Book Collecting Terminology
1/1’s
Shorthand for "first edition, first printing". Example: "That's a Mistborn1/1." This was the first time this copy of this book was printed and available for purchase by the public. When that sells out a publisher may do another print run and that would be referred to as 1/2 first edition, second printing. If there is a significant change to the book whether its formatting, grammar and/or spelling the publisher will print another edition and this copy would be referred to as 2/1, second edition, first printing. This information is available on a books copyright page see Number Line for more information.
Acknowledgements
A section in a book where an author thanks everyone who helped them produce the book. May include family members, editors, publishers, assistants, agents or even inspirations.
Advanced Readers Copy/ARC
A near-final version of the book provided to reviewers or Beta readers prior to release. Can contain formatting, grammar and/or spelling mistakes that will be corrected before the book is released to the public. Usually has either the finished cover art or possibly trial cover art. Generally, this copy is as it will appear in the bookstores. It may also be called a Galley Proof. These differ from Uncorrected Bound Proofs but can sometimes be erroneously labeled. As with anything rare, these can be highly sought after and expensive.
Alpha Readers
A small group of readers that will offer advice on the overall story flow.
As New/Mint Condition/Unread
The book is in the perfect condition, exactly as it left the printers. No damage or markings of any kind. Most desirable of all conditions.
As Usual
Used to describe the general defects or wear that occurs to a book with regular use.
Audio Book
A cassette, LP, CD, audio file or other recordings of the text of a book. Often used as “reading copies”.
Author Bio
Provides an overview of an author, their writing and any awards they have won.
Backstrip
The covering on the book's spine.
Beta Readers
Another group of readers after alpha readers but before gamma readers outside of the publishing industry that help with story continuity, spelling and grammar.
Biblio
From the Greek; signifying or pertaining to books.
Biblioclast
A destroyer of books.
Bibliognost
Having a deep knowledge of books.
Bibliography
A systematic list of books and other works that pertain to a certain subject or author.
Biblioklept
A book thief.
Bibliomaniac
A bibliophile is a person within whom the love of books has become an obsession; includes many book dealers and certain collectors.
Bibliophile
A lover of books.
Bibliophobia
A fear of books.
Bibliopole
A dealer of rare books.
Binding
The cover of the book surrounding the book block.
Blurb
A comment from a reviewer (often by another author praising the particular book) printed on the dust jacket. Some collectors will even collect Brandon's Blurbs for other authors.
Boards
The stiff binding material used for most modern books.
Book Club Edition/BCE
A separate edition of the book exclusive to book clubs such as "The Book of the Month Club" or "The Literary Guild." These copies will not have a number line on the copyright page and are smaller and constructed with cheaper materials. They may also be identified by a number in the white box on the back cover usually used for the price, or have the words "Book Club Edition" printed near the bar code or on the copyright page. Not considered a first edition, first print and is considerably less valuable, but some people will collect them for the interest value.
Occasionally, if the book club does not wish to do a separate edition they will have a publisher Blind stamp on the rear board and print a supply of dust wrappers without a price on the front flap, now without the barcode on the rear panel. Book Clubs are not solely an American phenomenon as there have been numerous British Book Clubs over the years.
Bookplate (bkpl)
A special sticker or card placed in the front of a book that can be signed by the author and can be placed inside of unsigned books. A signed bookplate laid in is not as desirable as a signed book. Brandon wouldn't have directly touched the actual book, only the bookplate that was added afterwards. If the bookplate is glued in or attached in some way, it can also bring down the resale value of the book as it is considered defacement by some collectors.
You will see listings claiming a book is "Signed by the Author" but in actuality it 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. Below is an example of the bookplates you may find out there in your searching.
Bowed
A condition of the covers or boards of a hardcover book. Bowed covers may turn inward toward the leaves or outward away from the leaves. The condition generally results from a rapid change in the level of moisture in the air and is caused by different rates of expansion or contraction of the paste-down and the outer material covering the board.
Brando Blue Book (BBB)
A list made by the collecting community to help determine the value of Brandon's works.
Brodart Cover
Clear plastic cover for books to preserve dust jackets and prevent tears.
