In recent years we’ve seen a huge uptick in the sales of boxed sets for books, especially eBooks. I’ve been part of half a dozen MABS—that’s multi-author box sets—over the last few years myself, and as a reader I love those because I can get to sample new-to-me names. But today, I’m talking about single author boxed sets. You may have heard the term omnibus edition to describe them.
There’s the series boxed set, like mine launching March 9, which is an entire series bundled up together in one file for a slightly discounted purchase price. Some authors prefer to box up a longer series into 2-3 smaller sets (i.e. books 1-3 separately from 4-6, and so forth).
I love series boxed sets, personally. It’s nice to have a complete collection knowing I haven’t missed one of the books in the series. And, you know, sometimes we’re waiting months or even years for an author to add a new book, so getting the complete series all at once eliminates that painful angst of waiting between books or *gasp* forgetting what happened previously.
Then there’s one trend I’ve been seeing recently in which a prolific author takes series starters (books 1) from multiple series and putting them together. Or they build a set around a certain theme or trope, regardless of series (beach, snow, holiday, career field, etc.). In my forays as a reader, I’ve discovered a few pros and cons to these different kinds of sets.
Pros: Getting to sample a variety of an author’s work, enjoying a common theme while exploring new characters, usually some form of discounted price and/or bonus material
Cons: Sometimes you’ve already read one of the books in the set, can be confusing
What say you? I’d love to hear your pros/cons to boxed sets from a single author. Do you usually buy them (and if so, what went into your decision)? What kind of boxes appeal to you most?
All commenters will be entered into a drawing for one eBook edition of my upcoming Everyday Love series boxed set, complete with bonus materials. Winner will be chosen at random by the end of this week.
Be sure to check out some of these boxed sets from our other awesome InspyRomance authors:
- Elizabeth Maddrey’s Operation Romance: Books 1-4, available in eBook
- The Riverbend Romances by Valerie Comer, containing 5 novellas and also comes in a paperback edition
- Andrea Boyd’s 3-book Walden Beach series
- 6 small-town romances from Mandi Blake in her Unfailing Love complete series
- One of my favorite families of brothers, The Spark Brothers by Liwen Y. Ho
- Toni Shiloh’s Freedom Lake series (though I am anxiously awaiting Maple Run in a box!)
- Vacation Sweethearts: Books 1-3 by Jan Thompson
I did have one more question for you before I sign off and make myself another pot of coffee before settling in to write. What kinds of things do you like to see in a series boxed set? Do you expect just the books themselves, or are you interested in exclusive bonus material? Timelines? Recipes? Sneak previews of related books? The story-behind-the-story? Something else? I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on what makes a box extra special.
Be sure to comment so you’ll be entered in that giveaway I mentioned!
Until next time,
Lover of Jesus, family, books, coffee, music, and crafting (in that order), Jaycee Weaver is perpetually pursuing at least one of her passions. She writes contemporary Christian romance stories featuring realistic characters in everyday situations where God is at work in big ways. She appreciates books where the characters face shortcomings, temptations, and adversity but always get their happy ending, so that’s what she writes.
I have a few print box sets. they were one author and the first few in a series I know that more came in boxsets but I had bought them as they came out. I actually ordered a couple sets once from the local bookshop as there was a huge sale on them only the manager never got around to ordering them so I missed out.
I have bought boxsets with multi authors and have enjoyed them. they are much better when there is a theme connecting them. Like a town or a family or something that may include other characters from other books. I much prefer a connection to a set with books that have a common premise but no connection. I also don’t like the where the same book or books are in the same book sets.
Book sets by a single author can be good too if I haven’t already read one of the books because you have the books in one place and are often cheaper to buy a box set. Box sets often have a little extra like either a short story to set up the series or a epilogue just for the box set. I think timelines are important if books go over generations or showing how things are connected. I also love if its set on a town when there is a map of the town to give an idea of where things are.
I’ve actually never read a box set. Thank you kindly.
I like buying box sets if all of the books are in the same series. It’s easier because all of the books are right there. Sometimes I buy a boxed set that is by a theme and each book is written by a different author. I have discovered some new authors that way which is fun.
I love boxsets, I like big boxsets but I make sure I haven’t read most of the books before I buy the box
I think boxed sets are a good idea. I would be more interested in a whole series together rather than several books around a trope by the same author. A preview of an upcoming book is a nice perk in a boxed set, or any book!
I usually enjoy boxed sets from a single author when they:
1. Help me catch up (i.e. I don’t have most or all of the books)
2. Offer a nice price discount (I very often buy via Bookbub listings)
I don’t think I have come across any ebook box sets that have any “extras”. With movies, I always like the “making of” extras so background material for a series would interest me. Maps, family trees, cast of characters, all are nice to see. I eat WAY more than I actually cook and I have cook books (paper and ebook) to last me ’til I’m in the grave so recipes aren’t much of a draw. I have been surprised, though, so I’m not against them.
