The Author’s Guide to Companion Products: Bundling, and Pricing
In last week’s Blog, I talked about merchandise that supports your book. In this week’s Blog, I will talk about bundling companion products, and I will also include a pricing guide to help you decide how to price the merchandise.
Before you dive into pricing and creating bundles, it’s important to remember that merchandise is not just an extra—it’s an extension of your story and your characters. A thoughtfully curated starter kit allows readers to engage with your book in a tangible way, makes school and library events more interactive, and gives parents simple, ready-made options to bring your characters home. Starting small with a few carefully selected items lets you test what resonates with your audience, gauge interest, and build excitement without overwhelming yourself or your budget.
The pricing guide below, the Starter Bundle Pricing Guide, is designed to help you package your items effectively, maximize profit, and keep the experience fun and approachable for young readers and their families. Keep in mind, this is just a guide. As we know, prices go up and down, and depending on where you purchase items, this can also make a difference in prices. With that said, the prices in the following guide are just an example. I suggest that whatever merchandise you are starting off with to sell, and after you research the cost, use this guide to plug in your specific numbers for the suggested items. This guide is if you would like to sell items as a bundle.
Again, this pricing guide is just an example to use for your individual prices, merchandise, etc. When pricing your merchandise, remember that you want to make a profit, just like your book, so you need to make sure that you are taking your profit into consideration when pricing your merchandise, just like you do when pricing your book(s). In order to do this, play around with different numbers. Figuring out the profit for each item is easy once you know two numbers: how much you can sell it for and how much it costs you to make or purchase. The formula is:
Profit = Retail Price − Cost of Item
For example, if a signed book sells for $19.99 and it costs you $4.00 to print, your profit is $19.99 − $4.00 = $15.99. This same formula works for bookmarks, stickers, plush toys, or any other merchandise. By calculating profit this way, you can quickly see which items give you the best return and make smarter decisions about pricing and inventory. In other words:
- Determine your retail price – This is the price you plan to sell your item for.
- Determine cost – How much it costs to make or buy?
- Subtract cost from price – Retail price minus Cost.
- Profit per item – The result is your profit.
Tip: Always include your production costs, shipping (if applicable), and any small packaging costs in the “Cost of Item” so your profit calculation is accurate.
Starter Bundle Pricing Guide (Begin with 3-4 bundles total.)
Pricing Tip: Bundles should feel like a deal, even if the discount is small. Parents love convenience, and kids love “extras.”
- The Starter Bundle
Best for first-time buyers
Includes:
- 1 Signed book – $19.99
- 1 Character bookmark (random or child’s choice) – $1.00 – $2.00
- 1 Sticker – .50
- Suggested Retail Price For Bundle: $22–$24
Why it Works:
- Feels special without being expensive
- Easy add-on for parents
- Great volume seller at events
2️. The (a character from your book) Bundle
(name of character(s)) fan favorite
Includes:
- 1 Signed book – $19.99
- 2 (your character(s) stickers – $1.00
- 1 Double-sided (your character(s) bookmark – $2.00
- 1 Mini activity page – $2.00 – $4.00
- Suggested Retail Price For Bundle: $25–$27
Why it Works:
- Character theme = instant kid appeal
- Easy upsell from single-book purchase
- Encourages sibling sharing
3️. Cozy (the theme of your book) Bedtime Bundle
Perfect for gifts
Includes:
- 1 Signed book – $19.99
- 1 bookmark – $2.00
- 1 Coloring page or mini activity pack – $2.00 – $3.00 for 1 coloring page and $4.00 – $7.00 for mini activity pack
- Optional: small plush or character pillow
- Suggested Retail Price For Bundle:
- Without plush: $26–$28
- With plush/pillow: $34–$38 ($8.00 – $12.00)
Why it Works:
- Appeals to parents and grandparents
- Strong emotional connection
- Excellent holiday or bedtime gift
4️. Theme Explorer Bundle
Top-tier option (limited quantity)
Includes:
- 1 Signed book – $19.00
- Tote bag or drawstring backpack – $8.00 – $12.00
- 2–3 stickers – $1.00 – $1.50
- Bookmark – $1.00 – $2.00
- Activity pack – $5.00 – $10.00
- Suggested Retail Price For Bundle: $35–$40
Why it Works:
- High perceived value
- Great for school events and fairs
- Makes your booth feel “professional”
Add-On Pricing (Impulse Buys)
Place these at checkout or near signing table:
- Stickers: $1–$3
- Bookmarks: $2–$4
- Coloring pages: $2–$3
- Plush (single character): $12–$18
Smart Starter Strategy
✔ Offer one low, one mid, and one premium bundle
✔ Keep math easy (round numbers)
✔ Let kids choose their character when possible
✔ Limit inventory to avoid overwhelm.
Bundles allow you to increase revenue without raising book prices, while making the experience more fun and memorable for young readers. Start small, watch what sells, and let your items grow naturally, just like the stories inside them. You can easily adjust the numbers if your costs differ.
As you continue to grow your merchandise, remember that your goal is not just to sell products—it’s to create an experience that children and families will remember. Thoughtfully chosen bundles can turn a simple book purchase into something special, whether it’s a keepsake, a gift, or a moment of joy tied to your story.
Pay attention to what your readers respond to, stay flexible with your ideas, and don’t be afraid to try new combinations. Over time, you’ll discover what works best for your audience and your brand. With a little creativity and intention, your bundles can become a meaningful extension of your story—bringing your characters and message to life beyond the pages.