Case-wrapped
A hardcover book where the cover art is printed directly on the board and there is no dust jacket. Sometimes also called a "Turtle-back" or “Library Binding” They have high-quality binding to significantly extend the life of the book and they are primarily intended for libraries and schools. Some collectors use these as reading copies.
Cloth
A cloth-bound covering of a book.
Condition
This refers to the appearance of the book Wikipedia has a good list of the standard conditions. Some websites (such as eBay) have their own set of conditions. They can range from Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent, Like New. The closest the book is to the day it left the printers the more it will be valued at.
Cocked/Shelf-Cocked
A condition resulting from storing a book on a shelf so that it leans and rests against its neighbor or the side of a bookcase. Gravity can deform the book binding. Cocked also refers to a book where the spine no longer remains at right angles to the covers
Colophon
An identifying inscription or emblem from the printer or publisher. Also refers to the emblem at the bottom of the spine on both the book and dust wrapper as well as a logo on the title or copyright page. Can also be called a Device.
Copyright
Usually found on the back of the title page. Will contain information about the current edition and printing, publication information, printing history, ISBN that uniquely identifies the work and a copyright notice. Sometimes, there may be a warning indicating that the book sold without a cover is a stripped book.
Covers
The binding of the book, particularly the front and back panels. Can be plain or designed with art, glit or embossing. Used to protect and bind together the pages of a book. Used as a distinction between hardcovers (HC) and paperbacks (PB), May have dust jackets or be case wrapped.
Creases
A permanent bend to a page or dust jacket. Commonly happens when dust jackets are removed and stored away while the book is being read. This can greatly affect the value of a collectible book.
Crown
Very top edge of the spine.
Cut
A step after binding where all of the edges are smooth-trimmed so it presents even, or flush.
Cuts
Illustrations printed in the pages of text are called cuts, whole page illustrations that have been printed separately are called Plates.
Dedication
The inscription found printed in a book addressing a particular person. This was once used as a way to gain the patronage and support of the person so addressed, but is now a mark of affection or regard for the person the book is dedicated too.
Damp Stained
A light stain on the cover or on the leaves of a book caused by moisture such as a perspiration from handling or food. Usually not as severe as water stains.
Darkening
Damage that occurs when book covers are exposed to sunlight, the color can darken or becomes more intense. Similar to fading and sunning.
Dated
Is where a book has the date handwritten in it to showcase when it was signed, most commonly on release date or in person signings. Can help with providence for the book.
Deckle Edges
A term for uncut or untrimmed edges leaving them rough and uneven. This is considered a defect to most readers but can also be considered collectible depending on the collector.
Decorative Stamped Binding
A highly detailed impression stamped onto the cover and/or spine of a book. Found on more higher end produced books such as the leather bound editions.
Dedication Copy
The copy of a book inscribed by Brandon to the person to whom he dedicated the book too. Given as a gift to said lucky person. Extremely collectible.
Definitive Edition
The most authoritative version of a work. Example would be the ten year anniversary edition of Elantris.
Dents
Damage found on the edges of the cover or boards of hardcover books.
Device
A printer's or publisher's ornament or insignia that is the identifying mark for that entity. Interchangeable with the term colophon.
Dog-Eared
Pages that have been folded over in the corners to mark a reader's place in a book instead of using bookmarks. Big NO NO!!!
Dos-a-dos/ Double Bind Up
Two separate books bound together so that each cover introduces a different story within the single bound book. Examples would include Dreamer/Snapshot and FirstBorn/Defending Elysium.
Dust Jacket/Dust Wrapper
A decorative wrapper placed around a book to protect the boards and binding from damage. Usually made of paper but other materials may be used. Can be easily damaged and if you are looking for a replacement (a married DJ) and you are collecting first edition, first printings it will be important to check the price printed on the dust jacket itself. Publishers will often keep the same dust jacket on subsequent printings or editions but change the cover price printed on the jacket. Therefore not all dust jackets can be directly swapped out depending on how you have chosen to collect.
Cover art can be one of the major draws for a collector, they are often very beautiful and designed to introduce you to the story and characters you are about to read about.
