Why is first edition so expensive?

So why, then, do book collectors care? Book collectors value first editions because it's the closest one can get to the author's intent. The author is usually more invested and involved in the first printing process because it's the first time their work is born and introduced to the world.

Why are first editions so valuable?

What makes a valuable first edition is the perfect confluence of rarity and demand – which is why, while there are exceptions, an author's first book, typically printed for a small audience, is the one most likely to achieve impressive prices.

What is special about first editions?

First editions are prized because they are as close as a reader can get to the source. This is the way the book first appeared to readers, with the original cover art, and sometimes even the original typos.

Are all first editions worth money?

Are all first editions valuable? Possibly! Depending on the popularity and demand of a book, it could become valuable further down the line. First editions are what some book collectors hunt for, and are often willing to part with considerable amounts of money.

Is it worth buying first edition books?

When it comes to book investments, first edition books are key. They tend to be the most sought after by collectors, plus modern first editions can be easier to obtain as you don't need to get your hands on older releases in order to make a profit.

Why Is The 1st Edition Charizard So Expensive?

How many copies should my first book sell?

The average traditionally published non-fiction book sells about 250-300 copies in the first year, but when we manage a book launch, our target is to sell 1,000 copies in the first 3 months. Why 1,000? Because at that number of sales, a book has the momentum it needs to keep spreading by word of mouth.

How do you tell if a book is 1st edition?

Identifying the first edition of a book

The publisher may actually state the words 'first edition' or 'first printing' on the copyright page. Another common method of identification is the number line – that's a line of numbers on the copyright page. Usually, if a one is present in the line then it's a first edition.

What is the rarest first edition book?

The Canterbury Tales, the most expensive first edition book sold in an auction, is a collection of 24 stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and 1400.

Are first editions always hardback?

There are four major criteria your book must meet, be it a hardcover or a paperback, to be considered a true first edition. You can check whether “first edition” is mentioned on the copyright page, but you also need to check it for the correct publisher, date, edition number, and print run number.

Is first edition better than Limited edition?

They generally differ from first editions not only because they are printed in purposely small numbers; limited editions are often published on higher quality paper, with more luxurious bindings. They may also include the author's signature or supplementary illustrations.

Is it hard to find first edition books?

A first edition is considered to be more desirable than later editions because the firsts are usually rarer. Many first edition printings were published in smaller quantities than subsequent printings, making the firsts more difficult to find.

What's the big deal about first edition books?

Book collectors value first editions because it's the closest one can get to the author's intent. The author is usually more invested and involved in the first printing process because it's the first time their work is born and introduced to the world.

How do you store first editions?

A dark room is fine, but be sure that it is also not excessively damp or humid. Moisture can lead to an oxidation in the paper called foxing or cause warping of the boards or papers. Custom leather clamshell boxes can be made to help protect any book.

How to sell rare first edition books?

What makes a book rare?

book which has an enhanced value because the demand for the book exceeds the supply, usually because of its importance, scarcity, age, condition, physical and aesthetic properties, association, or subject matter.

How to find rare first edition books?

Auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's carry some of the most sought-after rare and first edition books. Other small auction houses can also be a great place to find a first edition copy.

How many prints are in a first edition?

A printing is one print run of a book. So if you ask the printer to print 10,000 copies of a book and then you sell them all and go back and ask for another 7,500 copies, the first 10,000 copies was the first printing; the next 7,500 copies was the second printing. Those two printings are in the same edition.

Can you tell if a book is first edition by the ISBN number?

Determine if the ISBN is for a limited edition.

The International Standard Book Number, or ISBN, is a unique 10 or 13 digit number to notate an edition or variation of a book. While a limited edition copy of a book is usually noted on the cover or copyright page, you can check the ISBN listed above the barcode.

What is the difference between a first edition and a first printing of a book?

A first edition is the first printing of a book. It's true that a first edition may have one or more printings and that a second edition will normally be noted only if there are actual changes, usually major, in the text. But for a collector, a first printing is the only true first edition.

What is the oldest book in existence?

A Buddhist holy text, the Diamond Sūtra is considered to be the oldest surviving dated printed book in the world. Found in a walled up cave in China along with other printed materials, the book is made up of Chinese characters printed on a scroll of grey printed paper, wrapped along a wooden pole.

What is the biggest rare book collection?

The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library holds one of the largest and most dynamic collections of rare books and manuscripts in the world. Its holdings draw hundreds of scholars, artists, and critics from around the world to the reading room each year.

How can you tell if a book is worth money?

In determining the value of a book there are three basic elements: 1) rarity, 2) condition, and, 3) demand. Books with the most value normally have all three of these elements, and the loss of any will likely result in a loss of value. Age of the book is not always a key factor in value.

What is the value of a first edition?

As with any books, the value of a first edition is determined by its 1) collectibility (characteristics that make it desirable), 2) its scarcity (see what makes a book rare, and 3) its condition.

Are first edition library books worth anything?

Books that have been circulated in public libraries, "Ex-library" or "Ex-lib" books, as they are generally referred to within the hobby, have very little collectible value, even if they are first editions.

How much do authors get paid for their first book?

How much can authors expect to earn from their books? A first-time author with a traditional publishing deal might expect an advance of $1,000-$10,000 and 5-18% royalties once they “earn out” their advance. Self-published authors do not receive advances, but their royalties can reach up to 70% for ebook editions.