How to Create Black Friday Bundles Romance Readers Can’t Resist
You have 11 days until Black Friday.
If you’ve been reading the blog posts for the past two weeks, you know your store needs to offer something Amazon can’t match. You know you need exclusive editions. You know you need to make buying direct worth the extra wait and the lack of free two-day shipping.
But what does that actually look like?
Today I’m going to show you exactly how to create Black Friday book bundles that make readers think “I need to buy this from the author’s store” instead of “I’ll just grab it on Amazon.”
We’re talking about the bundles that convert at 8-12% during Black Friday sales. The ones that have readers sharing unboxing videos on Instagram. The ones that sell out in 48 hours.
This isn’t theory. This is what actually works.
And you have just enough time to create these bundles, photograph them, and get them listed on your store before launch day.
Why Bundles Beat Individual Books Every Single Time
Here’s what happens when you only sell individual books on your store:
Reader sees your book for $15 on your store. Same book is $15 on Amazon with Prime shipping. They click over to Amazon because it’s easier.
You lose the sale.
But here’s what happens when you offer a bundle:
Reader sees your “Complete Series Bundle” for $45 on your store. It includes three signed paperbacks, character art cards, exclusive bookmarks, and a bonus short story. The same three books on Amazon would cost $45 unsigned with no extras.
They buy from your store because they’re getting way more value.
You win the sale. You make more money per transaction. And you’ve created a customer who feels special.
Bundles solve the Amazon problem. They give readers a compelling reason to choose you.
The 3 Types of Bundles That Actually Sell
Not all bundles are created equal. Some sell like crazy. Others sit there collecting dust while you wonder why nobody wants them.
Here are the three types that consistently perform well for romance authors:
Type 1: The Series Starter Bundle
What it is: First 2-3 books in a series, priced to encourage binge-reading
Why it works: Romance readers love series. They want to know they can keep reading if they fall in love with your characters. By bundling the first few books, you’re making it easy for them to commit.
Example:
- Books 1-3 of your series
- Signed paperbacks
- Series reading order card
- Character art bookmark
- Pricing: $40-50 (vs $60-75 if bought separately)
How to price it: Take your individual book prices, add them up, then discount 15-20%. Add $5-8 for the signed and swag elements.
If your paperbacks are normally $15 each on Amazon, three books would be $45. Bundle them for $40, add signatures and swag, charge $45-48. Same price as Amazon, but they’re getting signed copies plus extras.
Type 2: The Complete Collection
What it is: Every book in a completed series, the ultimate fan bundle
Why it works: This is for your superfans. The readers who are already invested in your work and want the whole collection. They’ll pay a premium for signed copies of everything.
Example:
- All 5 books in your completed series
- Signed books
- Exclusive dust jackets or sprayed edges (if you’re fancy)
- Full character art card set
- Swag bag (stickers, bookmarks, maybe a tote)
- Bonus epilogue or deleted scene
- Pricing: $75-90 (vs $100+ if bought separately)
How to price it: This should feel like a serious investment, but also like they’re getting a deal they can’t pass up. Discount 20-25% from what it would cost to buy everything separately, then add value with the exclusive elements.
Type 3: The Sampler Bundle
What it is: 2-3 standalone books or first-in-series from different series, perfect for new readers
Why it works: New readers don’t want to commit to a full series yet. They want to try your writing style across different books. This is your “gateway drug” bundle.
Example:
- Book 1 from Series A
- Book 1 from Series B
- Your most popular standalone
- All signed
- Bookmark set featuring all your series
- “Start here” reading guide
- Pricing: $35-40
How to price it: Slightly less discount than series bundles (10-15% off) because you’re introducing them to multiple series. The value here is variety plus the signed element.
What to Actually Put in Your Bundles (The Swag Question)
You know you need to include something beyond just the books. But what?
Here’s what actually works, ranked by cost and effort:
Low Cost, Low Effort (But Still Effective)
Signed bookplates: If you don’t want to sign the actual books (or if you’re doing digital bundles), order custom bookplates. Readers can stick them in their books. Cost: $0.10-0.25 per plate if you just use a plain Avery label.
Character quote cards: Print character quotes or scenes on cardstock. Readers love these for bookmarks or wall art. Cost: $0.15-0.30 per card.
Bookmarks: Order custom bookmarks with your series branding. Everyone uses bookmarks. Cost: $0.20-0.50 each.
Sticker sheets: Romance readers are obsessed with decorating their books, journals, and laptops. Order sheets with character names, quotes, or series icons. Cost: $0.30-0.75 per sheet.
Medium Cost, Medium Effort (Worth It)
Character art cards: Commission an artist to create character portraits or couple art. Print them as 4×6 or 5×7 cards. These become collector items. Cost: $100-200 for art, then $0.50-1.00 per print.
Exclusive content: Write a bonus epilogue, deleted scene, or “where are they now” short story. Print it as a mini-booklet or include a download card. Cost: Your time, plus $0.25-0.50 for printing/cards.
Tote bags: Canvas totes with your series logo or a romantic quote. Readers use these constantly and they’re walking advertisements for your books. Cost: $3-5 per bag when ordered in bulk.
