At every book event lately, I’ve been seeing it—gorgeous special editions flying off tables. Think sprayed edges, foil, bonus art... and readers love them. Even if they don’t plan to read the book right away (guilty!), they still want it on their shelf.

In this episode, I’m joined by Fiona—who also writes as Amelia Shaw—an indie author who’s been ahead of the special edition trend for years. We’re pulling back the curtain on how you can create collector-worthy books that delight readers and grow your income.

✨ We cover:

• What’s actually selling when it comes to special editions (not just hardcovers!)

• Where to source beautiful upgrades without blowing your budget

• Smart strategies for pricing, packaging, and shipping

• How Fiona used special editions to grow a loyal fanbase—and her revenue

• Why this trend is more than a fad (and how to future-proof your author business)
  
  

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your book as a collector’s item, this episode is your permission slip to go all in.

keywords

writing, special editions, indie authors, book design, Kickstarter, publishing, cover art, reader engagement, book aesthetics, marketing

summary

n this episode, Sarah and Fiona discuss the evolving landscape of book publishing, particularly focusing on the trend of special editions. They explore the reasons behind the popularity of these editions, the creative processes involved in their production, and the financial implications for indie authors. The conversation delves into sourcing, design, and marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics in modern book culture. Fiona shares her experiences with Kickstarter campaigns and the potential for special editions to serve as a lucrative income stream for authors.

takeaways

• Books are now visual artifacts, reflecting our identities.

• Indie authors can leverage special editions to stand out.

• Creating special editions involves sourcing unique materials.

• Readers often buy special editions as trophies, not just for reading.

• Kickstarter can be an effective way to fund special editions.

• Cover design and formatting are crucial for special editions.

• Character art adds value to special editions.

• Internal formatting can enhance the reading experience.

• Selling special editions directly can increase profits.

• The market for special editions is growing, offering new opportunities for authors.

titles

• Unlocking the Secrets of Special Editions

• The Art of Creating Stunning Book Editions

Sound Bites

• "Books are now visual artifacts."

• "I love my special edition."

• "I want all the special editions."

Chapters

00:00Welcome to the Writing Journey

02:36The Rise of Special Editions

05:09Understanding Pen Names and Genres

07:45The Allure of Aesthetic Books

10:14Creating Special Editions: The Process

12:52Cover Design and Formatting Essentials

15:23Kickstarter and Funding Special Editions

18:08Collaborating with Artists and Designers

20:45Selling Special Editions: Strategies and Insights

23:37Navigating Traditional Publishing and Amazon

26:11Conclusion and Future Opportunities