Selling a rare book?

Remington

So, I just found out that a book I bought in Jr High (I'm not gonna give the name, because I dont want this to look like I'm trying to sell it here) is a first edition and worth a few hundred bucks.

I've never sold a book before, so I was curious if anyone knew of any website or anything that specializes in buying first edition books. Should I just search for local used book stores or are they gonna lowball me? I'd prefer not to use EBay because it can be pretty hit-or-miss. Normally I'd just take my time in finding something like this, but I have a trip coming up in a couple weeks and it'd be great to have the extra cash to spend.

Mai-Kero

Speaking of, I've got a 1944 edition of the complete works of Shakespeare. Should that be worth anything?

fuelish

I looked into this for the mominlaw(She was a book buyer and has a bunch of signed first editions) If you want to get your moneys worth you will need to go thru a bookseller. There are several online, but they will take a commision. It can also take a while, waiting for someone that wants it. Next is Ebay, you might get pretty good money and it will (probably) be quick. However it is also Ebay which can be a pain. Last is the local used book shop. You will get money right now, if it is one they are interested in. You will not get anywhere near its full value, because theywill resale it and need to buy it at a price that allows them to make a profit.

Remington

Mai-Kero wrote: »

Speaking of, I've got a 1944 edition of the complete works of Shakespeare. Should that be worth anything?

Thanks helpful guy, you are helpful.

fuelish wrote: »

I looked into this for the mominlaw(She was a book buyer and has a bunch of signed first editions) If you want to get your moneys worth you will need to go thru a bookseller. There are several online, but they will take a commision. It can also take a while, waiting for someone that wants it. Next is Ebay, you might get pretty good money and it will (probably) be quick. However it is also Ebay which can be a pain. Last is the local used book shop. You will get money right now, if it is one they are interested in. You will not get anywhere near its full value, because theywill resale it and need to buy it at a price that allows them to make a profit.

Thanks actually helpful guy, you are actually helpful.

Gafoto

Try looking it up on Amazon. They have a large selection of books. If it doesn't show up there or nobody has a listing try AbeBooks.com, they are a major place to list rare books.

Improvolone

It doesn't hurt to put it on Amazon. I've never sold anything that expensive, but I've only had them take out money from the shipping cost charged.

saggio

You have three options.

1. eBay - a decent number of rare books are sold through here.
2. Amazon marketplace - less rare editions, and more general things. I wouldn't really go with this unless I really liked Amazon, or couldn't find something else
3. Specialty book shops. I have one in my town, and it is amazing - the guy can find just about anything. These are usually harder to find unless you have a brick and mortar near where you live.

If you are interested, I can send you the info for my favourite local book shop. I am in Canada, though, so if you are in the States or overseas you would have to find something local if you wanted to sell to a shop rather than through ebay or Amazon.

Remington

Thanks a lot for the help guys. I'm gonna look around at all these sites (AbeBooks looks nice) and maybe search for local shops.

And thanks for the offer, saggio. I am in the states, though.

ANTVGM64

I have a signed copy of the Phantom Menace Novelization. Wheee.

JoeUser

I've actually bought rare/out-of-print books from Alibris, which you should be able to sell through.

CooterTKE

look up Powells books in Portland Oregon. They are pretty helpful.

Xaquin

My dad has a set of french geneology books depicting the french royal families that was published in 1755.

ceres

You might want to post the title of the book just so you can get more specific advice. Someone may know a place out there that deals with rare books of a specific genre.

Before you take it anywhere, make sure you've confirmed its worth with a second opinion, and in its current condition.

TaGuelle

Xaquin, if you're looking to sell, I'm looking to buy.

Xaquin

edit: figured I'd move this to PMs