-liability company (Mailing Addr.: 25282 Via Pera, Murrieta, CA 92563; info@novelbitches.com).

“Retreat” means the literary-themed group stay scheduled for 15 – 19 October 2025 at a private residence in Garden City, Utah.

“Participant / you” means the person who completes the online checkout and electronically accepts these Terms.

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2 PRICING & DEPOSIT

2.1 Price Components. Your total price (“Retreat Fee”) = bed-class price + $25 service fee.  Utah sales and lodging taxes are included unless stated otherwise.  Airfare is never sold by Company.

2.2 Deposit as Liquidated Damages. To reserve a bed, you must pay a $200 deposit at checkout.  The parties agree this amount is a reasonable pre-estimate of the administrative and marketing costs Company will incur if you cancel; therefore it constitutes liquidated damages under Cal. Civ. Code § 1671(b) and is non-refundable.

2.3 Balance & Payment Schedule. The remainder is split into four equal installments due 1 June, 1 July, 1 August, and 1 September 2025.  A five-day grace period applies.

2.4 Late or Failed Payments. If any installment remains unpaid seven (7) days after its due date, Company may (a) add a late fee of the lesser of 10% of the installment or $10 (Cal. Civ. Code § 1671(d)); and/or (b) cancel your reservation and retain non-refundable amounts.  Company will give written notice by e-mail before cancellation.

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3 CANCELLATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS

3.1 Your Cancellation.

Written notice received	Refund of amounts paid*
On or before 15 Jul 2025 (90+ days pre-retreat)	40 % of payments after deposit
16 Jul 2025 – 14 Aug 2025 (60-89 days pre-retreat)	20 % of payments after deposit
15 Aug – 14 Sep 2025 (31–59 days pre-retreat)	10 % of payments after deposit
15 Sep 2025 or later (≤ 30 days pre-retreat)	0 %

* Deposit always retained as liquidated damages (§ 2.2).

3.2 Company Cancellation / Force Majeure. If Company must cancel the Retreat because of events beyond its reasonable control (e.g., natural disaster, government order, pandemic, property owner withdrawal), Company’s sole liability is to refund all monies you have paid; it is not liable for airfare, visas, childcare, or other incidental costs.

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4 TRAVEL & SHUTTLE DISCLOSURE

4.1 Air and ground travel to Garden City, UT are not included. Company will operate one free round-trip shuttle between Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and the venue at times it designates. Travel outside those times is your responsibility.

4.2 Seller-of-Travel Statement. Novel Bitches LLC is not a Seller of Travel under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17550 because transportation offered is incidental to a short-term educational retreat as described in § 17550.16(c); the Company does not arrange or sell air transport.

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5 ASSUMPTION OF RISK & RELEASE

5.1 You understand that travel, lodging, and retreat activities carry inherent risks including illness, personal injury, property loss, and death.  You voluntarily assume all such risks.

5.2 You release and forever discharge Company, its owners, and agents from all claims except those arising from Company’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

5.3 California Civil Code § 1542 Waiver. You expressly waive the protections of § 1542, which states: “A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist…”

5.4 Indemnity. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Company from any third-party claims arising out of your acts or omissions.

5.5 Insurance. You are responsible for obtaining adequate medical and travel insurance.

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6 ACCESSIBILITY & NON-DISCRIMINATION

Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act. We do not discriminate on any protected basis and will make reasonable accommodations when requested in writing at least 30 days prior to arrival.

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7 GOVERNING LAW; DISPUTE RESOLUTION

7.1 These Terms are governed by California law without regard to conflict-of-law rules.

7.2 The parties will first attempt informal resolution. If unresolved, either party may submit the dispute to mediation in Riverside County, CA. Litigation may proceed only after mediation, except either party may use California small-claims court.  Each side bears its own attorneys’ fees unless a statute provides otherwise.

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8 MISCELLANEOUS

• Electronic Signature. By completing the check process, you adopt an electronic signature and consent to receive these Terms electronically (15 U.S.C. §§ 7001 et seq.).
• Notices must be sent to the e-mail and mailing address at the top of these Terms and are deemed received when delivered.
• Severability. If any clause is held unenforceable, the remainder remains in force.
• Entire Agreement. These Terms supersede all prior oral or written agreements relating to the Retreat.

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9 ACCEPTANCE

I have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.