Rare books guide

Where to sell old and rare books

Where to sell old books depends on what they are worth. Ordinary used books sell quickly to a local shop. Valuable ones deserve a specialist dealer or an auction house. Work out what you have first, then pick the right place.

A small second-hand bookshop in a green wooden hut in a garden — CC0 image via Wikimedia Commons. Creator: Andy Li. All image credits.

First, find out what you have

Before you sell, check the edition and the condition. Our guides to first editions and condition grading take a few minutes and can stop you from selling a valuable book for pennies.

Your six main options

Where	Best for	Things to know
Local used bookstore	Everyday used books, quick sales	Fast and easy. Shops must resell at a profit, so offers are modest.
Rare book dealer	Valuable, early or signed books	Dealers may buy outright or sell on your behalf. The ABAA directory lists members by specialty.
eBay	Mid-value books, sets and collectibles	You take the photos, write the listing and handle shipping. Fees apply.
AbeBooks and Biblio	Sellers who will list many books	Marketplaces built for booksellers. Check their current seller terms and fees.
Auction house	High-value books and collections	Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams, Heritage Auctions and Swann Galleries hold book sales. They charge the seller a commission.
Book fairs and library sales	Meeting dealers, or donating	Rare book fairs let you show a book to several dealers. Libraries and charities may take donations.

What sells, and what usually does not

Dealers and auction houses look for books that collectors are hunting for. Ordinary old books can still find a home, but expect to sell them for a little, or to give them away.

Usually in demand	Usually hard to sell
First printings of famous or much-wanted books, especially with the dust jacket	Old encyclopedia sets and condensed-book collections, printed in huge numbers
Signed or inscribed copies, with proof where possible	Book club editions and ex-library copies
Early or illustrated children’s books in good condition	Books with water damage, mould, loose pages or heavy writing
Local history, travel, science and other subjects with keen specialist buyers	Recent bestsellers that are easy to find second-hand

If a dealer turns your book down, it does not always mean it has no value. They may simply not deal in that subject, so ask who does.

Dealer or auction?

A dealer gives you money now and takes the risk of reselling. An auction can reach more buyers and may bring a higher price for a truly rare book, but you wait for the sale date, pay a commission, and the book may not sell. For one valuable book, it is worth asking both for an opinion before you decide.

How to photograph and describe a book

Shoot in daylight against a plain background.
Photograph the front, back, spine, title page and copyright page, plus both dust jacket flaps.
Show every flaw up close: tears, stains, writing, loose pages.
Describe the condition with standard words such as Very Good or Good, and list flaws honestly.
Give the full details: title, author, publisher, place, date, edition and printing.

Shipping safely

Wrap the book in plastic against moisture, pad it well, and ship it in a sturdy box rather than a soft envelope. For valuable books, add tracking and insurance.

A bit of history

In the late 1990s, this web address was one of the early online marketplaces where antiquarian booksellers listed rare books. Today the options above have taken its place. The site you are reading now is new and independent, and it does not buy or sell books.

Is my old book valuable?Answer ten quick questions and get a clear next step. Free, private, in your browser.

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I sell old books for the most money?

For valuable books, a specialist rare book dealer or an auction house usually gets the best price. For ordinary books, a local used bookstore or an online marketplace is quicker.

Do used bookstores buy old books?

Many do, but they pay a share of the resale price. Call first, because some only buy certain subjects or conditions.

Is it better to sell a rare book to a dealer or at auction?

A dealer pays you now; an auction may reach more buyers but takes time and charges a commission. Ask both for an opinion on a single valuable book.

Can I donate old books?

Yes. Public libraries, charity shops and book sales often accept donations, though many will not take books with mould or water damage.

Related guides

How much is my old book worth?What is my old book worth?
Book condition grading, explainedBook condition grading
How to tell if a book is a first editionIs it a first edition?
How to care for old booksCaring for old books
Is my old book valuable? ChecklistFree tool, runs in your browser
Rare books hubAll rare and old book guides

Sources

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Published 2026-10-27. Last checked 2026-10-27.