How did you learn the book trade?

I am wondering how people learned the book trade. How you learned the
authors and books, what is valuable what isn't.
What was the greatest lesson you learned.
Any funny stories?
I am learning from my experience of all the books I have read and the
research I have done so far.

It was easy. I took a comic book to school in kindergarten and my buddy
traded me for one of his. Hence, my first "book trade".

BookFriend wrote:
I am wondering how people learned the book trade. How you learned the
authors and books, what is valuable what isn't.
What was the greatest lesson you learned.

snip The most valuable lesson I have learned as a collector is to buy
the best condition possible. Don pay $50 for a "very good" copy when a
"fine" copy is available for $150. Spend the extra money. The "fine"
condition copy is the one other collectors will want when and if you
ever decide to sell. Second, study your specialty. You will discover
which author and editions are not collectible and which ones are rarer
and more valuable. Look for dealers who specialize in the areas you
collect and get on their mailing list. Go to book shows and talk to
dealers. Examine copies of books you would like to collect. Don't be
afraid to purchase from dealers. If there is a problem, you will have a
greater chance of recourse than if you purchase from a seller on eBay.
Personally, I almost never purchase anything on eBay above $100. At
that price, I would prever to go to a dealer who will provide an honest
description of the physical condition of the book.

BookFriend wrote:
I am wondering how people learned the book trade. How you learned the
authors and books, what is valuable what isn't.
What was the greatest lesson you learned.
Any funny stories?
I am learning from my experience of all the books I have read and the
research I have done so far.

I am sure Paghat the Ratgirl, if still around, would have lots to say
about this.

David Ames

David Ames wrote:
BookFriend wrote:

I am wondering how people learned the book trade. How you learned the
authors and books, what is valuable what isn't.
What was the greatest lesson you learned.
Any funny stories?
I am learning from my experience of all the books I have read and the
research I have done so far.


I am sure Paghat the Ratgirl, if still around, would have lots to say
about this.

David Ames

I once gave a small seminar with a library club about how to go about
book collecting, what to look for and where to look.
Later I found one of the members visitng my special haunts for used books.
I suppose the best lesson I could have learned is never divulge trade
secrets unless it is to someone who know won't be competing with you for
the same books.

D.Wood
Otter Creek Books