Collecting Signed First Edition Books

Jim and I try to collect signed first edition books whenever possible. If we know an author is coming to a book store near us to sign ... we'll try to buy and bring an unsigned first edition for the author to sign.

There are a number of reasons to get a book signed:

1. A signed book will always be worth more than an unsigned book.

2. A signed book will usually have a premium of 20% - 100% ... sometimes more.

3. If you go to author book signings you'll meet many famous authors: - we've met Bill Clinton, Barack Obama , Salman Rushdie, Annie Proulx, Gene Wolfe, Frank McCourt and many, many others

4. You may have time to ask an author a question or visit with them at an author signing.

Authors sign many more books early in their career ... and then less as they become more popular.

- the early signed books are collectible due to their scarcity

- the signed later books are collectible since the author is signing fewer

Watch your local newspaper for author signing events. There are fewer independent book stores these days ... but many are able to stay in business and thrive due to famous authors coming to sign.

Our local mystery store, Murder By The Book, recently had Sue Grafton and Sara Paretsky stop by to sign their latest books and earlier books. Jim got his A is for Alibi book (now very expensive) signed by Ms. Grafton.

Jim told me his idea recently about collecting signed first edition books. Whenever he goes to used book stores, he looks at their limited leather-bound books. (Many used book stores have sections or book cases devoted to collectible books).

The limited editions are usually published by Folio or Easton Press. By examining these books he has found books with J. D. Rockefeller's signature and also Sir Edmund Hillary's signature. (Hillary died recently).

Jim purchased Edmund Hillary's two-volume set for $60 and now sees them on ABE for $250+.

Signed or Inscribed?

Usually when we go to an author book signing event and have a book signed ... we prefer the author to just sign his or her name on the title page. Some collectors refer to this as flat-signing.

Frequently, upon request, authors will include the name of the collector and an expression ("Best wishes", for example). This book is called an inscribed book. To us, if we see one offered for sale it is less desirable than a book that simply has been signed (including the date of the signing is fine though).

We will generally avoid inscribed books unless the signature is hard to get or ... the book is inscribed to someone famous or another author.