Publishers change cover art for many reasons including; country, gender or age of the consumer they are marketing the book towards. Even if a collector can not read the language, many foreign editions have unbelievable art only available in that language so many collectors will still wish to acquire these books.
Edges
The outer surfaces of a book's leaves.
Edge Worn
Wear along the edges of hardback book covers. Occurs with general use and moving of a book. Is usually considered minor damage.
Edition(ed)
All the copies of a book printed from the same plates or typesetting. A book is a new edition when new plates are used. New plates are used when additions, changes, or corrections are made or if a different printer or publisher is used.
A good thing to keep in mind is that even if a book is a 1st Edition, that only means its the 1st by that Publisher. If another Publisher also prints the same story, they will also have their 1st Edition that's why collectors use the term True First.
End Papers
Sheets of paper pasted onto the inner covers of the book, joining the book block to the covers. One side of the sheet is pasted to the inside cover, the other is left free. Can be decorative or colored, found in more higher end produced editions.
Ephemera (SWAG)
Printed or written promotional items produced with a short intended lifetime that are now very collectible. Examples include samplers, posters, postcards, tickets, maps and pamphlets.
Epilogue
A supplemental, but separate, part of the main story line. It is often used to reveal the fates of the characters and wrap up loose ends or questions the reader may still have.
Epigraph
A quote, paragraph, or short excerpt usually found at the beginning of a book an author uses to set up themes or place the events of their story. It does not need to connect directly to the story. They usually appear offset by quotation marks at the beginning of a text.
Erosion
Loss of paper or cloth caused by a slow and steady wear, as opposed to a chipping, tearing or bumping.
Ex-Library
A term used to indicate a book was once in a public library. Can usually be identified with markings of the library such as stamps, stickers, card pockets or cataloging numbers. Most collectors steer clear of these. These books have usually been read a lot and therefore can be quite damaging lowering the value. Some collectors have been able to find a good deal on these books if condition is not as important.
Ex-Libris
A bookplate printed with the owner's name or initials. Latin for "From the library of…" Can lower the value of the book for resale unless from a famous collector or person (Example- Emily Sanderson’s personal library).
Facing Page
The page opposite the page being referred to.
Fading
The color of some book covers fade or become less intense when exposed to sunlight. Considered damage to the book. Use archival covers and collection locations to help protect against fading. Similar to Darkening.
First Trade Edition
The edition was produced for general commercial sale. Larger the MMPBs and easier to hold and read. Most collectors use these editions as reading copies.
Flyleaf
A blank leaf of paper can be more than one, following the front free end-paper or at the end of a book where there is not sufficient text to fill out the last few pages.
Fly Title
The page carrying nothing but the title of the book, usually preceding the title page can also be referred to as a Bastard title.
Folding Plates
A plate or illustration that is too big to fit into the book and therefore has been folded neatly into the book.
Footband
A special band at the bottom of the spine that hides the glue and helps keep the spine together.
Format
This is in reference to how a book is bound (basically the cover). Is it a Paperback, Hard Cover, Leather bound, etc…
Foreword
In an introductory section of a book written by someone other than the author. The writer of the foreword is usually a bestselling author or prominent figure like an expert on the subject matter. It is like a letter of recommendation that someone with credibility writes for a book, someone the readers will respect. Tends to be short. Can be very helpful for new authors to get published.
Foxed, Foxing
Brown spotting on the paper caused by a chemical reaction.
Free End-paper
The first or last movable leaf of paper in a book aka Front or Rear Fly; often blank.
Gamma Reader
A group of readers used in the editing process for proofreading, spelling and grammar before it is sent for final editing with a professional editor.
Gilt
A thin application of gold decoration or lettering has been applied directly to the book. It can be applied to the boards, spine, and even edges. Found on higher end produced books like the leather bound editions. If flaking happens during handling, lightly wipe with soft dry cloth or use white gloves if you're very concerned but they are not needed.
Glassine
A transparent paper dust wrapper.
Half Binding
The spine and corners of a book are bound in a different material (frequently leather and cloth) than the rest of the covers.
Hardcover/Hardback/ HC
Describes the most common collectible format of a book. Protect and extend the life of a book. The paper quality is usually better than its paperback alternative. Usually the first edition, first printing of a new book release.
