Collectable Editions

From J.K. Rowlings to J.R.R. Tolkien, publishers are finding that collectable editions have a good market. Galleycat pointed out that Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policeman’s Union and Chuck Palahnuik’s Rant (and reviewed on this blog recently) have collectable editions at $150.00 a pop.

The Wall Street Journal did a story about the collectable edition trend and the market for such books. The articles goes on to note, “In Britain, a limited, signed edition of Ian McEwan's new novel, "On Chesil Beach," has almost sold out at nearly $200 a copy; one is now being offered on eBay for as much as $370.”

For book collectors and lovers, the rarity of a limited deluxe edition makes for an interesting addition to the library, a conversation item, and, if one is lucky, an investment.

I have two limited editions and still have copies:

The Special edition of A Killing Smile (only 275 signed, numbered hardback copies, with leather cover and box). The price: $275.00

The Special edition of Gambling on Magic (125 copies, numbered hardback copies). The price: $49.95

To give you an idea of the market for collectable copies of my books, go to amazon.uk Prices for Spirit House are as follows:

£2,412.47 Used - Very Good Seller: anybook-uk Rating: 91% positive over the past 12 months (15172 ratings.) 19096 lifetime ratings. Delivery: In stock. Dispatched from FL, United States International delivery available See delivery rates Comments: Nice Book, Delivery in 1-2 weeks.

£2,412.48 Used - Good Seller: hippo_orders Rating: 85% positive over the past 12 months (9311 ratings.) 12088 lifetime ratings. Delivery: In stock. Dispatched from GA, United States International delivery available See delivery rates Comments: SHIPS FROM THE UNITED STATES VIA AIR MAIL. SHOULD ARRIVE WITHIN 21 BUSINESS DAYS. Hundreds of thousands of items in stock. ... ( » more )

£3,179.12 Used - Good Seller: experiencedbooks_uk Rating: 91% positive over the past 12 months (985 ratings.) 1251 lifetime ratings. Delivery: In stock. Dispatched from CA, United States Expedited delivery available International delivery available See delivery rates Comments: 1992 Paperback. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! Good to Very Good condition. Good, tight readable copy with typical reading wea... ( » more )

Given those figures, I’d say the price for the remaining copies of the special editions of A Killing Smile and Gambling on Magic are a bargain.