|
REMAINDER MARKS |
| HOME | BOOKS FOR SALE | COLLECTING TERMS | SEARCH | BLOG |
In order to clear its warehouse, a publisher will often offer the unsold (remainder) portion of a printing at a discount. Such books are usually marked on the page edges so that they cannot be returned for a full-price refund. As with most changes made to a book after the initial printing, a remainder mark reduces the value of a book to less than the same edition would bring unmarked. Individual collectors differ in how distasteful they find a remainder mark to be, but the mark and its location should always be noted in a book description.
Some examples of remainder marks are shown below.
 |
Remainder marks are generally simple; they often look like random dots or streaks from a black or colored magic marker. Remainder marks vary from the discreet, to the flamboyant, to the apparently accidental. |
 |
Sometimes symbols are used.
Ace Fantasy uses a capital "B" on one edge. |
 |
A remainder mark no longer in use that might be found on older books is purple dye sprayed over the entire top or bottom edge of the book, giving a speckled effect. At one time, this was used by Doubleday, Delacort, and possibly other publishers. Both of the books shown at left are Doubledays, from the 1980s. |
 |
A remainder mark on the top of the book, however discreet, is worse than one on the bottom, because it can be seen when the book is shelved. |
Also see Miscellaneous Edge Stamps.