Headband
A special band at the top of the spine that hides the glue and helps keep the spine together.
Hinge
The inside portion of the flexible joint where the cover meets the book spine. Joint describes the exterior portion
Inscribed
Indicates a book is signed by the author with a personalized message, either with an inscription to a specific person or bearing some brief notation along with his signature.
Introduction
Written by the author and supplements the subject matter of the book. May present a point of view the reader should take, outline what is to come, teasing the writer's conclusions or why the book was written.
International Standard Book Number/ISBN
A book identifying 10 or 13 digit numbers depending on year of publication, 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
Leaf
A single sheet of paper in a book; each leaf contains two printed pages, one on each side.
Leather bound
A hardcover edition that is bound in leather with (usually) gilded lettering and designs. Sometimes abbreviated as "LB". These are special collectors editions with more expensive materials such as the paper and ink and are designed to be read even though some collectors don’t. These editions require special care so they remain in good condition.
Lettered
Occasionally a limited edition of a book that is hand lettered. They are significantly more rare than even numbered editions because of the very small amount of copies produced.
Limited Edition (Ltd)
Any book whose publication is deliberately restricted to a comparatively small number of copies. Can be numbered/Lettered and often signed by the author and/or illustrator. Very collectible.
Lined
Similar to inscribed but without any personalization. Sanderson picks a line from the book he is signing that he believes echoes the focus of that book. Skywards was “Claim the Stars' ', Warbreaker's was “My Breath to Yours”. A lined book can be more valuable than just a signed copy.
Manuscript
The original form of a work as it was created by the author. This could be typed, handwritten, or computer generated. This is what is sent to the editors and publishers. One of the most collectible items. Is extremely rare and expensive.
Married
When a dust jacket from one copy of a book is used with another copy of a book as a replacement for a damaged one. See Dust Jacket for more information.
Mass-Market Paperback (mmpb)
The most common and cheapest version of a book. Smaller than the Trade paperback, about four inches wide and seven inches high. Seen most often in mystery, science fiction and romance. Not very collectible. Can be used as a reading copy but because of the size of some of Sanderson's books can be harder to hold and read.
Mint
A perfect copy of that book, As New.
Misbound/Misprint
Pages or signatures sewn together in improper order. Sometimes a book can be bound upside down or miss aligned, Most people don’t want these but can be sought after copies for certain collectors.
Mylar Cover
A clear glossy covering was added to dust jackets to protect them from damage and dust.
Novella
A published work that is shorter than most novels but longer than a short story. Examples include The Emperor's Soul, Edgedancer and Dawnshard.
Numbered
This is a limited edition of a book that is often released during first publication. Each book is hand numbered. They are generally more rare than even 1st printings because of the small amount of copies published.
Number Line
Most books have a number line on the copyright page. This shows whether this is the first, second, third, etc press run of that book. The lowest number on the line is the "printing". First printings are usually the most sought-after copies of a book. US and UK printing lines can present differently. Also called a Printer's Key.
Here are two examples of "first printing" number lines:
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 or 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2
A Book Club Editions will not have a number line but will state its book club status on the copyright page and also have a number on the back cover usually where you would normally find a price.
Omnibus
A collection of a number of reprinted works produced in one edition. Example is the White Sand Omnibus edition.
Paperback/Softcover
Describes a book printed with a soft cover instead of a hardcover. Can be referred to as trade paperback or mass market paperback.
Personalization
An is an inscription by the author intended for a specific person. Example: "To Mark, Happy birthday! - Brandon".
Preface
Often confused with forwards and introductions the preface gives an explanation of the context of the book while introductions are used to dive directly into a story segueing smoothly into the body of text. And a Forward is written by another author. May be used to explain why the author is qualified to write about the subject matter or how or why they chose to write the book. More commonly found in nonfiction books, but they can also be used in fiction.
Presentation Copy
A copy of a book actually given by the author to someone of his acquaintance, usually with an inscription of some sort testifying to this. These are very collectible copies.
