2013 & 2018 The Years of Stephen King Breaking Your Pocketbook

[Randall Flagg]

Sorry for the dumb thread title. It is subject to change, deletion, merging, or archiving.
Purely unnoficial, and keeping in mind that the official year of release doesn't always correlate to when King wrote or actually signed the book/story/guitar/portfolio, etc. 2013 has been a remarkable year for King, and a very expensive year for King Collectors

Here is a rough count of King S/L's by year:

1980-1
1981-2
1982-4
1983-4 (Cotw Portfolio)
1984-2
1985-1
1986-0 (Ouch!)
1987-2
1988-5 (DTI Audio, Letters From Hell)
1989-4 (DTII Audio)
1990-4 (Rainy Season Print)
1991-4 (Signatures)
1992-1
1993-1
1994-3 (Insomnia Portfolio)
1995-2 (Betts re-binds House Next Door)
1996-5
1997-3 (Cujo Guitar)
1998-3
1999-1
2000-2
2001-0 (Ouch!)
2002-2
2003-2
2004-5 (Does TGWLTG really count?)
2005-2
2006-1
2007-4
2008-0 (Ouch!)
2009-4
2010-6
2011-7
2012-5
2013-8
2014-?

[TwistedNadine]

Interesting. My purse is feeling the pain thats for sure.
Without research I think 2001 was the year of his accident and thots of retirement so that explains zero for that year.
What happened in 2008?
Actually what happened 2012 where he wrote so much to be published in 2013??

[Randall Flagg]

Interesting. My purse is feeling the pain thats for sure.
Without research I think 2001 was the year of his accident and thots of retirement so that explains zero for that year.
What happened in 2008?
Actually what happened 2012 where he wrote so much to be published in 2013??
6/19/1999 was when King was struck and almost killed by a distracted driver.
That may explain why he really didn't have a S/L novel out from ~1998 until 2002.

1999 The New Lieutenant's Rap 500+24 Proofs=524
2000 Dystopia 26 (lettered only)
2000 Life in the Cinema 52 + 450 = 502
2001-0

[TwistedNadine]

On writing was published in 2000 wasnt it
Im checking the catalog Crow dont yap at me yet

[Randall Flagg]

On writing was published in 2000 wasnt it
Im checking the catalog Crow dont yap at me yet
Yes, but I don't believe it was released as a S/L.

[TwistedNadine]

Thats what I get for trying to be clever after too much wine and past my bedtime.
I completely missed "SLs" in your initial post.

[east-tennessee]

Interesting. My purse is feeling the pain thats for sure.
Without research I think 2001 was the year of his accident and thots of retirement so that explains zero for that year.
What happened in 2008?
Actually what happened 2012 where he wrote so much to be published in 2013??
6/19/1999 was when King was struck and almost killed by a distracted driver.
That may explain why he really didn't have a S/L novel out from ~1998 until 2002.

1999 The New Lieutenant's Rap 500+24 Proofs=524
2000 Dystopia 26 (lettered only)
2000 Life in the Cinema 52 + 450 = 502
2001-0

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/iphone_059.jpg

[TwistedNadine]

That drawing is so fucking rude.
Notice how the number of SLs are steadily increasing the past few years?
Time to budget for 2014. Maybe ten or more will be released

[johnsmith87]

Wow, I've never seen that drawing before. Seems in bad taste, no?

[east-tennessee]

Wow, I've never seen that drawing before. Seems in bad taste, no?

It's a concept drawing for a proposed get well card.............Rude...Bad Taste....:doh:

Back on Topic........2013 has been rough on the pocketbook, lets hope 2014 is more of the same :biggrin:

[Bad Penny]

Bring on poverty in 2014 sayeth I !!!!! :P

[Jimimck]

Chloe won't be going to university for 18 years, so yeah, bring on 2014 I say!

[pathoftheturtle]

Well, there's a scene on "Family Guy" in which SK gets hit by a car, decides that a man getting hit by a car would make a good novel, and finishes writing that novel before he lands.
I guess the process is a little bit slower than that, some years...