Higher Cost, Higher Impact (For Premium Bundles)
Sprayed edges: Pay for special edition printing with colored or stenciled edges. This is what makes readers absolutely lose their minds on BookTok. Cost: Varies widely, $3-8 per book.
Custom dust jackets: Alternate covers that are exclusive to your store. Collectors will pay premium prices for these. Cost: Design fee plus printing.
Enamel pins: Character symbols, series icons, or romantic imagery. These have become huge in the romance community. Cost: $2-4 per pin when ordered in bulk (minimum orders usually 50-100).
Annotated editions: Print copies with your handwritten notes in the margins about character motivations, deleted scenes, Easter eggs. Ultra personal. Cost: Time-intensive but high perceived value.
The Bundle Pricing Formula That Actually Works
This is where most authors mess up. They either price too low (and lose money) or too high (and nobody buys).
Here’s the formula I use with clients:
Step 1: Calculate your Amazon price
Add up what the books would cost if someone bought them on Amazon.
Example: Three books at $15 each = $45
Step 2: Decide your discount
Series starter bundles: 15-20% off
Complete collections: 20-25% off
Sampler bundles: 10-15% off
Example: $45 x 0.20 = $9 discount, so $36
Step 3: Add back value for signed and swag
Signed copies alone add $5-8 of perceived value per book
Quality swag adds another $5-10 total
Example: $36 + $20 (for three signatures) + $8 (swag) = $64
Step 4: Reality check
Is this price point reasonable for your audience? Does it feel like a deal compared to Amazon? Are you making enough profit after swag costs and shipping?
Example: $64 might be too high for a starter bundle. Adjust to $48-52.
Final price: $48-52 for three signed books with swag
This beats Amazon because:
- Same books on Amazon: $45 unsigned, no extras
- Your bundle: $48-52 signed with exclusive swag
- The $3-7 premium feels worth it for the personalization
How to Photograph Your Bundles (Because Presentation Matters)
You can have the best bundle in the world, but if your product photo looks like you threw some books on a table and took a blurry iPhone pic, nobody’s buying it.
Romance readers are visual. They want to see exactly what they’re getting. They want it to look swoon-worthy.
Here’s how to photograph bundles that convert:
The Flat Lay Method
Lay everything out on a clean surface. White, light wood, or soft gray backgrounds work best. Arrange the books, swag, bookmarks, stickers in an aesthetically pleasing way. Shoot from directly above. Natural light near a window works better than overhead lights. You can also get background sets on Amazon for a decent price. These include backdrop boards and boards to lay your books on to look more professional than just sitting them on your dining room table.
Include a small card that says “Everything Included” with arrows pointing to each element.
The Stack Shot
Stack the books with swag items arranged around them. This shows volume and makes it clear this is a BUNDLE, not just one book. Add a coffee mug or reading glasses for lifestyle vibes if you want.
The Unboxing Shot
If you’re shipping in a branded box or including a thank-you note, photograph that too. Show what the reader will actually receive when their package arrives. People love this level of detail.
The Detail Shot
Close-up of your signature, the character art, the exclusive bookmark. Let them see the quality. Romance readers care about these details.
Pro tip: Take all your photos in one session. Set up your space, arrange each bundle, shoot from multiple angles. You’ll need these photos for your website, social media, and emails.
How to Name Your Bundles (Romance Trope Edition)
Generic bundle names are boring. “3-Book Bundle” tells readers nothing and doesn’t create any excitement.
Name your bundles using romance language. Make them fun. Make readers smile when they see the name. Give them trope-y names or name them after your series – or even the city/town your series is based in.
Examples:
Instead of “Series Starter Bundle”
→ “The Meet Cute Collection” (first 3 books)
→ “The Enemies to Lovers Essentials” (if that’s your trope)
→ “The Slow Burn Starter Pack”
Instead of “Complete Series Bundle”
→ “The Happily Ever After Collection”
→ “The Binge-Worthy Box Set”
→ “The Ultimate Fan Bundle” (if it includes extra swag)
Instead of “Multi-Series Sampler”
→ “The Love at First Sight Bundle” (introduces them to multiple series)
→ “The Romance Reader’s Starter Kit”
The name should tell them what they’re getting AND make them feel something. Romance readers respond to romantic language.
Digital Bundle Options (For Authors Who Can’t Ship Physical)
Not everyone can afford to stock inventory, deal with shipping, or handle the logistics of physical products. That’s okay. You can still create compelling digital bundles.
Digital bundle ideas:
The Ebook Collection: All books in a series as DRM-free ePubs and PDFs. Price it 25-30% lower than buying individually on Amazon. Add exclusive digital-only bonus content (extra epilogues, character interviews, deleted scenes).
The Audiobook Bundle: If you have audiobook rights, bundle the audio files. Include a PDF reading guide or character reference. Audiobook listeners will pay premium prices for DRM-free files they can keep forever.
The Deluxe Digital Bundle: Ebooks plus printable character art, plus exclusive bonus chapters, plus printable bookplates they can use in physical copies, plus a recipe from the book. Give them SO much value that the $30-40 price point feels like a steal.
