The boom of special edition books

For some people, books are more than just for reading – they’re collector’s items. While certain books have always been sought after – whether because they’re signed, antiques or especially rare – in recent years there’s been an increase in special editions hitting the market. These special editions are sought after by professional collectors and casual readers alike, largely thanks to their aesthetic value.

At Everywhen, we understand the time and effort taken to build collections. In this article, we look at how the popularity of special edition books has risen over the past few years and what makes a particular book special.

There aren’t any set rules on what makes a special edition book, and the answer can be entirely subjective. But there are a few features that tend to be common to these printings, and a special edition may include some or all the following:

Limited hardcover edition

Signed by the author

Sprayed, stencilled, gilded or digitally printed edges

Exclusive cover art

Foiled designs on the boards

Slipcases

Numbered or lettered edition

Bonus content, e.g., an extra short story or annotations by the author¹

Some retailers that sell special editions, such as the independent bookstore Goldsboro Books, also focus on first print runs.

Prices of special edition books can vary widely, depending on the publisher, retailer and exclusivity of the edition. While many special edition books are sold at the same retail price as standard editions (but aren’t reprinted once sold out), there are some that cost a lot more. And of course, the popularity of certain special edition books may mean that they sell for a lot more on the second-hand market, even if they didn’t cost much from the initial retailer.

Other factors may increase the value of a special edition book – for example, if the book is made into a TV show or film, a book is later signed by the author, or the book is part of a series that has matching numbered or lettered editions. Often, collectors will look for sets of books with matching numbers or letters.

In the last decade or so, there has been an increase in the number of people in the UK subscribing to a box or service, and it continues to rise. Book boxes are just one type – in a survey of UK consumers who use paid subscriptions, nearly 20% of them had a book box subscription.²

While some subscription boxes offer standard editions of novels, many boxes produce their own special editions which can’t be found in shops. Companies like FairyLoot and Illumicrate produce special editions in tangent with publishers and distribute them exclusively through monthly book boxes which are sent out to customers worldwide.

These editions are capped in number, with many book box companies offering wait lists to join their subscriptions. Some publishers have also started running their own special edition subscription service, cutting out the middleman and selling their exclusive books directly to consumers – for example, HarperCollins and their Locked Library subscription.³

While reading may be seen as a solitary activity, the special edition book collecting community is anything but. The aesthetic quality of special editions makes them the perfect subject for photos and video. Readers show off their bookshelves and collections on Instagram and TikTok, with the hashtags #Bookstagram and #BookTok racking up millions of posts and views. Trading and selling also takes place across platforms such as Facebook, eBay and Vinted.

Publishers and book box companies are also keen to be part of the community, with many promoting their special editions heavily through social media, both on their own accounts and by using representatives who offer discount codes or other promotions. FairyLoot, for example, has managed to grow their Instagram following to over half a million, outnumbering those of any other book retailer on the platform aside from Barnes & Noble and Book of the Month⁴. The company also hosts readalongs and Q&As with featured authors, encouraging engagement across their profiles and helping to foster a sense of community among readers.

After spending money and time collecting your special editions, you’ll want to make sure that they’re as safe as possible. Books better hold their value when they’re in tip-top condition, and so you can take a few steps to reduce the risk of damage to them:

Keep them out of direct sunlight: The sun can bleach the printed colours on books, making their brightness fade.

Keep them in a room with low humidity: Books kept in a high-humidity environment can produce the perfect environment for mould – you can help to dry out the air by using a dehumidifier near your books.

Check routinely for mould or bookworm:  If you catch it early, you can stop it spreading to other books.

Keep them out of reach of pets or children: Placing them on a high shelf out of the reach of small hands or paws can help to protect them from damage.

Consider taking out collectors’ insurance: If you have a big collection, or you own especially rare books, they may not be completely covered by a standard home insurance policy. Make sure to check your policy limits. For valuable collections, insurers will often require professional valuations, an inventory with photographs, and proof of appropriate security and storage arrangements. Common exclusions may include wear and tear, meaning that taking out collector's insurance may not cover losses arising from gradual deterioration. This can include wear and tear, fading, foxing, mould, pest damage, or damage resulting from poor storage conditions or a lack of reasonable care.

Sources:

1.  https://goldsborobooks.com/blogs/news/what-is-a-special-edition-book srsltid=AfmBOoo4tjLl4aof2AiUrq_Sho4ME_39YYEjjST2OvK3eZczBbiw4pan

2. https://www.whistlparcels.co.uk/resources/news/latest-trends-in-consumer-use-of-subscription-boxes

3. https://www.thelockedlibrary.com/pages/faq

4. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/international-book-news/article/95273-fairyloot-s-fantasy-book-boxes-cast-a-spell-over-readers.html

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice and cannot be relied upon as such. Should you have any queries, we recommend that you consult the appropriate professional adviser. The links provided in this document are for reference only. Please note that we are not responsible for the content of any linked site.