Here are some things we covered in our book-collecting class…
-Collect only what you love. You’ll be disappointed if you collect books expecting to sell them at a profit.
-Be picky. Buy the best copy you can find of a book you seek. Don’t settle for a damaged or book club copy.
-Develop relationships with booksellers. Let them know what you’re looking for, and if they’re on the ball, they’ll help you find it.
-Focus. There are open collections and closed collections. An open collection is books on the Civil War — you’ll never get them all because they’re constantly coming out with new ones. A closed collection is all of Octavia Butler’s first editions. There are only so many.
-Make sure your heirs know if your collection is valuable.
-Protect your collection. Keep your books away from direct sunlight, smoke, heat, and water.
-Be careful who you buy from. If you don’t know an online seller, look to see if they have any credentials (e.g. member of Antiquarian Booksellers Assn. of America or Rocky Mountain Antiquarian Booksellers Assn.). Be sure they allow returns. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
-Become an expert on your subject. Make sure you have useful bibliographies on your collected authors or subjects.