I just read that a first edition of The Hobbit just sold for $57,000 at auction.
This gives me hope.
When JRRT’s first novel was published, only 1500 copies were printed. I’m sure those first readers back in 1937 did not realize what this book was going to lead to.
Now here’s the kicker. It seems that the added value to this first edition was this particular book’s provenance. The original owner had connections to Oxford and was an acquaintance of JRRT, who was a professor there.
This is why I like to inscribe my novels with details about the connection between me and whomever I am giving the book to. I never liked it when a writer just signs their name. I like to set the scene of the book delivery so that whomever it is given to can establish by the inscription alone that they are the person who has received the book and that they received it directly from me. That way, when their great-grandchildren find the tattered copy of the inscribed novel, they can sell it on future eBay for lots of cash (or whatever it is humans will be using in commerce at that point).
So, if any of my readers out there have those inscribed first edition copies lying around, put them in a safe place with a note to your great-grandchildren to sell it to the highest bidder.
If you have an uninscribed copy, and if you can find me by luck or happenstance or even bump into me at the store or on the street, ask me to inscribe it for you. I’ll be happy to do so. I intend to do some book signings/readings for my next two novels – Free R.A.D.I.C.A.L. and Spark of Faith in 2027. So, if anyone brings any/all of The Claire Saga series of books along with them, I will happily inscribe every single one of them (even multiple copies of the same book). For example, I will be giving a presentation at the Berthoud Public Library on January 23, 2027 at 2pm. I will happily sign any book put in front of me and will stay there as long as it takes to get it done.
So, there you have it. Reading my books not only provides a real time pleasurable escape from reality that can test every one of your emotions, but it also potentially provides a financial ROI. IMHO, I can’t imagine an inscribed copy of any of the books ever selling for less than you paid for it (although there is no guaranty).
Well, my fine, five readers, we are again at another Thursday, Friday’s handmaiden.
Finish your last cuppa and launch out into a productive workday and make sure you finish whatever project you are working on. Leave it all on the playing field. Get it all done, so that Friday will be giggling with glee at your arrival as you hand in your work product and then slip out the nearest exit to the weekend.
I have my daily Casa Claire chores to attend to as well as shifting my massive amount of recycling to the roadside, so I better get to it.
And no matter what else we may be getting up to, let us make today a great one.
