Bookseller Profile

Abebooks' uniqueness is our network of independent booksellers who work with us to provide the most diverse selection of rare, used and out-of-print books on the Internet. Take a moment and meet our member booksellers from around the globe. It is these sellers, with their experience, commitment and love of the used and out-of-print book business who help all our buyers find that treasure they've been looking for.

How did you get started in bookselling?
As an avid reader, I was going through over 300 books a year. I noticed that a number of our local antique stores had small consignment book corners in them. I decided that if I managed to get one of these started then I would be able to read for free or next to free. I started just doing pocketbooks/paperbacks in a small location in town, then moved to a larger location where I tried to expand in to hard cover books without a lot of success. Two of the other booksellers at the new location were selling books online through Advanced Book Exchange so I decided to give it a try. My son wasn't having much luck finding work, so I offered to pay him on a piece rate for entering books into the database. The business really wasn't making business for the first two years but I could see it having a good future if I held on for long enough.

Bookselling is not the easiest way to make a living. What keeps you doing it?
With my bookstore, I am the boss and only have to answer to the customers. Now that it has finally passed the break-even point, it gives me the freedom to work when I choose and not have to answer to any single other boss.

What is your specialty? How did you choose it?
I have a couple of specialties, Science Fiction, Religious, and first editions. I chose Science Fiction because I have always loved the category. Religion was almost an accident, I bought a pastor's working library and found it enjoyable and profitable. First editions are fun because in most cases they are relatively easy to identify and they are almost always worth a little bit more.

Do you collect anything besides books?
I try not to collect books, otherwise, I would have nothing to sell. I do like going through old paperbacks to see what is of interest on the open market.

Do you have a shop pet?
We have a dog who will be moving back in with us this summer, and a cat, both very loveable.

What is the most unusual book you ever bought?
While it may not be the most unusual to some people, two volumes of Jules Verne's works in French from the mid-1800s are high up on the list.

What are your favourite books, or your recommendations?
One book that I have read over and over is "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress' by Robert A. Heinlein. I have probably worn out half a dozen copies of this book. It tells a story of the first moon colony, established as a penal colony similar to the way Australia started out. I enjoyed it because it presented a working alternative to both millions of prison cells on earth and the death penalty at one fell swoop. The technology to do what they did in the story is currently available and probably a lot cheaper than our alternative of life sentences on earth.

Any last words?
Bookselling isn't for everyone. It's addictive, overwhelming, and takes a fair amount of time and money to get going. However, if you can find the time and money to seed the business, it can take on a life of it's own. Advanced Book Exchange has given me the freedom to choose what I want to do from now on.

Ken, The Bookrack

The views of the author, expressed above, are not necessarily those of the Advanced Book Exchange