[Stockerlone]

Interesting. My purse is feeling the pain thats for sure.
Without research I think 2001 was the year of his accident and thots of retirement so that explains zero for that year.
What happened in 2008?
Actually what happened 2012 where he wrote so much to be published in 2013??

2001-1 DUDDITS signed LIMITED to 25 :cool2:

[Randall Flagg]

I know some of these may have been paid for prior to 2013, but if you bought 1 lettered and 1 S/L of each of these titles you would have spent quite a bit:


2013 The Big Book of Necon Lettered – 52----$1,000
2013 The Shining - 750 #'d + 52 Lettered = 802---$2,950
2013 Doctor Sleep - 750 #'d + 52 Lettered = 802. Indeterminate # of PC's---$2,950
2013 A Book of Horrors - S/L - 100 (83 for public sale)---$995
2013 The Century's Best Horror Fiction - 52 Lettered - 25 Artist Edition = 77---$3,000
2013 Joyland - 26 Lettered - 724 Numbered = 750---$275
2013 The Dark Man: An Illustrated Poem - 500 #'d + 52 Lettered = 552---$2,100
2013 Doctor Sleep UK – 200---$300

$13,570!

[Ivo]

2013-8 (OUCH!)

[The Library Policeman]

I'd get divorced if I collected Lettered editions :lol:

[mcdonaldj]

The rapid pace of releases in 2013 was awesome - I say keep it coming in 2014! It's not like you have to buy everything being offered, but it is nice having a choice among some tempting titles like The Shining, Doctor Sleep, and Joyland (which turned out to be a fairly good novel at a more than reasonable price).

Besides if you get it at issue price, you can always resell if you decide it is not a keeper.

[TwistedNadine]

It's not like you have to buy everything being offered

I dont? Wish someone had told me that before


Wow, I've never seen that drawing before. Seems in bad taste, no?

Very bad taste in my opinion. Near death traumatic experience he may never fully get over. Why would someone poke fun at that? The driver's Thumbs Up is particularly unnerving

[Merlin1958]

That drawing is so fucking rude.
Notice how the number of SLs are steadily increasing the past few years?
Time to budget for 2014. Maybe ten or more will be released

I would guess that it is due to the "25+ anniversaries" that are now starting to crop up. IMHO

[Scoogs]

That list makes me happy that I don't collect anthologies or lettered editions!

[Jimimck]

I'd get divorced if I collected Lettered editions :lol:


Divorce would probably be cheaper.....

[Bryant Burnette]

It's a concept drawing for a proposed get well card

It's a piece of shit, is what it is.

[pathoftheturtle]

Very bad taste in my opinion. Near death traumatic experience he may never fully get over. Why would someone poke fun at that? The driver's Thumbs Up is particularly unnervingWho would have guessed that his fans could be so morbid?!

:lol:

[dnemec]

Randall--does The Dark Man Art Portfolio get added to this? Or doesn't it count?

[Rahfa]

Wow - I had missed this thread, but it's exactly why my collecting interest has waned so much.

I think 2007 was the first year where a few s/ls came out that I was sort of ambivalent about, and after that is when I pretty much stopped buying.

Although, those aren't all signed-limiteds from 2009-2013 are they? Does that count collector's editions, etc?

[Randall Flagg]

Wow - I had missed this thread, but it's exactly why my collecting interest has waned so much.

I think 2007 was the first year where a few s/ls came out that I was sort of ambivalent about, and after that is when I pretty much stopped buying.

Although, those aren't all signed-limiteds from 2009-2013 are they? Does that count collector's editions, etc?
Only if King signed it-legit, not facsimile.

[Brice]

Very bad taste in my opinion. Near death traumatic experience he may never fully get over. Why would someone poke fun at that? The driver's Thumbs Up is particularly unnervingWho would have guessed that his fans could be so morbid?!

:lol:

No, bad taste would be is if he hadn't survived. My bet is SK would be amused. Hell, if it were me I'd sign it....but I don't think I'd wanna' be the one to bring it to a signing. He's alive and lived and continues to live a mostly good life since then. His fans might fucking rip you apart if you brought that to a signing though.

