MAC Trend Watch: Boxed Sets

In recent weeks, no less than a third of my clients have announced their participation in boxed sets. That caught my attention. Hmmm, what’s up, I wondered? This idle musing was sufficient to convince me I’ve become a publishing trend spotter.

For those not in the know, a boxed set (also referred to as box set) is a collection of stories sold as a package deal. It may include full-length novels or novellas, and the works may be centered around a theme or be part of a series. These collections may include the work of one or several authors.

A quick search on Amazon for “romance box sets” gave me 98 pages of results. There are collections on every theme imaginable, from mafia romances to workplace romances. Sets featuring bad boys and handcuffs, BBW and werewolves, cyber seductions, deputies and mail order brides.

In my opinion, boxed sets are a boon for readers and authors.

Readers perceive boxed sets as offering a better value for the cost, thus upping the likelihood they’ll make the buy. (Who can turn down 10 stories for the price of one?!)

The advantage for authors is derived from the collaboration aspect of such projects. Newer authors teaming up with bestselling authors benefit from established authors’ credibility, achievements and fan base. Having multiple contributors reduces the volume each person must contribute (allowing authors to more quickly move onto another story or project) and (potentially) divvies up the workload. From a promotional perspective, there is a broader social media network to leverage and a wider audience base to market to.

What are your thoughts? Are boxed sets a trend or not? Good, bad or not worth considering?

MAC Trend Watch is a completely subjective analysis of trends in the publishing industry provided for your information and/or amusement by Maria Connor, founder of My Author Concierge, which provides marketing, editorial, technical and administrative support services to authors.