GildedTail is a monthly subscription box that combines two things we love most: books and pets.

Each box includes a hand signed special edition book, story inspired reader merchandise, and themed pet items designed to create an immersive reading experience for both you and your furry companion.

At the heart of every GildedTail box is a Special Edition fantasy book created in collaboration with authors and talented human artists. We transform stories we love with original artwork, custom designs, beautiful details, and collectible elements created specifically for each edition.

But there’s another thing that makes GildedTail a little different: your furry reading companion can be part of book-mail day too.

Choose our book-focused Main Character box, or add 2–3 curated goodies for your cat with Curious Companion or your dog with Loyal Companion.

Every month brings a new book, new artwork, and a completely new experience. We don't follow the exact same formula for every edition because we want each one to feel like it belongs to that story.

The book is always the main character. Your furry companion just gets to join the adventure

Every GildedTail box is built around the Special Edition book. The book is always the main character, but you can choose whether your furry reading companion gets in on book-mail day too.

Main Character
Our book-focused option includes the monthly GildedTail Special Edition, a beautiful story-inspired collectible patch, and a themed collectible card.

Curious Companion - Cat Box
Everything included in Main Character, plus 2–3 goodies for your cat. Pet items change each month and may include toys, bowls, accessories, seasonal items, or items inspired by the featured story.

Loyal Companion - Dog Box
Everything included in Main Character, plus 2–3 goodies for your dog. Items vary each month and may be inspired by the book, the season, a holiday, or simply something fun for your furry reading companion.

Every month is different! We love creating something unique around each featured book, so the contents and surprises will change from edition to edition.

Some editions may also include additional bookish elements, such as illustrated overlays or other special surprises. These are edition-specific and are not guaranteed every month or with every box.

And for our pet parents: we do not include pet treats or food in our boxes.

Yes.
GildedTail is a monthly subscription experience featuring a new book, reader merchandise, and pet items each month.
Subscribers will be able to manage their subscription through their customer portal.

Yes.
Each GildedTail box is produced in limited quantities.
Once subscriptions sell out, we cannot guarantee additional inventory will be available.
We encourage readers to join our waitlist to receive early access opportunities.

Partially.
We believe one of the best parts of a subscription box is the surprise. Instead of revealing the book immediately, we'll share clues, tropes, themes, aesthetics, and sneak peeks of merchandise leading up to each box.
Subscribers will receive enough information to decide if the box is right for them while still preserving the excitement of discovering the story when it arrives.

GildedTail currently focuses on Fantasy and Romantasy. Beginning in 2027, we'll gradually introduce Romance, Dark Romance, Horror, and additional genres through select quarterly releases as we continue to grow.

Every book considered for GildedTail is personally read by our team before selection.
We carefully evaluate the story, characters, themes, world building, and overall reader experience before deciding whether a title is a good fit for a future box.
Once selected, we use the story as inspiration to create both reader and pet merchandise that feels connected to the book.

No.
GildedTail exclusively partners with indie authors and indie publishing companies. Supporting independent creators and helping readers discover amazing new stories is one of our core missions.

Some of our favorite stories come from indie authors.
We believe independent authors create incredible worlds and unforgettable characters that deserve to be discovered by more readers.
By partnering exclusively with indie authors and indie publishing companies, we're able to introduce readers to amazing stories while helping support the indie publishing community.

Yes!
Our books are specially created for GildedTail subscribers and may include features such as:
✨ Exclusive covers
✨ Foiling
✨ Sprayed or digitally printed edges
✨ Custom endpapers
✨ Character artwork
✨ Interior artwork
✨ Hand-signed tip-in pages
Features will vary by release, but our goal is always to create beautiful collector worthy editions.

Absolutely not.
At GildedTail, we are committed to supporting artists and the creative community. We believe original artwork should be created by talented artists not generated by artificial intelligence.
As part of our commitment to our NO AI policy, every artist we work with signs an agreement confirming that AI generated artwork and AI editing tools are not used in any commissioned designs created for GildedTail.
When you receive artwork in a GildedTail box, you can feel confident knowing it was created by a real artist whose creativity, skill, and hard work helped bring the story to life.

GildedTail’s mission is to support independently published stories, indie authors, and indie publishers. In some cases, a title that was independently published at the time GildedTail entered into an agreement may later be acquired by, re-released by, or otherwise associated with a traditional publisher. If GildedTail has already entered into an agreement to feature an independently published title in a subscription box, our intention is to honor and fulfill that agreement as planned, subject to the terms of the agreement and any applicable rights, permissions, approvals, or availability considerations. We recognize that many authors have hybrid publishing careers, and our focus is on the publishing status and rights associated with the specific work being featured, rather than the author’s broader publishing history. 

