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Very few of us can go out and purchase an original folio by William Shakespeare, but just because you can't expect to buy the sort of rare volume that would be the crown jewel of any book collector's library, that doesn't mean you can't build up a collection of books whose value could grow - or even skyrocket - over time.

If you plan just to go out and buy the oldest looking books you can find or get a signed copy from every top-selling author who comes through your town, think again. Before you can go out and gather your books, you should have some idea of what constitutes a valuable (i.e. rare) and collectible book.

Age

For starters, don't mistake an old book for a rare book. Age and condition can certainly play a part in a book's value, but a book is only worth as much as someone else is willing to pay for it. Some books might eventually become scarce and hard to find, especially if there weren't that many copies made in the first place, or they might be old and in very good condition for their age. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that these books will be in demand. Similarly, some books might be in high demand, but if it seems like there's one up for online auction everytime you check, then it probably isn't considered a rare book.

Edition

The best way to collect books that you believe will become valuable is to do plenty of research. Try to determine what sorts of editions are the most attractive to other collectors. If you know of an author whom you think will have a lasting presence in the literary world, then see if you can procure some proofs, advanced reading copies, or at least some signed first editions of their work. Subsequent editions might become available to you, but first editions and rare proofs will always trump later editions in value.

Personalization

If you have the chance to get a book signed in person, try to have it personalized; the more of an author's handwriting that appears in a book, the more valuable that inscription is considered because it isn't likely to be forged. Anyone can attend a book signing, but if you go there with a first edition in hand, your book is more likely to become rare than just any volume you pick up from the bookstore.

It's hard to anticipate exactly which books will increase in value over time. If you do your research, at least you'll stand a better chance of building up an impressive collection because you'll know where best to focus your resources.

Learn more about this author, M. Sparga.
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