Most hard cover books published since the early 20th century were sold with a dust jacket. Reclusive author harper lee seldom signed her books, so a signed first edition of to kill a mockingbird in good. Imagine how special a book you really like will be when it has been inscribed by its author. Before we get into the why and details of the situation i am going to be blunt, the chances of a signed comic book being worth more than an unsigned issue are very slim, and in many cases the signature may actually hurt the value. Dedication copy a dedication copy is a book signed by the author on the dedication page and inscribed with a note to. I have a lot of signed first editions, but almost no inscribed personalized signatures. The keyword field is useful if you know the illustrators name or some other defining aspect like the books. Rare books by winston churchill, including first editions, signed first editions, finely bound copies, and handsome sets of his collected works. What to do with signed, personalized books unclutterer.
Book signing is popular because an authors signature increases the value of books for collectors. This term was coined several years ago by a bookseller on ebay, who uses it to describe a signed book one that hasnt been inscribed. Lopez adds some historical context to the current confusion over the relative value of signed versus inscribed books by explaining that for a long time generations, literally there was a clearly established hierarchy of values that pertained to books signed by their authors. Includes pen drawings and a rubber stamp from the author. Signed books were last, and there was even the suggestion of a taint to them as though perhaps the only justification for a book having been simply autographed was a kind of celebrity worship that somehow was a bit inappropriate to the book. So, a prolific author who rarely signs their works will be far more valuable than a fiction writer of one or two books who holds signings regularly. Just like youd rather have a signed copy of a harry potter book over, say, the casual vacancy, the book s perceived place in collective consciousness ends up determining the rate of its rarity and value. It has to be the book they are best known and loved for, says harrington. Get cozy and expand your home library with a large online selection of books at. Everyday books transform in to rare treasures when the author has signed them. Authors national edition the writings of twain volume vi on back side of page. You probably dont need to include every word of the title and authors name.
Collectors like scarcity, so first editions are sought because their print runs are usually low. Yes, yes, and too often the bookplates are plainjane, just ugly or misaligned or mismoistened so as to cause wrinkling on the verso. Aviation autographed books, pilot signatures, author. A book that has significant damage is likely not worth much. Voted the greatest briton of all by the british public, winston.
Signed books from awesome authors patrick rothfuss. When used to designate the recipients of a book as a gift from the author or. While an inscription is generally accompanied by a signature, a signed book specifically denotes the authors signature, as in an autograph. Vj books offers author hand signed books that become treasures for readers, fans and book collectors alike. The dust jacket is both the most decorative part of a book, and the most delicate. Weve gotten ahold of a limited supply of signed editions from some of todays most celebrated authors just for you.
The lesson is that an authors signature can take an easily acquired, lowcost book and supercharge its dollar value. The dust jacket is both the most decorative part of a book. If the signer is not wellknown and wellloved, the signature adds very little value. A first edition is one of the earliest, and therefore, most. Original boards refers to cardboardlike front and back boards, from about 1700 to 1840, used as temporary protection for books before their purchasers would have them bound. Signed outlander and lord john books always available.
These signed books will usually sell for at least twice as much as an unsigned copy, but the real determinant of price will be the value of the authors. Audrey niffenegger, author of the time travelers wife. Whether you want the cheapest reading copy or a specific collectible edition, with bookfinder, youll find just the right book. If you prefer to try to price your collection on your own, a number of notable books will give you an idea about the worth or value of your book. The value of your book depends on many things, so a professional appraisal is important whether you are planning to sell the book or to continue collecting books of the same type. The keyword field is useful if you know the illustrators name or some other defining aspect like the books binding perhaps its leather or cloth. The help, signed by author, kathryn stockett, easton press, leat her, gilt. When i was a new author, one of the more disorienting experiences was the first time someone came up to me with their copy of my book and. The author may add a short message to the reader, called a dedication, to each book, which. About author signatures and signed books empty mirror.
To lend perspective, here are some signed book values. If the book is signed by the author, tick the relevant box. In the back of my mind is also the image of a deeply sighing author. A saga of churchill, family, and defiance during the blitz signed book add to wishlist. An autographed book from your favorite author can turn an item of personal value into a cherished keepsake of financial worth. An inscribed book sometimes also called a presentation copy has been signed by. Signed books are an extraordinary addition to any collection. The fault in our stars by john green, the raven boys by maggie stiefvater, the ocean at the end of the lane by neil ga. Since 1997, bookfinder has made it easy to find any book at the best price. This is the authorized uniform edition of all my books. A signed copy is considered an extension of the author. Prying the chest open with a crowbar, you find a row of pristine books with gilded edges and crisp, unopened bindings. An inscribed copy of beatrix potters the tale of peter rabbit sold at auction for. Book plate label, generally affixed to the front pastedown, identifying a book.
Browse our everchanging selection below, and check out our signed preorders as well to reserve a signed edition from an upcoming author. The two kings of the book collecting jungle are signed books and first editions. To a buyercollector, the value of a signature is not the shape of the words, but the proof that the writer once held this particular item in their hands. Gods and angels, signed by author jeff shaara, civil war novel, new. An autographed or signed edition from your favorite author increases the value of your book collection. Whether beautifully bound, signed by the author or bursting with exclusive content, these collectible editions make exquisite gifts and are the perfect adornment to any bookshelf. Signed trade editions are copies of the regular trade first edition signed by the author, with or without an inscription. In the collectible book business, a plain signature is worth more than an inscription. If the book was published in 1970 or later, then you could search by the isbn number alone.
Each dust jacket is protected in an acidfree archival quality acetate cover. New, signed copies of dianas major outlander novels, the lord john series, multi author anthologies featuring short fiction by diana. An inscribed copy of beatrix potters the tale of peter rabbit. How much is your signed book worth and where to sell it. Whether one of hundreds or one of a kind, a signed book is a wonderful addition to any book collection. The attraction of autographed books is a bit different. List of most expensive books and manuscripts wikipedia. A guide to buying and collecting signed books in 2019. For most serious book collectors, a connection to the original source of the work is what they seek. A signed bookplate does add some value to the book but not as much as an actual signed page does.
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