GildedTail subscriptions are open throughout the month while quantities are available. We order a limited number of each monthly Special Edition, and once an edition sells out, it will not be reprinted.

We bill one month ahead of the featured book. This allows us to reserve your upcoming Special Edition and coordinate all of the custom pieces that make each GildedTail box special.

For example, if you subscribe on August 28, you’ll receive the September featured book. Your subscription will then renew on September 1 to secure your October featured book.

You can subscribe anytime before the end of the month, but we recommend joining early. We may sell out before the month ends, and once that month’s books are gone, they’re gone.

Subscriptions are first come, first served. If a waitlist is active, joining gives you early access when spots become available, but does not guarantee a subscription.

Subscriptions renew monthly on the first of the month.

Everything is managed through your customer portal.
You can reach it anytime using the link included in your subscription emails, or by logging into your account on our website and visiting your subscriptions page.
From there you can update your details, skip an upcoming box, cancel, and more.

Your first payment is processed when you subscribe and reserves your spot for the upcoming featured box.
After your initial purchase, subscriptions automatically renew on the 1st of each month for the following month's box.
For example:
    •    Sign up in July → Receive the August box
    •    Renew on August 1 → Receive the September box
    •    Renew on September 1 → Receive the October box

Yes! We understand that not every book will be the right fit for every reader.
Subscribers may skip one box per quarter while keeping their subscription active. Skipping a month simply bypasses that month's box and payment without affecting your subscription status.
Because subscription renewals are processed on the 1st of each month, skip requests must be submitted between the 15th and 28th of the month prior to your renewal.
To skip a month:
    1    Log into your customer account.
    2    Navigate to Subscriptions.
    3    Select Skip a Month.
    4    Confirm your selection.
For example, if you would like to skip your August box, you must submit your skip request between July 15th and July 28th.
Please note that once a renewal has been processed on the 1st, we are unable to retroactively skip that month's box or issue a refund for the renewal charge.

Yes. You can cancel your GildedTail subscription at any time before your next renewal date by contacting us at hello@gildedtail.com.

Subscriptions automatically renew on the 1st of each month for the following month’s featured Special Edition. To avoid your next renewal, your cancellation request must be received before the 1st.

Because we reserve a limited number of books for our subscribers, once your subscription has renewed, that order is secured and cannot be canceled or refunded.

Have questions about your subscription? Email hello@gildedtail.com and our team will be happy to help.

No problem!
Your subscription includes pet items for one pet.
If you have additional pets, you'll have the option to purchase extra pet items during checkout for an additional fee, subject to availability.

Absolutely!
We offer both dog and cat options. During checkout, you'll select whether your box is for a dog or a cat.

Yes!
You may update your pet preference through your customer account before the monthly cutoff date.
Please note that once renewal processing begins, changes may not be possible for that month's box.

Whenever possible, yes!
Our goal is to create pet products that feel connected to the featured story while remaining fun, safe, and enjoyable for your pet.

We work with trusted vendors and carefully select products with pet safety in mind.
As with any pet product, we recommend supervising your pet during use and removing any damaged items if they become worn.
Please always choose the appropriate size for your pet.

To help ensure your dog receives appropriately sized toys and accessories, we offer three dog size options:
Small
    •    Up to 25 lbs
    •    Examples: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Pug, Mini Dachshund
Medium
    •    26–60 lbs
    •    Examples: Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Standard Bulldog
Large / XL
    •    Over 60 lbs
    •    Examples: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Great Dane
Your selected size helps us choose appropriately sized toys, bandanas, and other pet products included in your box.
If your dog falls between sizes or is a heavy chewer, we recommend sizing up whenever possible.
Please note that product styles and dimensions may vary from month to month based on the featured story and curated items.

