FOUR: Whatevers

[ruderabbit]

Since we seem to have a series of books titled "FOUR: (fill in blank)", it might be nice to have them all match as far as the Lettered editions go anyway.

Four: Halloweens was recently released without a traycase.

Going back and looking at all the other "FOUR:" books information, the Lettered editions all seem to be coming with traycases.

Perhaps, since it looks like CD wants to do away with traycases, why not make the Lettered editions with matching slipcases instead.

While I do very much like the look of the new style Lettered books, I feel they very much need a slipcase at the least to protect them. A cheap bonded leather like material, or buckram in different colors for the different series of books....something.

Any ideas?

Mark/ruderabbit

[Brian861]

I agree, Mark. You could also have Jeff from across the pond make ya up some if you provide him with the measurements.

[bsaenz24]

I think Four: Whatevers would be a great title itself!! Do a one off unthemed book. Or the theme has to somehow be "whatever", whatever that would mean. LOL!!

[Theli]

I think that could be said for any/all of the new lettered editions, and not just FOur Halloweens. I don't know if it's necessary however, as it would slow down production (just what CD was trying to avoid) but it would be nice I think. Maybe as a secondary market option. Maybe a mass produced catch all traycase for each of CD's standard size books; 7x10, 6x9, novella size etc. with a silk ribbon to help ease the book out. They would have to be relatively deep to fit all books, but the extra space could just be filled up with different thickness of cut foam. Just a thought.

[RonClinton]

Perhaps, since it looks like CD wants to do away with traycases, why not make the Lettered editions with matching slipcases instead.

While I do very much like the look of the new style Lettered books, I feel they very much need a slipcase at the least to protect them. A cheap bonded leather like material, or buckram in different colors for the different series of books....something.

Any ideas?

Mark/ruderabbit

I don't collect lettereds (I'm cheap and I like dustjackets), so was surprised to read above that the new lettered format doesn't (or will no longer...? Not clear on the OP) come with a traycase or slipcase. I don't have a horse in this race since I'm not their target audience, but I agree that the high price of lettereds would seem to dictate some sort of case, be it tray or slip.

[Dan Hocker]

I've pointed Brian here as he can probably explain this better than I can. Personally though I've never really thought of or considered these books to be part of a series.

[Brian James Freeman]

I don't collect lettereds (I'm cheap and I like dustjackets), so was surprised to read above that the new lettered format doesn't (or will no longer...? Not clear on the OP) come with a traycase or slipcase. I don't have a horse in this race since I'm not their target audience, but I agree that the high price of lettereds would seem to dictate some sort of case, be it tray or slip.

The new style is based on the look of an old world, custom printed volume the likes of which only the super wealthy could commission in old world Europe. Hence no cases.

Also, the production costs of the upgraded leather, endpapers, and hand-gilded page edges came from eliminating the cost of the cases. To do both would add approximately $50 to $75 to the retail price depending on the title.

We're phasing out Lettered Editions in general starting later this year, though, because they cost A LOT to produce and the so-so demand basically makes them a break-even (or in some cases money losing) edition. We will continue to offer them for certain authors whose following demands them, though.

But ultimately, we can better invest those funds into MORE books in general, faster production times, and one or two brand new series that I think our collectors are REALLY going to like, which will launch this year.

I think our collectors will be EXTREMELY pleased with our plans for the second half of 2016 and 2017. Some amazing stuff has been in the works for a while now.

Brian

[Brian James Freeman]

While I do very much like the look of the new style Lettered books, I feel they very much need a slipcase at the least to protect them.

And I don't disagree with this thought at all. I think they would look VERY snazzy in a slipcase, for example. We actually offered one a while back that fits several of the new Lettered Editions, but I'm not sure how much demand there was. I'll have to check on that!

Brian

[Brian James Freeman]

I think Four: Whatevers would be a great title itself!! Do a one off unthemed book. Or the theme has to somehow be "whatever", whatever that would mean. LOL!!

"Quick! Call Ray, Brian, Chris, and Lee and tell them we need a story from each of them tomorrow. What theme? Tell them whatever!"

[bsaenz24]

"Quick! Call Ray, Brian, Chris, and Lee and tell them we need a story from each of them tomorrow. What theme? Tell them whatever!"

Exactly!!!!!

[Theli]

Never have bought a CD lettered, though I've frequently been on the fence (especially with the new look), but I do find it surprising to hear that the production will be stopping altogether. Really it all comes down to supply and demand, if there's no demand, then there won't be supply.

[Martin]

That probably explains the recent isses that have not had Lettered editions offered. I do have both some older versions of the lettered editions as well as one of the new versions. I am not a big lettered collector but have not problem with the line being limited to certain authors.

[Brian James Freeman]

Never have bought a CD lettered, though I've frequently been on the fence (especially with the new look), but I do find it surprising to hear that the production will be stopping altogether. Really it all comes down to supply and demand, if there's no demand, then there won't be supply.

I think a lot of it is budget-based for our collectors. When we publish 20, 30, or 35 books in a year... those Lettered Editions add up FAST in cost for the average collector.

So we're going to focus on: 1) making the Lettered Editions we publish even nicer but only producing them for select books and 2) creating a line of REALLY beautiful collectible books that the average collector can afford.

More on all of this later this year, though. It's too soon for anything official to be announced.

Brian

[jsweet]

I think a lot of it is budget-based for our collectors. When we publish 20, 30, or 35 books in a year... those Lettered Editions add up FAST in cost for the average collector.

So we're going to focus on: 1) making the Lettered Editions we publish even nicer but only producing them for select books and 2) creating a line of REALLY beautiful collectible books that the average collector can afford.

More on all of this later this year, though. It's too soon for anything official to be announced.

Brian

Color me intrigued!

[RonClinton]

Very interesting, Brian -- I had no idea the lettereds were being phased out. Thanks for the insight as to why; certainly makes sense to me.