Stalk the Stores

There are a few stores that regularly release produce special editions, and you can visit their sites to see what they have available.

Waterstones (UK) have lots of signed editions, which often include sprayed edges and exclusive content. They ship internationally with reasonable rates for some countries, but they recently increased their shipping enormously for other locations (sigh, rip Australian orders), but they do send you a tracking number. There are typically between 1000-2000 copies of their exclusive editions produced.

Barnes and Noble (US) have lots of signed editions, which often include exclusive content and different dust jacket designs. They are a good store for US-based buyers, but it’s a bit hit and miss if they will ship books internationally – some books they will, some they won’t. You usually get a tracking number. There are typically “a few thousand” copies of their exclusive editions.

Goldsboro Books (UK) have special limited editions, sprayed edges and a couple of excellent book subscription programs (see below). As a bonus, all their books are hand covered with protective dust jackets and they come incredibly well wrapped. The number of exclusive edition copies produced ranges between a few hundred and a thousand, and they are usually numbered. Customer service used to be excellent, these days there is often a long delay if you are trying to contact them by email. Good for UK buyers but international shipping is expensive. 

The Broken Binding (UK) make beautiful exclusive sprayed edge editions of fantasy, scifi and horror books. Excellent customer service. Good for UK buyers but international shipping is expensive. 

Blackwells (UK) sometimes have signed editions, and international shipping is included in the price of the book. I’ve got some lovely Independent bookstore editions from here. Usually no tracking number is provided, but responsive customer service.

Indigo (Canada) have lots of signed editions and exclusive content, often replicating the B&N editions. International shipping outside of North America can be cost prohibitive.

LitJoy (US) have a shop where they sell special edition books with exclusive artwork, hidden covers, sprayed edges and other features. International shipping is not cheap, but the books are lovely.

Target (US) have a few exclusive editions. Good for US buyers but international shipping is often not available or may be cost prohibitive.

BooksAMillion (US) have a few exclusive editions. Good for US buyers but international shipping is usually not available or it’s cost prohibitive.

Dymocks (Australia) have a few exclusive editions, many are based on UK designs that previously were released by Waterstones. Good for Australian buyers but international shipping may be cost prohibitive.