The Early Access Bundle: Pre-order your next 2-3 releases as a bundle. They get the books a week before wide release, plus exclusive bonus content. This works great for established authors with loyal readers.
Bundle Examples That Will Crush It On Black Friday
Bundle 1: The Small Town Romance Collection
- Books 1-3 of small town series
- All signed
- Custom bookmark with town map
- Character art cards (2 per book)
- Exclusive bonus scene
- Price: $48
- Why it works: Clear theme, beautiful presentation, exclusive content readers couldn’t get anywhere else
Bundle 2: The Spicy Romance Starter Pack
- 2 standalones (your spiciest books)
- Both signed
- Sticker sheet with “spice level” ratings
- Bookmark that said “Not for book club”
- Price: $35
- Why it works: Funny, self-aware, gives readers exactly what they want with a wink
Bundle 3: The Ultimate Superfan Bundle
- All 6 books in completed series
- All signed with personalization
- Full character art set (12 cards)
- Tote bag with series logo
- Enamel pin
- Exclusive alternate POV novella
- Price: $120
- Why it works: This is for TRUE fans, and the price point reflect that. The exclusives make it worth the premium.
Your Bundle Creation Checklist (Do This Week)
You have 11 days. Here’s what to do right now:
Today and Tomorrow:
Decide which 2-3 bundles you’ll offer. Don’t try to create 10 different options. Start with a series starter bundle and one other. Order your swag supplies (bookmarks, stickers, character art prints). If you’re using print-on-demand, order sample copies to photograph. (And here’s a tip about buying on Amazon – if you’re just buying one of every book for the purpose of photographing, drop your price as low as you can in KDP and then order them through the regular Amazon ordering process. After you order, put the price back to normal and you’ll have your books in 2 days instead of 2 weeks)
This Weekend:
Write any bonus content (epilogues, deleted scenes, character interviews). Design your bundle graphics (or hire someone to do it fast – We recommend Y’all. That Graphic! and Pink Poppy Designs, plus Ardently Bookish for character art). Set up your product pages on your store. Write compelling descriptions that emphasize why this beats Amazon.
Early Next Week:
Photograph all your bundles (multiple angles, detail shots). Upload photos to your store. Set your bundle prices. Test the checkout process to make sure everything works.
By Next Wednesday (Nov 20):
Everything should be live and ready. Spend the last few days before Black Friday promoting the bundles, not scrambling to finish them.
The Biggest Bundle Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Too many options
Don’t create 15 different bundles. Readers get overwhelmed and buy nothing. Stick to 2-4 well-curated options.
Mistake 2: Pricing too close to Amazon
If your bundle is $45 and Amazon is $44, nobody’s switching. Your bundle needs to either be cheaper OR offer significantly more value (signed, swag, exclusives).
Mistake 3: Generic bundles
“3-Book Set” is boring. “The Second Chance Romance Collection” with themed swag is exciting.
Mistake 4: Unclear product pages
Your bundle description needs to spell out EXACTLY what’s included, why it’s better than Amazon, and when it ships. Use bullet points. Include photos of every element.
Mistake 5: Running out of stock
If you’re offering limited edition bundles, make sure you actually have enough inventory. Nothing frustrates readers more than trying to buy something that’s already sold out. If you don’t have the inventory, make sure your listing gives a shipping explanation. Don’t say “Ships in 24 hours” if you won’t have books for 2 weeks.
What If You’re Starting From Scratch?
Maybe you don’t have character art commissioned. Maybe you’ve never ordered swag before. Maybe you’re reading this thinking “I can’t pull this together in 11 days.”
You can.
Here’s your bare-minimum bundle that will still beat Amazon:
The Simple But Effective Bundle:
- 2-3 books from your series
- Signed (just sign the title page, it takes 30 seconds per book)
- Include a handwritten thank-you note
- Print character quote cards on cardstock at Staples (costs $5 for 50 cards)
- Order basic bookmarks from VistaPrint with 3-day shipping
- Price it $3-5 more than Amazon to cover your swag costs
Total additional cost per bundle: $2-3
Total additional time per bundle: 5 minutes
Impact on conversion rate: Huge
Romance readers don’t need fancy. They need personal. A signed book with a handwritten note and a simple bookmark will outsell an unsigned Amazon copy every single time.
Need Help Creating Your Bundles?
If you’re looking at this thinking “I don’t have time to figure out swag suppliers and pricing formulas and product photography,” I hear you.
Our team at Swoonworthy Designs can handle this for you. We’ll help you decide which bundles to create, source your swag at wholesale prices, set up your product pages, and even photograph everything if you’re local (or help you create flatlays if you aren’t).
Or if you want to do it yourself but need guidance, our free 6-week Holiday Sales Challenge includes a complete module on bundle creation with swag supplier lists, pricing calculators, and product page templates.
Join the Holiday Sales Challenge
You have 11 days to make your store look like the obvious choice over Amazon.
Let’s make it happen.
Ready to create bundles readers can’t resist? Join the Holiday Sales Challenge for swag supplier lists, pricing calculators, and product page templates. Sign up here