Beyond the Blurb | Why I Don’t Enjoy Exclusive Edition Books or Boxes Anymore

Morning, bloggers!

When I first started blogging, I loved exclusive edition boxes and books. But lately, more book subscription companies are lumping in too many boxes and book sets. And I am losing the appeal of them. I can’t be the only reader who hates them now, right? Right? Ahem.

So let me give you some history so you know what I’m talking about. In a matter of a month or so, book subscription companies have been fairly busy, have you noticed? Fairyloot currently offers exclusive editions of Girls of Storm and Shadow, Into the Crooked Place, and a Caraval book set. Additionally, it worked with Holly Black for its Queen of Nothing collector’s edition box with a new set of the Folk of Air books. And the company had to push back the release of the Caraval set because numerous followers complained about the number of exclusive editions and the timing of their release dates.

Illumicrate presents its own Folk of Air collector’s edition. Yes, new editions of the previous books with new covers. Shelflove Crate is also selling The Land of Faerie, a getaway box that will feature Holly’s work across multiple series. So not necessarily Folk of Air, but you get what I mean. And Owlcrate will also do another Folk of Air box to complete the series. And now, Barnes & Noble is re-releasing previous copies of the same series because breaking the bank, and showing how entitled Western readers are, is the newest book trend.

I don’t mind variety and choice. But I also know how difficult it is for some buyers who have no self-control whatsoever, who don’t know what to pick, or who can’t afford any collector’s box and feel horrible about it. What I want to discuss is how all of these boxes are in fact causing a negative effect on our community. As a reader, I wish collector’s editions were handled better. Here’s why:

Collector’s Editions Lose Appeal after Awhile

Don’t get me wrong. Being a rep would be nice. But the appeal is somewhat gone though. This month has completely destroyed the whole thrill of looking forward to collector boxes. I’m not happy to choose which one is the best for my budget. Too many options, I find, doesn’t help readers. Actually, it may cause more frustration, and they and you won’t know what to pick.

 

They Create an Obsession for All Editions when You Don’t Need Them

Why do you think you need all the editions? You don’t. I don’t see the point in having five different editions of the same book with nothing new inside, except the new cover. Get over yourself. Please redirect your privilege to Instagram. Even if these editions offered new content, is it worth the extra expense when you could spend that money on rent, savings, or other books? Hell no. Stop with this consumerism obsession because it isn’t pretty, readers. Now, book subscription companies, slow down the limited edition boxes, please. You’re creativing a toxic situation.

 

They Produce Rifts in Our Book Community

Don’t believe me? Why don’t you talk with an international reader who cannot afford any of these boxes, then you’ll realize. Conversion rates, shipping rates, and limited quantities all prevent international readers, including me, from buying them. And I know I’ll see more international buyers talk about their concerns and anger. And I don’t blame them at all. The only two boxes available to me are Owlcrate and Shelflove Crate. Now the international companies may give some of these buyers more options, but not much though. Shipping will still be expensive.

 

They’re Released All at Once, Which Causes Bad Timing for Buyers

I understand why these companies are now releasing details on their boxes. Yes, Queen of Nothing is coming out in November. But they could have sent out the information a few months ago or in October, not in August when other companies are doing the same. I’m not sure. But I do know other buyers are worried because the release dates are coming up, and they’re too close together, meaning people will need to prioritize the boxes they do purchase over the ones they were hoping for.

 

They Cause a Quantity Issue

Quantity issues are always a problem for Owlcrate, Illumicrate, Shelflove Crate, and Fairyloot. More buyers are demanding more stock, and the publishers and book subscription companies cannot keep up. Now, we see more demand on the buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook and other social media platforms. So that $20 book may be $50, $75, $100, or $200 plus. And I see people shelling out the money for that limited edition copy. And honestly, this demand will only get worse.

I want to say I love these boxes. I have enjoyed them in the past. If they come out, then so be it. I may buy one or two, but I’d rather buy more book porn—I mean, reverse harem—at least I’ll get some benefit from the book.

What do you think about the recent collector’s editions announcements? Do you plan to buy any of these boxes? Are you damn sick of them or what? Let me know in the comments section!