What Sells: Books
The best online marketplace for new and used books is Amazon.com which attracts the largest buying community for “in print” and “out of print” book titles. But, rare and antiquarian books are prized by collectors and sell particularly well on eBay. However, not all old or limited print books are valuable, and not all valuable books are old or rare. It is important to research each title to determine its approximate worth and the best sales channel through which to sell it before accepting a book for sale.
- Antiquarian books (100+ years old)
- Antique Bibles (pre-1900s) and family bibles
- First editions of some titles (see below)
- Signed books by popular authors and historical figures
First Editions
First editions (the first printing of a book from the original setting of type) are often more valuable than subsequent editions, particularly if the book is in excellent condition. For example, first editions of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book in excellent condition have sold for as much as $4,300 on eBay.
A first edition isn’t automatically valuable, though, so research each one to determine its worth before accepting it for sale. Key factors that contribute to a book’s value:
- The author’s or title’s popularity (example: Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, etc.)
- The number of books published (if a small number, value goes up)
- Novelty/controversy factor (example: Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie)
Signed Books
Like art, signatures are forged to increase the value of an item. An appraiser or book dealer can help authenticate a signature; look in the Yellow Pages under “Used and Rare Books” or contact the American Society of Appraisers. Visit their website at http://www.appraisers.org to locate an expert.
Research Resources
Online booksellers Alibris and Abe Books sell antiquarian and rare books. To understand the value of books you might consider selling, visit their websites at
Both websites have useful information about collectible books, including glossaries and care guides, as well as links to books currently for sale.
Condition
Condition is very important in determining a book’s value and desirability to collectors. Look for these signs of wear and damage:
- Cracked, dried out leather covers
- Broken or torn spines
- Missing or torn dust jackets (paper covers)
- Loose or missing pages
- Writing or other marks on the cover or inside (underlining, notes in margin, name or library stamp inside, etc.)
- Foxing (brown spots caused by high humidity and temperature extremes that often looks like a fox’s paw; this is very common in rare books)
Grading
A book’s condition is graded according to the following scale (note that there are no official definitions for these terms, so it’s best to include detailed descriptions and photographs of any damage or defects in your listing):
- As New – No damage or signs of wear, dust jacket and book in perfect condition.
- Fine (F or FN) – Almost “As New,” but not crisp.
- Very Good (VG) – Has some small signs of wear, but no tears.
- Good (G) – Average signs of wear, but no missing pages or leaves.
- Fair – Worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates), but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc. (which must be noted). Binding, jacket (if any), etc., may also be worn.
- Poor– May have missing pages, stains, loose spine, etc.
Include these details in your listing:
- Book title
- Author
- Year published
- Book club edition
- Dust jacket
- Edition (e.g. 1st edition)
- Out of print
- Paperback
- If the book has been signed by the author
- Top edge gilt (means the edges of the book are covered with gold leaf)
Storage and Shipping
Keep antique books in a well-ventilated room, away from children, pets, moisture, smoke and cooking odors. Never place a title in direct sunlight. Don’t place books next to heating vents or air conditioners, either, since temperature/humidity changes can cause damage. The best environment for books is a cool, dark, dry room.
To pack an antique book for shipment, wrap it in clean brown butcher paper (do NOT use newspaper, as the ink can rub off on the item) and place it in an extra large, sealed Ziplock bag. Surround the bag on two sides with firm pieces of new cardboard (slightly larger than the book itself). Wrap the entire bundle in bubble wrap, be careful not to place pressure on the binding or on the edges of the book and place it in a tight fitting box cushioned with packing peanuts where needed.
The United States Postal Service offers an inexpensive method for shipping media—books, CDs, and videos. Less valuable books should always be shipped via MediaMail. However, it is not advisable to ship valuable titles, especially rare editions, via MediaMail. Use Priority Mail for high value antique books, and be sure to insure each item during shipping.
