Selling signed copies of books

FTB-FTW

Hi everyone.

I have a signed first edition of a book by a very famous author and am thinking about selling it, either now or at a later date. However I am concerned about the condition it's in, because I assume 'collector' books have to be absolutely pristine to have value. It's not in a bad state at all, but there are some minor flaws which I'll describe.

The dust jacket and body of the book are in perfect condition. But the actual pages are very lightly rippled, I think because of the way the book has been stored (probably in a draughty room). It's not something you'd notice in an average book, but looking at it closely you can see that the pages are not 100% flat. I have thought about leaving it under some bricks or similar to see if I can make them flatten out, but not sure this will work! On the positive side, it has its official seal of authenticity, which I know is also important if you want to sell these books.

Now, I am wondering if perhaps this imperfection means it would be more worth my while hanging on to the book for a longer period of time, then perhaps selling it after enough time has passed that this wear and tear' won't seem so marked. Is it worth me doing this, or would it be better to try and sell it now to a 'fan' who would just appreciate the signature? Is the fan market different from the collector's market or are they one and the same? I haven't had an item like this before so would love some advice

Thanks all

piglet25

I have no experience of selling books but I would think it would depend on how popular the author is at this moment in time, and if thats likely to waver. For example, authors such as JK Rowling and Enid Blyton are always going to be well known and collectable, but others who have a one hit wonder would be worth a few quid while they are flavour of the month, and then not very much at all a bit further down the line. If I was a fan of the author and after a signed first edition then a few wrinkles wouldnt put me off as it would be for myself but arent sure about the professional collectors who go on rarity and condition more than a fan who just wants the signature.

QuackQuackOops

The answer to that question really depends on which book it is and by which author.

A signed Harry Potter first addition in pristine condition, for example, is not valued very highly.

The ripples you see on the pages are most likely from being in a damp room and wont come out even if you leave it under bricks. The marks will always be seen.

The best place to ask would be on Ebay itself in the discussion area as there are lots of experts available very quickly.

FTB-FTW

Thanks guys, yes, this is from an author who is never going todecline in popularity (not within my lifetime for sure), so I was not thinking of selling immediately anyway. I was wondering more how worth my while it is hanging on to the book until it becomes older (and then presumably worth more) considering the minor damage.

halibut2209

I'd avoid eBay entirely for something like that.

FTB-FTW

halibut2209 wrote: »

I'd avoid eBay entirely for something like that.

Interesting. So where would you be going?

halibut2209

I'd look into speciality markets. Auction houses etc. Anything that is a collectors item (to use your words) will have its own marketplace

Kingsd316

I agree with Halibut, would you have a COA to go with the signature?

p00hsticks

FTB-FTW wrote: »

Thanks guys, yes, this is from an author who is never going todecline in popularity (not within my lifetime for sure), so I was not thinking of selling immediately anyway. I was wondering more how worth my while it is hanging on to the book until it becomes older (and then presumably worth more) considering the minor damage.

I'd suggest that it's not just the popularity of the author, but rather how frequently or rarely they are known to sign copies of their books. Book signings seem to be big business these days and the more popular authors (Terry Pratchett, for example) must have signed hundreds of thousands of copies of their various books over the years (I've got about a half a dozen of his, for starters!)

soolin

p00hsticks wrote: »

I'd suggest that it's not just the popularity of the author, but rather how frequently or rarely they are known to sign copies of their books. Book signings seem to be big business these days and the more popular authors (Terry Pratchett, for example) must have signed hundreds of thousands of copies of their various books over the years (I've got about a half a dozen of his, for starters!)

Ah yes, dear old Terry. Before his illness (he no longer signs in person btu gives out book plates) he used to joke that unsigned books were rarer than signed ones of his.

Seriously though, do some research, even ask on the Amazon seller boards. Personally I have never had much luck with signed books but there are some real dealers on Amazon who might be able to give you some ideas.

scotty1971

FTB-FTW wrote: »

Thanks guys, yes, this is from an author who is never going todecline in popularity (not within my lifetime for sure), so I was not thinking of selling immediately anyway. I was wondering more how worth my while it is hanging on to the book until it becomes older (and then presumably worth more) considering the minor damage.

well don't keep us in suspense,who is the author??