At Fiction & Fables, every special edition book box is a labour of love, from selecting the perfect story to adding the final touches on the packaging. Each box is thoughtfully curated, and today, I want to take you behind the scenes to show you the care and creativity that goes into every one of our special edition releases.

Choosing the Perfect Book

The first step is finding a book that stands out—a story with heart, depth, and something a little different. For our latest release, The Winning Ticket by Allison A. Andrews, it was an easy choice. A romance set in Brisbane, featuring a high school crush, a second chance at love, and a little dog, this book had everything I was looking for. But more than that, I make sure to read the book in its entirety before designing anything. I want the scenes and characters to be faithfully represented in the artwork, so the experience feels authentic to the story. Part of my vision when I decided to start creating special edition books, was to aim to support Australian indie authors. While Fiction & Fables will venture outside of Australia for featured authors, I want to showcase the talent and the amazing books that have been written in my own country.

The Design Process

Once I’ve immersed myself in the story, the design phase begins. Creating a naked hardcover that captures the essence of the book is one of my favourite parts of the process. For The Winning Ticket, I worked with a talented artist to create the illustrated cover—one that reflected the warmth and charm of Brianna and Jake’s romance. From there, I added luxurious gold foiling to the cover to give it that extra wow factor.

When it comes to the rest of the design, that’s where I really get hands-on. I design everything from the custom endpapers to the bookmarks and stickers myself. It’s important that every element feels cohesive and adds to the overall theme of the box.

Handmade Extras

One of the things that makes Fiction & Fables special edition boxes unique is that I personally make many of the items included. The bookmarks and stickers that accompany each box aren’t mass-produced—they’re handmade by me, designed to fit seamlessly with the story and offer readers something truly personal and special.

The attention to detail doesn’t stop there. I select each item with care, making sure it complements the reading experience, whether it’s the delicate bookmarks or the fun stickers that fans love to collect.

Partnering with Australian Printers

When it comes to printing the books, I believe in supporting local businesses, so we use an Australian printing company to bring our special editions to life. Working with a local printer ensures that every book meets our high standards for quality, and it allows us to oversee the process more closely.

Sprayed Edges and Chapter Art

Readers love the little surprises we add to each edition. Sprayed edges are a favourite feature, and for The Winning Ticket, I went with a colour that perfectly complements the overall design. Each chapter is marked with its own illustrated artwork, offering a visual treat as readers make their way through the story.

The Final Touches

Once all the elements are ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Every box is hand-packed with care to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. From the book itself to the extra goodies, I take pride in knowing that when readers open their boxes, they’re getting something truly special.

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating an unforgettable experience for book lovers. Whether you’re unboxing your first Fiction & Fables edition or adding to your growing collection, I hope each box brings a little extra joy to your reading life.