Price Clipped
The price has been cut off from the corner of the dust jacket. Collectors consider this damage and it will decrease the value of a book. The price on the dust jacket can be used to determine if it's the original dust jacket for that book or if a seller is trying to marry a replacement that does not match the printing.
Printing
A printing is one print run of a book. When a book is published, a set number of copies are first printed (based on various factors). When those copies have sold, the publisher may do another print run. This becomes the 2nd printing, and so on.
Private Press
A small press, often operated by one person, usually devoted to the production of small quantities of finely printed books. Example would be Grim Oaks Press.
Privately Printed
This term refers to a book or pamphlet whose printing was paid for by an individual or a group, and which is meant for private circulation, not public sale. Examples would be Stars End or Aether of Night.
Prologue
Found at the beginning of a book before the first chapter, is part of the story but separate from the main story line. This can give the reader additional information that will help them understand the rest of the book. This can include background information on characters, events that took place before the story begins, or information about the setting of the story.
Proofs
Proof reading copies are used to correct spelling, grammar and story line continuity. There may be galley proofs, uncorrected bound proofs and advance reading copies. The people who get to read these would be editors, agents, alpha and beta readers that assist Brandon getting his work from manuscript to the shelves. These are some of the rarest and most collectible copies of his books.
Provenance
Think of this as a book's life story. The history of ownership or possession of a given book. Depending on the owner this can affect the value of a book such as if it's a Dedicated or Presentation copy. Examples of other provenance would be receipts, promotional items that came with the book on release, pictures etc.
Publication Date
The date a book is formally placed on sale.
Publishers Copy (PC Copy)
Publishers copies are produced by a publisher as a test run sent for approval before a full first printing is run. There are only a few of these produced for a book and not meant for public sale but they occasionally come up for sale.
Paperback (pb,)/ Soft Cover
Books in paper wraps published since the 1930s, Most common and cost effective book purchase. Not very collectible, mostly used as reading copies.
Paper
There are many different kinds of paper of various qualities. Higher quality books are commonly printed on higher quality thicker, acid free archival paper which will last longer and feel nicer on the hands.
Pictorial
Describes a book with a picture on the cover.
Printers Key
Same as the number line found on the copyright page.
Rare
Implies the book was printed in a smaller number or hard to find. The rarer the collectible the more it will cost.
R.A.F.O/Read And Find Out
This tradition started with Robert Jordan’s assistant. When Robert was asked a question he didn’t want to answer because it would reveal too much his assistant would answer with “read and find out” that over the years it has been shortened to R.A.F.O. Brandon adopted this tradition and if you ask a question he can't answer you might receive your own R.A.F.O. card.
Reading Copy
A readable copy of a book that is used instead of a more collectible copy of the story. Even though the leather bound books were designed to be very enjoyable books to read (soft paper, larger print, book ribbon) most collectors won't actually read them to keep them in mint condition and will instead use a reading copy.
Recto
In an open book, recto is the page on the right side.
Remainder Mark
This can be a small black dot or line made by a sharpie or other pen on the outside edge of the book. Typically it means the book can not be returned. A remainder mark will bring down the value of a collectible book.
Rubbing
Wearing on the edges of the book or dust jacket as a result of shelf friction. Can also be referred to as Shelf Wear.
Scuffed
Permanent marks on the book or dust jacket.
Shadow
The discoloration of a leaf or cover caused by the use of stickers, tape, etc. The discoloration can be caused by a chemical reaction from the adhesive or from a difference in sunlight exposure. This can sometimes be referred to as Tape Shadow or Sticker Shadow.
Shaken
Describes a book whose pages are beginning to come loose from the binding.
Shelf Wear
Wear that can occur as a book is placed onto and removed from a shelf on the head of the spine which some use to pull the book from the shelf. It may be to the tail (bottom) edge as they rub against the shelf, or to the dust jacket or exterior of the covers as the book rubs against its neighbors. Can also be called Rubbing.
Sheet
The piece of paper on which the printer prints the book. The sheet is folded one or more times to form the leaves of the book.
Signed
A book that the author has autographed. May also be labeled inscribed or personalized but these are more than just a signature and may or may not be as sought after compared to just signed.
