First Edition books are coveted by many collectors. But, how do you know if you are bidding on a true first edition or a Book of the Month Club edition. I hope to give you the information pertaining to one particular BOMC Series necessary to help you make an informed decision when you are looking for that special book to add to your collection.

FIRST EDITION LIBRARY

Otherwise known as FEL. FEL books appear frequently in eBay auction listings in the same categories as those coveted and mostly expensive true first editions. Prior to acquiring 35 books from this collection, I didn’t know they existed.

eBay is a great avenue for both the novice and the Power Seller. Where else can you get rid of your unwanted housewares, clothes, etc minus the hassle of dragging all your belongings to the road in hopes of a few customers? And, at all hours of the day? Or open your own store without the expensive overhead? But, it is this same easy access that can make for a bad experience. Since you, the buyer, can’t inspect an item first-hand you count on the integrity of your seller. The majority of sellers pride themselves on intelligibly listing their items honestly and accurately.

“What you don’t know can hurt you”

I was able to locate and talk to a Customer Service Representative at the First Edition Library in Shelton, CT. She told me they are still in operation and they do not have any titles out of print. May I suggest you check this for yourself, in the event they do take any books ‘out-of-print’, by calling their toll-free number 1-800-367-4534.

Facts about The First Edition Library Book of the Month Club

• Exact, as in, same size, same type, same binding and same dust jacket as the original.

• Exact replicas of the First Editions right down to the first critic’s comments printed on jacket flap.

• Printed on acid-neutral paper

• Cloth covers

• Sewn bindings

• FEL is printed on the inside flaps of the dust jackets.

• FEL identification on the book itself.

Other interesting facts:

• The popular, and much sought after, notecards are no longer available. Sometimes, they show up in an auction; be sure to ask the seller if it is an original and is the seller the original owner.
• The exact facsimile hardcase slipcovers are no longer available through The First Edition Library Book Club. This is the most recent change to their series.
• For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway is the first book in the series and sells for the original, first printing price of $2.75!

• All other titles, through FEL’s Book of the Month Club will cost you $29.95 plus $4.25 Shipping & Service.

*Note: Though the prices offered by FEL are reasonable, many bidders are willing to pay more just for the pleasure and joy of finding that one book they have been hunting for to complete their collection. eBay offers bidders the flexibility to pick and choose only those titles they wish to purchase. I received some nice emails from many of my winning bidders. It was a thrill for me to have sent so much pleasure to people I have never meant, all over the US and one overseas. I will never regret the time I spent researching this fabulous set of books.

“Verify and clarify”

*FINAL NOTE*

This series of beautifully, crafted books are special in their right, but should not be confused with the original first editions. Because these books are well made and do not cost an arm and a leg, not only will they last, they can be read and used.

ENJOY!!!

*After reading this guide, please let me know if you found it helpful by scanning to the bottom of this page and letting me know. I spent a couple of days researching these books because I found much of the information contradictory or incorrect. I wanted to list them honestly and felt it my responsibility to put forth every effort to do so. I hope to some measure that I have made this same process easier for you. Thank You for stopping by, Debbie*

Helpful Tips

• Ask, Ask, Ask - Learn as much as you can. If the seller?s description and/or photo isn?t clear, then ask the seller before the auction ends. This helps you make an informed decision and makes for a more satisfying transaction.
• Use eBay’s Help Center for Helpful Research Links - Check out the Advanced Search option provided by eBay to find out how much FEL?s titles have sold for in the completed listings. Be sure to check the bidding history on books that sold for a large amount. Watch out for shill bidding! Check out eBay’s help center for more information on shill bidding. Save Your Search on your personalized My eBay page and receive an email notification when a new listing is posted.
• Bid Safely and Smartly - Review the seller’s feedback rating, are their customers consistently happy with their purchase? Do they have a record of honesty? Is the seller willing to stand behind their items with a reasonable refund policy? Is the shipping/handling fee reasonable?

If you win, be sure to check into PayPal. It provides buyers with a safe and secure means of purchasing items without revealing their credit card numbers to sellers and the entire process from start to finish is quicker, which means your item is shipped sooner than if you had paid by another method such as check or money order. And, it?s FREE!!!

Links to help you get informed and protect yourself:

Rules for Buyers

Tips for Buyers

Buyer Protection Information

Understanding eBay’s Acronyms

Any questions? Check eBay!

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For more information on:

Terminology, Identifying, Dating and Grading Books Community Forum; Check out this link.