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Where should I take my collection?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:00 am
by Ga Outlaw
I started reading Stephen king When Bag Of Bones came out. I started by joining the Stephen King Library. My collection contains at least 1 copy of every book (except Dreamcatcher which I'm looking for). About 50% are book club editions 40% 1st editions & 10% special editions (gift,limited,red leather).

I'd like to focus my collection in one direction but I'm not sure which direction to take it. I know the book club editions are worthless. My 1st editions are not in the best shape, but I don't think I can aford the majority of the limited editions as I'm on a fixed income. What do you think I should focus on? Here's a list of my special editions...

Insomnia gift edition w/ remarque
Bag Of Bones Advance Readers Copy
Bag of Bones 10th Anniversary edition
Lisey's Story gift edition
Blockade Billy 1st edition w/ limited edition CD slipcase
The Tommyknockers red leather edition
Four Past Midnight red leather edition
Under The Dome gift edition w/ cards

I also have a copy of F. Paul Wilson's Sims book 5 signed & #'d 597 of 750. I got it in a CD grab bag

Re: Where should I take my collection?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:20 am
by TheCollector
Hi Ga Outlaw,

Welcome to the forums! Collecting is personal to everyone so it's hard for me to say "collect X" but I think an inexpensive way to start would be to upgrade your BC editions to 1st editions, and get gift editions when possible. Gift editions have a very high production value for the price (which is typically between $50-$100)

Also, if you have the budget for it, getting a S/L edition from the publisher is always a good investment, as that will immediately be worth more on the secondary market. Gift editions on the other hand, typically hold most of their value but don't always go above issue price.

Re: Where should I take my collection?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:40 am
by Ga Outlaw
Thanks for the addvice. I like the 1st edition upgrade idea. The only drawback I see is books like 'Salem's Lot. The s/l books even from the publisher are most times out of my price range. Gift editions are what I tend to go for but like you said there value rarely goes up. I will most likely go with the 1st editions, but no matter what I do some of my current collection will be for sale soon. I just don't know if I want to get rid of my Insomnia.

Re: Where should I take my collection?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:13 am
by jhanic
I'd hold onto the Insomnia. I'd say it's probably the most valuable item in your collection.

The red leather volumes are also book club editions, but there does seem to be a market for them. I personally don't collect them, but there are people who do.

I agree with The Collector in starting to upgrade to first editions. The newer books should be available at decent prices. Remember that condition is everything for these. If at all possible, don't settle for less than mint copies. The older volumes are, naturally, more expensive and you may want to settle for a less than perfect copy. Price-clipped dust jackets and non-King inscriptions in a book effectively degrade the book significantly.

John

Re: Where should I take my collection?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:26 am
by Ga Outlaw
Thanks John. Everything in my collection from Song of Susanna on are 1st editions & a few of the older ones as well. I have about 25 book club editions to replace.

Re: Where should I take my collection?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 12:43 pm
by Lurker
I agree - upgrading the firsts. I have collected those since he started publishing and only picked up a few of the other books except for the Grants (because they sent brochures in the mail) during that time. Betts Books sells a lot of those in fine condition very reasonably. I guess I started buying gifts and S/L's about the time of Insomia and Desperation. Still need to pick up some of those older ones. Only last year did I start adding proofs.

I wonder what the collection would be today if the Internet had been around then - back then I subscribed to CD magazine and a couple of others to try to get info on specialty books after the Gunslinger came out.

Re: Where should I take my collection?

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 7:35 am
by ShannonsMovies
I am interested in seeing your remarque! :)

Re: Where should I take my collection?

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 7:40 am
by ShannonsMovies
Nevermind, I just found the thread where you posted a picture. If you ever are looking to sell it, I call dibs! :)

Shannon

Re: Where should I take my collection?

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 8:41 am
by TheCollector
ShannonsMovies wrote:Nevermind, I just found the thread where you posted a picture. If you ever are looking to sell it, I call dibs! :)

Shannon
You're too late I called out on that in the other thread, I'm so friggin jealous :D I've been trying to get some original Hale art for a long time but as yet have been unsucessful.

Re: Where should I take my collection?

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 12:51 pm
by ShannonsMovies
You can never be too late if you have a time travel app on your phone!

*tornado of time*

Hello, I am very interested in your remarque should you ever wish to sell it. :)))