Before you Buy
Learning to Hunt
With the advent of the internet, you can purchase books from just about anyone and from anywhere. But not all online sellers are created equal. Doing your research is important. You can always ask a seller questions or request pictures.
You can check what previous copies in the similar condition sold for recently, check ISBN numbers, some sellers use generic pictures of a book instead of the actual book itself. Read the full description, they may mention damage or if it's directly signed or if it's a bookplate.
A few things to consider when purchasing over the internet;
Is this a reputable seller? Check reviews of past customer experiences.
How is it being shipped? USPS Media Mail? FedEx? Tracking? Insurance? How much is shipping?
How is it being packaged? Some of the books you order may be worth hundreds of dollars and you want to ensure that it arrives and without any damage.
Is it coming from overseas? Will you need to pay customs fees? Customs can greatly delay shipping times and the longer a book is en route, the greater the chance that accidents can happen.
How to search for a book
It may seem simple, just search the title of the book you are looking for RIGHT? …..but you can also search using an ISBN number which you will find on the copyright page. Searching this way will narrow it down to the format you are looking for. Instead of searching through thousands of copies of Elantris using the ISBN number search you can look at just the format you want like Elantris US hardcover. Not all listings will use an ISBN number so it's best to use both search methods. International Standard Book Number/ISBN is a book identifying 10 or 13 digit numbers that is unique to each separate edition and variation of a publication. A hardcover, paperback and e-book of the same story will all have their own ISBN.
Lack of details or images
Use caution when ordering books when little or no details or images are presented. Condition is a big part of a book's value, and it can be subjective. If someone leaves out pictures of the edges you may not know until you receive it that it has a remainder mark or that the book has a tear on the dust jacket. You can always ask for more information or pictures before you make a purchase.
Return policy
Ensure that the seller has a return policy. Especially on auction sites, you may notice that a seller does not accept returns. The website's own in house return policy may or may not cover you in cases where the book is not exactly as described. Getting a Refund When Your Book Purchase Goes Wrong
Signed bookplates
You will see listings claiming a book is "Signed by the Author" but in actuality is a signed bookplate that was later added to the book. Brandon used to sell signed bookplates 5 for $5 but shady sellers would resell them at exorbitant prices to unknowing buyers. If the Book Plate is attached by the seller (glue or tape) it may even reduce the value of the book (as you can't remove it to get a real signature, so it's considered defacement). Below is an example of the bookplates you may find out there in your searching.
Wheel of Time "Signed by Author"
Brandon finished the Wheel of Time series after Robert Jordan's passing. The three books written by Brandon were published after Robert Jordan had passed away and contain a "printed" signature of Robert Jordan's signature. Brandon felt weird about signing these books without Jordan's signature being there as well. Robert did not obviously physically sign these books but many of the listings erroneously state "Signed by Author" and are sometimes listed at the price of a real Robert Jordan signature. Not all sellers know they are just printed signatures and may not be shady but just misinformed.