What Merchandise Exists For Characters In My Current Book?

I got obsessed once with collecting stuff from a small fantasy novella — suddenly my desk looked like a mini shrine. There are basic everyday items: mugs with catchphrases, phone cases, bookmarks (one of my favorite tiny joys), and stickers that I slap on notebooks. For characters specifically, look for character cards, art prints, and sometimes trading-card style sets that detail stats or quotes. Cosplay accessories like brooches, belts, or replica jewelry show up when a character’s design is iconic. Smaller-label creators will often do enamel pins, keychains, and acrylic stands with character art; those are great for gifting. Pro tip: search the book title plus ‘merch’ or the author’s handle on social platforms — artists will often announce drops there. I usually wait a day or two after a new drop to read feedback; saves me from impulse buys that might feel cheap in hand.

Picture this: the character you’re loving in your book turned into a tangible thing you can hold — that’s the joy of merch hunting. For mainstream novels there’s a predictable buffet: posters and art prints (often limited-run prints of key scenes or maps), enamel pins that translate motifs into tiny wearable badges, cozy apparel like tees or hoodies printed with quotes, and sometimes plushies or action figures if the story has a big fandom. Special editions with foil covers, illustrated versions, signed copies, and numbered hardcovers are also common for collectors.

If the book is more niche or indie, expect wonderful handmade work: bookmarks hand-painted by artists, embroidered patches, zines that expand side characters, leather or ribbon map wraps, and custom jewelry inspired by symbols in the story. Where to look? Official publisher shops, the author’s store, Etsy for indie creations, Kickstarter for new merchandise runs, and convention dealers. I always check product photos and reviews, and if something’s licensed you’ll usually see clear branding; fan-made items are often one-of-a-kind and more affordable. For display, I use a shadowbox for delicate pins and a dedicated shelf with UV-protective glass for signed art — keeps things looking fresh for years. If you want, I can sketch a tailored list for the specific book you have in mind, based on how big the fandom is and whether it’s been adapted into other media.

I get a little meticulous about provenance and quality, so I treat merchandise like small investments. For popular books there are high-end collector’s items: resin or PVC statues, limited-run figures, and boxed sets with artbooks and behind-the-scenes essays. These often come with certificates of authenticity and can appreciate a bit if the run was small. Mid-level items include enamel pins, art prints on archival paper, metal lapel pins, bespoke leather bookmarks, and cast replicas of props. For lesser-known titles, I commission fan artists or 3D modelers to make custom pieces — 3D printing allows for affordable, detailed prop replicas (think rings, daggers, or sigils). Always check materials (zinc alloy vs. iron for pins, archival inks for prints), shipping protections, and return policies.

If you’re curating a display or planning to sell later, photograph everything in soft light, store fragile pieces in archival tissue, and avoid sun-facing windows. Auctions and dedicated collector forums are where rarer pieces trade hands, and tracking release numbers helps you spot limited editions. Honestly, part of the fun is learning the community around the merch; it tells you what parts of the story resonated most with people.

Okay, short and practical list from my bookshelf-to-wallet experiments: small fandoms typically have bookmarks, stickers, enamel pins, keychains, and fan art prints. Bigger titles sometimes spawn plushies, Funko-style figures, mugs, apparel, soundtracks, and tabletop games. For character-specific items look for acrylic stands, character postcards or profile cards, replica jewelry, and cosplay props. If you want unique or higher-quality stuff, search artist marketplaces like Etsy or commissions on Twitter/Instagram; for licensed, check publisher or official stores. I usually decide whether to buy based on how much I’ll actually use or display the item — if it’s just a cute impulse, a sticker or pin is perfect. If it’s a deep-cut collectible, then I want quality and a bit of provenance, and I’ll budget accordingly.