Signature Block
A bundle of pages, usually in groups of eight, 16, or 32, that begin as one large sheet of paper and are then folded and trimmed to create individual pages. These are what you are usually seeing being signed when Brandon is doing signings on YouTube.
Slipcase
A cardboard case covered in paper, cloth or leather that holds a book(s) with only the spine(s) exposed. Sometimes comes with the book or can be purchased separately or even can be made yourself. They help protect the book(s) from damage and dust. Can be designed plain or ornate. The 10 year anniversary leather bound The Way of Kings Kick starter edition and the Subterranean Press Perfect State/ Shadow for Silence in the forest of Hell both came in leather bound slipcases.
Sliver
A small narrow chip, nick or tear usually at the edge of a dust jacket.
Soiling
A gathering of dust or dirt usually caused by handling. May be able to clean with specially designed book cleaners and tools.
Spine
The book's backbone is covered with the backstrip. Has title, authors name, publisher and printers marks.
Soft Cover/Paperback (pb)
Books in paper wraps published since the 1930s, Most common and cost effective book purchase. Not very collectible, mostly used as reading copies.
Square
A book which has kept its original shape and shows no rounding of the spine.
Stained or Sprayed Edges
The top, fore-edge and foot of the book will be colored with a decorative stain or spray.
Stamped Lettering/Text
The text of the book has been stamped or pressed into the paper creating indent in pages you can feel with your fingers. The opposite of embossed lettering where it comes forward off the page or cover.
State
Closely allied to the definition of printing. State generally refers to a change other than a correction of a misprint such as advertisements or new blurbs.
Stenciled Edges
Parts of or all the edges of the book will have a decorative stencil. Can also be referred to as Sprayed edges
Sunned or Sunning
Fading from exposure to light or direct sunlight. See Fading or Darkening.
Swag
"Stuff We All Get". These are basically giveaways at conventions or with different releases of the books. This can be anything from large format epic bookmarks, pins, or even magnets.
Table of Contents
A list of a work's chapters or section titles or brief descriptions with their starting page numbers, usually found on a page before the start of the work.
Tarnished
A darkening of the book's gilt through oxidation.
The State of Sanderson (TSoS)
This is an annual end of year newsletter Brandon writes to newsletter subscribers. He mostly reviews the past year and gives his fans his writing and releasing plans for the new year and updates on projects that have been put on hold.
There are often teaser chapters of unreleased works he might add at the bottom of these newsletters as well. It's amazing that he does this. For even more up-to-date writing timeline information, visit his website where you can easily find the progress bars on projects he is working on and what stages these new works are in.
Tight
Used to describe the feeling of opening the binding of a new book. The book will not open easily and generally does not want to remain open on any given page. As the book is used, the bindings become looser until a well-used book may lay flat and remain open to any page in the book.
Text-Block/Book Block
If you take a book and remove the binding, you are left with the text-block.
Tip In
Means the author signed a page attached to the book after it was printed which means they did not actually touch the book. Not as desirable as a true signature to a book but more than printed signatures.
Tirage
French for "a printing."
Title Page
Near the beginning of the book, will contain the title and subtitle of the book, authors, editors, and/or contributors, the publisher or printer, and sometimes the place and date of publication. Oftentimes signatures are found on the title page. A half title will only display the title of a work.
Further information about the publication of the book, including its copyright information, is frequently printed on the back of (verso) of the title page. Also often included are the ISBN and the number line which will indicate the print run or printing.
Trade Edition
The edition of a book intended for the public, as opposed to a limited edition.
True First
The first edition for any given title, usually denoted by the original country of origin with the earliest publishing date.
Turtle-back
Are books published by Turtle-back Books (they will have a turtle symbol on the spine) are pre-bound, hardcover editions that do not have dust jackets. They have high-quality binding to significantly extend the life of the book and they are primarily intended for libraries and schools. Some collectors use these as reading copies.
Verso
In an open book, verso is the page on the left side.
Water stain
A stain from water or other liquids. May cause discoloration, warping or even shrinking.
Worming, Wormholes
Small holes found in a book from bookworms (the larvae of various beetles). If you add a book with book worms to your collection they can spread to other books.