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Introduction:
Collecting Stephen King books is a pasttime that I recommend to anyone including those that aren't into macabre horror-stricken times. Stephen King, top 10 best-selling author of all time, definitely writes fluently and his earlier works are antiquarian and collectible. Where else to get them but on EBay?
Decisions to Make:
First and foremost you have to determine whether or not you intend to collect as an reader, as an antiquarian/ fine books collector, or as both. This is one of the most important decisions you will make as you can clearly see further on in this guide. It is necessary in the deciding of what form of the book to collect. We will explore these forms in the next section.
Step One:
First order of business is to obtain a list of Stephen King books in print. Remember this list doesn't have to be the master list, you may have to find it from different sources. Why is this? Because Stephen King has extended his authoring to many genres including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Download Only Secondary Market, as well as considering that Stephen King's stories will sometimes appear in compilations with other authors.
His written works are best sought after at his own website. Why not trust the source more then anything. It surely seems to be updated including the Master of Horrors future workings so you can stay ahead of the game. You can find this at www.stephenking.com surprisingly enough. Print out this list and be prepared for your next step.
Step Two:
By now you should know why you want to collect. If you are intent on collecting every Stephen King book in existence for reading purposes you most likely want paperback (pb). If you are intent on collecting for the sake of antiquarian purposes you want limited books, his first works, and ones that clearly state they are first print first edition hardback books (hb, hc). Paperbacks are very very easy to collect and can usually be swooped up for a buck a piece. Antiquarian collecting is serious business. Don't take it lightly. One Stephen King book alone can go for over $1,000 easy. See limited edition (1100 in print) of Six Stories , which are individually signed by hand by the King himself.
Make sure you read all the details. I know you have been told this before but keep in mind some of the experience I have had. Be sure you ask outright any question you have. Mostly keep in mind the details you need to know about the book is it's outward conditioning, the numbers and info necessary on the copyright page (cp) to determine first editions. You also need to know whether or not the dust cover comes with it. I have had experience where I have received a book with no dust cover (dj, dc) and the value is highly depreciated for the collector and the resaler. (Fortunately I was lucky enough to be refunded!) Also keep eagle eyes out for any listings that may have someones name written inside, or that state this was a library book. This means there is usually a library card holder or other damaging affects to the book. Minor ripping in the dust jacket really doesn't depreciate a whole lot for first edition earlier books by Stephen King. Finally, not necessarily in order of importance, make sure you understand all of the quippings. First Editions can be valuable or invaluable depending on exactly what First Edition they are. First Edition doesn't guarantee it's the first printing. Book club editions, no price on the inside dust jacket, are also highly reduced in market value, and collectibility.
Final Stage:
Keep your books in a safe place. A bookcase is sufficient just do your best to keep it in a low-humidity environment. A shelf where your children might reach it is not a good idea. Enjoy your collection! Don't necessarily forego the entertainment value of these books if these are your genres. Read them. Even if your collecting antiquarian/ rare books scoff up the newer re-released versions that you can score for a buck a piece on EBay for reading alone. Or if you are a personal collector not for resale read your hardcover books making sure to mark your place with a bookmark (don't bend pages or use the dust jacket as a bookmark).
Decisions to Make:
First and foremost you have to determine whether or not you intend to collect as an reader, as an antiquarian/ fine books collector, or as both. This is one of the most important decisions you will make as you can clearly see further on in this guide. It is necessary in the deciding of what form of the book to collect. We will explore these forms in the next section.
Step One:
First order of business is to obtain a list of Stephen King books in print. Remember this list doesn't have to be the master list, you may have to find it from different sources. Why is this? Because Stephen King has extended his authoring to many genres including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Download Only Secondary Market, as well as considering that Stephen King's stories will sometimes appear in compilations with other authors.
His written works are best sought after at his own website. Why not trust the source more then anything. It surely seems to be updated including the Master of Horrors future workings so you can stay ahead of the game. You can find this at www.stephenking.com surprisingly enough. Print out this list and be prepared for your next step.
Step Two:
By now you should know why you want to collect. If you are intent on collecting every Stephen King book in existence for reading purposes you most likely want paperback (pb). If you are intent on collecting for the sake of antiquarian purposes you want limited books, his first works, and ones that clearly state they are first print first edition hardback books (hb, hc). Paperbacks are very very easy to collect and can usually be swooped up for a buck a piece. Antiquarian collecting is serious business. Don't take it lightly. One Stephen King book alone can go for over $1,000 easy. See limited edition (1100 in print) of Six Stories , which are individually signed by hand by the King himself.
Make sure you read all the details. I know you have been told this before but keep in mind some of the experience I have had. Be sure you ask outright any question you have. Mostly keep in mind the details you need to know about the book is it's outward conditioning, the numbers and info necessary on the copyright page (cp) to determine first editions. You also need to know whether or not the dust cover comes with it. I have had experience where I have received a book with no dust cover (dj, dc) and the value is highly depreciated for the collector and the resaler. (Fortunately I was lucky enough to be refunded!) Also keep eagle eyes out for any listings that may have someones name written inside, or that state this was a library book. This means there is usually a library card holder or other damaging affects to the book. Minor ripping in the dust jacket really doesn't depreciate a whole lot for first edition earlier books by Stephen King. Finally, not necessarily in order of importance, make sure you understand all of the quippings. First Editions can be valuable or invaluable depending on exactly what First Edition they are. First Edition doesn't guarantee it's the first printing. Book club editions, no price on the inside dust jacket, are also highly reduced in market value, and collectibility.
Final Stage:
Keep your books in a safe place. A bookcase is sufficient just do your best to keep it in a low-humidity environment. A shelf where your children might reach it is not a good idea. Enjoy your collection! Don't necessarily forego the entertainment value of these books if these are your genres. Read them. Even if your collecting antiquarian/ rare books scoff up the newer re-released versions that you can score for a buck a piece on EBay for reading alone. Or if you are a personal collector not for resale read your hardcover books making sure to mark your place with a bookmark (don't bend pages or use the dust jacket as a bookmark).
Guide created: 25/01/06 (updated 12/06/09)
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