Book Subscription Services: Magic, Publishing, and the Future of Literature

The allure of book subscription services lies in their ability to provide a curated selection of books to customers, often with exclusive perks such as special cover designs and art. These services have gained immense popularity, with many bookshops and publishers exploring ways to capitalize on their success. Some book subscription services have taken it a step further by deciding to publish their own books. FairyLoot, a UK-based subscription service, has partnered with Transworld, a division of Penguin Random House, to publish a new range of titles. Similarly, OwlCrate, a Canadian subscription service, has launched its own publishing arm, OwlCrate Press. This move has raised questions about the role of publishing in the book subscription industry. While some see it as a way to address issues in the traditional publishing industry, others argue that it blurs the line between curation and publishing. “Book boxes and book subscription services are hugely valuable to publishers,” says Jon Petre, an editor at Profile Books. “Books can get a significant guaranteed sale on publication day through them … A big order of instant sales can land an author straight on the bestseller list. Even if it’s just for a week, the author will be Sunday Times-bestselling for the rest of their career.” Petre explains that these services provide a significant boost to authors, especially debut authors, who can benefit from the guaranteed sales. However, not everyone is convinced that publishing their own books is the right move. Hariny Vanniarajan, a subscriber to Illumicrate, a subscription service that delivers handpicked books, believes that the books she receives in the box are representative of marginalized voices that are often overlooked in mainstream publishing. She enjoys the variety of authors and cultures she discovers through Illumicrate, which she might not have encountered otherwise. Elizabeth and Helen, sisters who co-write fantasy novels, including the Sunday Times bestseller Bonded by Thorns, have had an incredible boost to their career through their partnership with FairyLoot. They attribute their success to the fanbase they’ve cultivated in the UK specifically through editions sold by FairyLoot. The benefits of publishing one’s own books through a subscription service are clear. Petre explains that in a market where customers are spending less on books, a guaranteed sale can be the difference between making a loss or breaking even for a debut author. Moreover, book ownership is declining, making subscription services an attractive alternative for those who still want to own a physical book. However, some argue that this move could dilute the magic of a subscription service. While it’s true that publishing one’s own books can provide a sense of control and exclusivity, it’s also possible that it could compromise the integrity of the service. As Vanniarajan notes, if Illumicrate were to start publishing its own books, it might not necessarily lose its integrity, given its existing reputation and understanding of its audience. The decision to publish one’s own books through a subscription service is a complex one. While it provides benefits, it also raises questions about the role of publishing in the book subscription industry. Ultimately, the success of such a move will depend on how well the service can balance its curation and publishing endeavors. **Publishing Opportunities and Challenges**
Publishing through a subscription service can provide numerous benefits for authors, including:
• A guaranteed sale on publication day, which can lead to bestseller lists and increased visibility
• Access to a dedicated audience, which can help build a fanbase and increase sales
• The opportunity to work with a team of editors and curators who can help refine and polish the manuscript
• The chance to create exclusive editions and special content that can enhance the reader’s experience
However, there are also challenges to consider:
• The risk of losing the integrity of the service by publishing one’s own books
• The potential for monopolies and exclusivity, which can limit the availability of books to readers
• The need to balance the curation and publishing efforts to ensure that the service remains true to its original mission
**The Future of Literature**
The decision to publish one’s own books through a subscription service marks a significant shift in the publishing industry. If you’re looking for expert recommendations to bolster and surprise your library, consider supporting a local bookshop’s services instead.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for authors to get their work out there and reach a wider audience.