Have you ever wondered the difference between a Special Edition and a LitJoy Edition? How about an Illustrated Edition or a LitJoy Classic? Overwhelmed by the list of specializations? We get it—all that magic is a lot to take in, and can get pretty confusing! Consider this two-part article series your key to LitJoy special edition books!
Why We Create Special Edition Books…
Are you ready to explore a world where stories are more than just words on a page? At LitJoy, we believe every book is a journey, and our special edition books are crafted to make that journey even more magical. Whether you’re a seasoned book collector or someone who is just discovering the joy of owning beautiful special editions, LitJoy’s attention to detail ensures each book becomes a timeless treasure. From stunning illustrations to custom designs and thoughtful extras, we transform reading into an immersive experience that delights every sense.
Our love for books drives every design choice, and it shows in the care we take with each special edition book. Whether it’s an exciting new release, a popular fandom, or a beloved classic, we believe in elevating the reading experience, creating special editions that readers cherish.
So tuck in and read on, because in part one of this series we’re giving you an exclusive look into the different types of LitJoy special editions we offer, with a part two to come, explaining all the amazing features that make our editions into books you not only read but also experience.
The Five Types of LitJoy Special Edition Books
LitJoy works closely with authors and artists to make sure every single one of our special editions reflects the essence of the story, from the first page to the last. Whether you’re a book collector, a book lover, or a book dragon who devours stories, there’s a LitJoy Special Edition designed just for you!
1. LitJoy Edition
The LitJoy Edition includes all our usual favorite special edition features: a unique cover or casewrap design, a ribbon bookmark, designed page edges, custom endpapers, and is typically signed by the author! These are usually for new and buzz-worthy books that get a LitJoy makeover, showing off our standard in excellence and providing book lovers with a truly unique reading experience not long after the book releases. So readers get the book, complete with stunning visual details, without losing the immediacy of owning a newly released title.
Our LitJoy Editions are also featured in our To Bee Read Book Box Subscription —our fully customizable book box subscription that was rated #1 by USA Today readers in 2023! Previous LitJoy Editions have included books that went on to become bestsellers, giving early subscribers something truly special to own.
Take a look at some of our past LitJoy Editions:
The Pairing LitJoy Edition by Casey McQuiston
Forged by Blood and Exiled by Iron LitJoy Editions by Ehigbor Okosun
Ella Enchanted LitJoy Editions by Gail Carson Levine
2. Special Edition and Special Edition Box Sets
When we say Special, we mean it! The Special Edition takes everything you love about the LitJoy Edition and adds even more magic inside. Whether it’s tip-in artwork, author annotations, a custom slipcase, or exclusive bonus content, a Special Edition from LitJoy allows readers to immerse themselves fully in the experience of reading, creating a deeper connection to the story.
Take a look at some of our past Special Editions:
The Darkest Part of the Forest Annotated Special Edition by Holly Black
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea Special Edition by Axie Oh
Box Sets
LitJoy’s Special Edition Box Sets are some of our most coveted special editions. These aren’t just books—they are complete reading experiences where stunning immersive art, annotations, and other truly unique features help tell the story as much as the book itself. Take, for example, our Six of Crows box set, which includes breathtaking art across all the covers (casewraps and dust jackets), handwritten annotations from the author, and a custom architectural slipcase that transforms into its own visual experience and ties the whole series together.
Vampire Academy Special Edition Box Set by Richelle Mead
Six of Crows Annotated Special Edition Box Set by Leigh Bardugo
Older, often nostalgia-inducing titles with luxurious covers—like Wibalin or leatherette—make their way into this category as well, becoming true collector's items.
The Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull
3. Illustrated Edition
If you see Illustrated Edition on a LitJoy product, you know these books will be filled with immersive artwork throughout the entire text. LitJoy Illustrated Special Editions feature not just tip-ins and endpapers, but also in-text illustrations that bring the story to life in vivid detail as you turn the pages.
For all of the artwork in each of our editions (not just our illustrated editions), we partner with renowned artists and illustrators like award-winning artist Nik Henderson, and the ultra-talented @rosiethorns88, who designed our absolutely stunning Alice in Wonderland Illustrated Collector’s Edition. Our artists understand the heart of each story, so their illustrations truly transport readers to another world.
LitJoy's Alice in Wonderland Illustrated Special Edition
4. LitJoy Classics
LitJoy Classics are our custom-designed hardcover special editions of beloved classic books. The LitJoy Classics Collection special editions are crafted much like our other Special Editions, with beautiful covers, endpapers, tip-in art, and page edge designs that pay homage to the stories that have shaped generations of readers.
Whether it’s a new generation discovering Pride and Prejudice for the first time or longtime fans adding a gorgeous new edition to their collection, these books are made to be treasured.
Our Romantic Collection of LitJoy Classics
Our Gothic Horror Collection of LitJoy Classics
5. LitJoy Paperback Classics
LitJoy Paperback Classics were created for those who love collecting beautiful books to shine on their shelves, but still want to read those beautifully designed editions over and over again. These editions offer gorgeous cover designs and stunning page edges like our hardcover classics but in a more flexible, reader-friendly format. Coming holiday season 2024!
Jane Austen LitJoy Paperback Classics
LitJoy special edition books are crafted to celebrate the beauty and magic of storytelling, transforming every book into a collectible work of art. From the smallest details to the grandest designs, our editions are tailored to immerse readers in the stories they love, while adding a unique touch of LitJoy magic.
If you’re curious about the specific features that make each of our special editions so remarkable, don’t miss the next part of this two-part series, where we take a closer look at the defining details that make LitJoy special editions unforgettable.
Let us know in the comments if you have any questions about our special edition books!