And then, of course, there are the classics like The Chronicles of Narnia. I have those in paper (multiple copies) and still got the ebook set.
Executive summary: omnibus editions – in favor; extras – nice, but I’m still waiting.
I love boxed sets! I will admit that my least favorite type of boxed set is the one that contains the first book of multiple series, because then (if I really like book one) I’ve got to buy the others in the series. I prefer that it be like a series like Mandi’s, or even a multi-author series, but all connected somehow, whether a wedding dress story, a location, whatever. I don’t really care for “extras” in the box set, though I do like to know about other books coming out.
I like box sets and series because these tend to be longer(i am a fast reader) and often allow you to read about more of the characters or the next in a series. My favourite is a series set because i can continue without having to look or wait for the next book. I also like multi author box sets but i am disappointed when i buy a book that i have already read in a box set
I appreciate your well-thought out reply! Spot on with every point. When I was younger, my favorite boxed set was Anne of Green Gables. I loved the maps of Avonlea!
No time like the present, Kelley! Lol! Thanks for stopping by.
It is fun! I’ve seen a number of those recently from different publishers.
Good idea! One of my daughters only reads paper, so she loves boxed sets because they’re all the same size for her shelf. 😆
That is a nice perk! I know some people don’t like previews, but I love them. Then again, I’m a weirdo who also likes spoilers. 😆
Haha! Great points, Lincoln. I’ve gotten a lot of extras in eBooks. In the rare paper box I’ve purchased/received as gifts, sometimes it’s nil but on rare occasion an exclusive novella. I love novélala, so I’m all about that!
Excellent points. Maybe that’s why they do the first-in-series ones—to lure us in like sucker fish! 😆
Oh yes! That can be so frustrating! I’ve us three happen with several on Kindle Unlimited recently, which is what got me pondering this post!
I Love the boxsets if they are in Print as I love reading and if they are a series then I get to find out what is happening in the story Blessings To You Today!
I always love hearing the story behind the story.
I love boxed sets so I can read the series all at once!
I’ve read a few boxed sets, but I don’t really have an opinion on them. I just enjoy reading books. :D
I haven’t read any box sets yet, but that’s mostly due to the fact that I don’t yet have an e-reader to read e-books. In fact, most box sets are e-books, which I sometimes find a pity. I like getting exclusive bonus material with box sets. I find the story behind the story very interesting to read. Sneak peeks and timelines are also very fun. Thank you for this post!
I love box sets, it is always nice to see an added mini story but I don’t really expect it. I just like having all of the books in one place.
I love boxed sets of the same series because I like to binge read (not much of a binge TV watcher).
I have not bought any that are series starter sets. That would frustrate and confuse me, I think.
As for what’s in the set, just give me the books. I never read the excerpts, because I would want to keep reading and the book probably hasn’t been released yet.
I love box sets by a single author if:
– they’re in a series that needs to be read in order
– they’re in a series of connected characters (such as the Unforgettable Love series by my friend Patty H. Scott)
– or they’re connected in a very obvious way, like setting or trope (all the marriages of convenience, for example)
I have never actually seen a boxed set by one author collecting all their books about “beach, snow, holiday, career field.” That sounds a little strange to me, actually. I can see and have bought several MABS connected through those things, and I love to see how they’re all connected and get to know new authors that way, too. But single authors? Seems a little contrived.
I’ve read and enjoyed many boxed sets but never by just one author. I think it’s a great idea because then you get ALL the books in a series in one place. You don’t have to go hunting the books down, and I don’t even mind if it’s split up into two or three different sets.
Pros to a multi-author boxed set; you get to discover new-to-you writers, you get a variety of stories, you get a ton of different books, and usually the price is good.
Cons are definitely what you’ve listed already. I’ve found that one or more stories I have already read and it’s a bit of a let-down.
I’ve found the pros far outweigh the cons though :-) I also like the extra content an author includes; sneak peeks to related books, the story-behind-the-story (those are especially fun), and recipes that may appear in the book or a favorite one of the characters. I have even made recipes mentioned in the book and found some favorite ones!
Now I need to check out these boxed sets you’ve mentioned in your post Jaycee!
I think boxsets are nice , especially because the books are at your fingertips, I really like them. Have a Great rest of the week and stay safe.
I agree with your points about boxed sets too. I enjoy them because I get to sample several different authors that are new to me, but I don’t usually by them unless I have read and liked at least one or two of the authors in the collection. I enjoy it when the collections follow the same theme, like Once Upon a Christmas.
As far as the cons, I think my main complaint would be sometimes the collections feature too many books and if I run into a couple stories in it that don’t appeal to me that can keep me from wanting to finish the collection. The other con is if I already have one or two of the stories that are in the collection but can’t get the ones I dont have outside of the collection. It can be frustrating to have multiple copies of the same books when you really only want a couple specific stories.