Once your box has entered fulfillment, you'll receive a tracking number via email. Your tracking information will also be available in your customer account under your order history.
Please Note:
    •    Receiving a tracking number means your box has entered the fulfillment process.
    •    It may take 1–3 business days for your package to move from our packing team to the shipping carrier.
    •    Tracking updates may take 3–10 business days to appear, depending on carrier processing times.
Domestic Shipping (U.S.)
Once your package has been accepted by the shipping carrier, delivery typically takes 1–7 business days.
Please remember that shipping estimates begin when the carrier officially receives and scans your package, not when your tracking number is first created.
Important Shipping Information
Shipping timelines are estimates and may vary due to factors outside of our control, including:
    •    Holiday and peak shipping seasons
    •    Weather events
    •    Carrier delays
    •    Customs processing (if applicable)
    •    Other unforeseen circumstances
We appreciate your patience as we work to carefully package and ship every GildedTail adventure.

Not at this time.
We currently ship within the United States only.
International shipping is something we're actively working toward, and we hope to offer it in the future.
Be sure to join our mailing list and follow us on social media for updates.

Yes.
You may update your shipping address through your customer account before the shipping deadline.
If your order has already been processed, please contact us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to help.

We know how exciting it is to receive your GildedTail box, and we'll do everything we reasonably can to help if something goes wrong during shipping.

We know how exciting it is to receive your GildedTail box, and we'll do everything we reasonably can to help if something goes wrong during shipping.

If Your Tracking Shows "Delivered"

If your package is marked as Delivered but you haven't received it, please:

• Check around your property, including porches, garages, mailrooms, and side entrances.
• Ask family members, roommates, neighbors, or your building's management office if someone accepted the package.
• Contact the shipping carrier, as they may be able to provide additional delivery information or GPS confirmation.
• Allow up to 3 business days, as carriers occasionally mark packages as delivered before they actually arrive.

If you're still unable to locate your package after 3 business days, please contact us with your order number. We'll review the situation and determine whether any additional assistance is available.

Lost or Stolen Packages

Once a package has been marked as Delivered by the shipping carrier, the risk of loss transfers to the recipient. GildedTail is not responsible for packages that are lost, stolen, or missing after confirmed delivery.

Because our subscription boxes contain exclusive, limited-edition items, replacement boxes cannot be guaranteed and, if offered, are subject to inventory availability.

Packages Lost in Transit

If your tracking has stopped updating for an extended period or your shipment appears to be lost before delivery, please contact us as soon as possible. We'll work with the shipping carrier to investigate the shipment and determine the most appropriate resolution.

Incorrect Shipping Address

Subscribers are responsible for ensuring that their shipping address is accurate before their monthly renewal is processed.

If an order is shipped to an incorrect address provided by the customer, or if a package is returned to GildedTail as undeliverable, refused, or unclaimed, the customer will be responsible for any additional shipping charges required to resend the package.

Carrier Delays

While we work hard to ship every box on schedule, delivery times are determined by the shipping carrier and are outside of our control.

GildedTail is not responsible for shipping delays caused by weather, carrier service disruptions, customs processing, holidays, peak shipping periods, labor disputes, or other events beyond our reasonable control. Such delays do not entitle customers to refunds, replacements, or cancellations.

Replacement Policy

If GildedTail, in its sole discretion, approves a replacement shipment, the replacement may include the original item or a comparable substitute based on available inventory.

We appreciate your patience and understanding. Every GildedTail box is thoughtfully curated and produced in limited quantities, and we'll always do our best to help whenever possible.

Claims Deadline
To allow us to assist promptly, any claim for a lost, missing, damaged, or stolen package must be submitted within 14 days of the carrier's delivery date (or, for packages believed to be lost in transit, within 14 days of the last tracking update). Claims submitted after this period may not be eligible for review or replacement.

We take great care when packaging our boxes.
If your book or merchandise arrives damaged during transit, please contact us within 14 days of delivery and include photographs of:

• The damaged item
• Packaging materials
• Shipping box

For detailed information regarding replacement eligibility, manufacturing tolerances, and our damage review process, please visit our Damage & Replacement Policy

Due to the limited edition nature of our boxes and products, we do not offer refunds for change of mind purchases.
However, if your order arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, we'll work with you to make it right.

Simply enter your email through our website waitlist form.
Waitlist members receive early access to subscription openings, box announcements, reveals, and special updates.

No.
Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a subscription; however, waitlist members receive early access before subscriptions open to the public.
Because quantities are limited, we recommend subscribing as soon as early access begins.

Yes!
A key benefit of joining our waitlist is early access to subscription openings before the general public.
Waitlist members may also receive exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and important announcements.

Waitlist members will receive early access before subscriptions open to the public.
Follow us on social media and join our mailing list so you don't miss important launch announcements.

We'd love to hear from you!
Please email us at hello@gildedtail.com
We typically respond within 1–2 business days.