

Check your local phone directory under “books, used – dealers” to find an appraiser.

get an appraisalĪnother route is to contact a local bookseller who offers appraisals. A good bookseller will be glad to answer your questions. Please be careful when buying books online – don’t buy the same book for several times what you should! Pay careful attention to what’s being offered, and ask plenty of questions. (That’s not necessarily so!) There are a number of these type of sellers out there. Or, he may be just trying to take advantage of the notion some people have that expensive must be better. But, it could also be that the seller is unrealistic about the book’s value. Well, there could be a good reason it could be a more desirable copy of the book. When searching online, you may come across a situation where there are, say, 10 copies of a book offered by various sellers at prices ranging from $5-10, and one offered at $50, or $200. (Once again, keep in mind that retail value is likely much different than the amount you’ll receive when you sell the book.)Īlso, remember that asking prices are not always selling prices ( see below for information on how to understand and interpret the prices you find online).

The current retail value of your book is probably somewhere in that neighborhood. When you’ve found some books that are like yours, compare prices. Again, pay close attention to detail, comparing what you have to what is advertised for sale. A hardcover book published in 1958 by Viking isn’t the same as a reprint published by Penguin in 1963.Ī signed book may command a somewhat higher price how much, if any, will depend upon whether or not the signature is in demand. The details are important: If your copy is a 3rd printing, or a book club edition, it won’t have the same value as a first edition if it shows obvious wear, it won’t sell for the same price as a copy in fine condition. Compare your book to the details of each book listed, comparing the publisher, year published, edition, condition, and any physical description of the book.

The “advanced search” option on the website includes more options than the basic form provided above there you can also fill in publisher, year published, and other detail fields.)