I haven’t really bought any that came with extras, except for one set where they sent me a couple free e-books because I pre-ordered. I do enjoy hearing behind the scenes stuff and having sneak peeks at upcoming stories though. Thanks for the chance to win!
Very true! Thanks for commenting. :)
Me too!
Great point, Paula!
Ha ha! Yes, give me all the books!
And thank you for commenting your perspective! Have a great day. :)
It is nice having things organized in one place, even electronically.
Three cheers for binge reading! LOL!
It’s actually growing more common. I’ve seen a number of them from Jennifer Youngblood and a few other authors who have a large backlist. I still haven’t decided how I feel about them. Some have been better than others, and I generally don’t mind since I usually read through Kindle Unlimited versus purchasing. I’d probably be annoyed if I bought a set like that if it included a book I already owned elsewhere!
Yay! I always love to share more books with readers. :)
You too, Alicia! Thanks for stopping by. :)
Thank you for your insightful comments! Excellent points, especially about the really large boxed sets. I too find it frustrating when a few of the stories aren’t as good or well-edited, but I’ll generally skip past them to the next so I can enjoy the others!
I enjoy boxed sets. I’ve really enjoyed the Crossroads sets that you have been a part of. I am always happy to have bonus material in addition to the books. Some boxed sets have authors of different skill levels so some books are better than others and I might not finish a particular book because it’s just not as good as I would like it to be.
Boxed sets (except book 1 for a range of series) are great. I don’t expect extras, though often there is a sample of another book by the author. I have trouble with my memory so being able to read the complete series is wonderful because *gasp* absolutely I will forget the first books and have to reread them before the next one.
I’m good with box sets as long as the stories can be read as a stand alone. I tend to read them out of order lol
The only boxed set I have ever read is LOTR. If I had a complete boxed set, I might just get throught it but, probably not. If I did, I would have to read otherthings in between. I need to switch genres so I don’t get bored.
The only con that I have with box sets is that they are usually only on Kindle. I am a person who enjoys holding a book in my hands either paperback or hardback. The pros are that you a reader can get more than one book at a lower cost. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.
Boxed sets are nice because they usually have books related by theme or series and it’s a special bundle.
That does happen from time to time. What about sets from a single author?
I’m the same way. I read too many books to keep them all straight until I pick one up and have to ask a dozen times, “haven’t I read this before?”
I strongly prefer series that can be read standalone. I love to get lost in an author’s world, but I want to follow different characters through it. I can’t do sagas anymore. Curse of a short attention span and too many demands on it, I think! ha ha!
Fair enough! To each her own, I say!
Bless you too! It is rather unfortunate for paper book readers that sets are harder to come by.
I love a good book bargain, don’t you?
I love boxsets because you get the full series of the books & enjoy the stories together instead of having to wait for new books.
I have only bought a couple of box sets, and only as print books.
Generally I want to know that I like other books by the author.
It’s frustrating if you have previously bought the first book in the series and then the rest are only available in a box set.
On the other hand, at least if you are buying a boxed set you know you are getting the whole series.
I only read print books, so having books only available in e-book format means I miss out on some great books by favourite authors.
The most annoying are the series where there is an e-book novella in between print books, so when you get back to the series you feel like you’ve missed something in the story
I actually like boxed sets. I tend to have the need to complete things so if I get one book in the series I need to get them all. Boxed sets are more economical for me.
Yea for boxsets of a whole series (if possible). I’m not really into themed boxsets, but I’ve seen some themes that made me consider buying them (usually ones that feature tropes I like). Nay for boxsets of first in series because I get hooked fast and I’d find myself wanting the next one in the series, lol. And while I’ve seen authors add an extended epilogue to some of their series boxsets, I much prefer for any kind of extra content to go either at the end of each book (recipes) or as perks for subscribing to an NL.
I generally enjoy multi author box sets quite a lot, but the Omni style box sets sometimes overwhelm me. I borrow and read from KU and seeing a read time of 11-16 hours can be daunting when I know I’ll be reading in small snatches of time in between all my homeschooling/mom/wife daily tasks. I haven’t read a box set that includes books from various series, but that’s mainly because the authors I know who’ve done this have included books I’ve already read and I don’t tend to reread books. I’m not usually tempted to read new to me authors this way either because I prefer reading a full series before starting a new one.
I agree with Debra boxsets are so nice but as I only do print books then a lot of boxsets just come in Kindle Have a great day!
You are so right, Amy!
YES! The frustrations you’ve noted are definitely annoying.
I completely agree, Catrina!
LOL Excellent points on all counts, Priscila!
I totally understand being overwhelmed! I usually stick to novellas and short novels for just that reason!! I love the feeling of finishing a book in a day or two. If it takes me longer than a week, I’m like UGH! Get done with it already! HAHA!
Bummer! It is difficult. I made the transition from paper to ebook several years ago after swearing I never would. Those words sure were tasty though, and I have no regrets. LOL!