[Randall Flagg]

Ok. Confession time.
Who has spent the most this year for King books released in 2013? How much?

[Dan]

Ok. Confession time.
Who has spent the most this year for King books released in 2013? How much?

I'm going to venture a guess of Grant. All three editions of every new release and all 3 artist remarques for all editions offered. I know I spent a lot, but it was just 1st editions, gift, and S/Ls; no lettered.

[Randall Flagg]

I suppose it's a battle for second place.

[Merlin1958]

Let's see, I know I am not in the top ten, but I bought...

Joyland U.K. S/L
Joyland U.S. PB
Dr. Sleep U.S. trade
Dr. Sleep U.K. trade
The Shining GE
Pre-ordered Mr. Mercedes
Legacies S/L


Still kicking myself for not getting the Dr. Sleep S/L. What a dummy!!!

[Jimimck]

Let's see, I know I am not in the top ten, but I bought...

Joyland U.K. S/L $100
Joyland U.S. PB $20
Dr. Sleep U.S. trade $25
Dr. Sleep U.K. trade $25
The Shining GE $140
Pre-ordered Mr. Mercedes $45
Legacies S/L


Still kicking myself for not getting the Dr. Sleep S/L. What a dummy!!!

As above plus
The Dark Man slipcased edition $75,
Doctor Sleep Gift $140
Doctor Sleep US S/L $600
Doctor Sleep UK S/L $600
The Shining S/L $600
Cujo S/L $750

Oh, and two limited prints $45
And a slipcase for my signed Joyland $47
And four foreign editions $40
And a first edition Insomnia $15

Total $3,267*

*includes shipping and best guestimate to convert to USD where required.

(oh god thats scary when you total it up. I don't want to play any more!)

[Randall Flagg]

Total $ amounts need to be posted to be considered.....

[Bad Penny]

If we're talking purely 2013 released productions (I include The Shining, even though it won't come in until 2014) then the rough number (I've excluded shipping, exchange rates, etc) in straight US$ is $11,896 :blush:

If we're talking overall acquisitions for, say, the calendar year of 2013 - then, my number is somewhere between "Holy Bat Fuck!!!" and "My New Home Is A Cardboard Box" :P

Doctor Sleep - Gift Edition (Remarqued x 3)
Doctor Sleep - Signed Limited (Remarqued x 3)
Doctor Sleep - Lettered (Remarqued x 3)
Doctor Sleep - UK S/L
Doctor Sleep - UK Facsimile Signature
Doctor Sleep - US 1st/1st Trade Flat Signed
Doctor Sleep - US 1st/1st Trade
Doctor Sleep - UK 1st/1st Trade
Doctor Sleep - Waterstones
Doctor Sleep - WH Smith
Doctor Sleep - CD Slipcase

The Shining - Gift Edition
The Shining - Signed Limited
The Shining - Lettered

Joyland - Signed Limited
Joyland - Dolso Cases (for H/C & S/L Editions)
Joyland - Flat Signed US 1st/1st Trade
Joyland - Hardcover 1/1500 Edition
Joyland - US 1st/1st Trade
Joyland - UK 1st/1st Trade

The Dark Man - Signed Limited
The Dark Man - Trade Hardcover
The Dark Man - Trade Hardcover with Slipcase
The Dark Man - Art Portfolio
The Dark Man - Lettered

[Brice]

What I learned from this thread...Jerome carries a pocketbook.

[Pasiuk57]

Even more if you add in a Lettered Joyland!

[bdwyer19]

Let's see...

Joyland S/L $75
Joyland paperback 1st ed. $10
Joyland case preorder $37
Doctor Sleep S/L with Erin Wells remarque $600
Doctor Sleep signed 1st ed. $250
Cell signed 1st ed. $170
FDNS signed 1st with CD slipcase $200
Mark Stutzman remarques (Duma Key and Cell) $240
Jeff Whiley slipcases (HIA and Cell) $54
Owen King's Double Feature signed 1st $30
Joe Hill's NOS4A2 signed 1st $30

Total: $1696... And the year is not done.

OK... That was definitely painful!

[jhanic]

Here's mine for the year. I don't have all of these in hand but they have been paid for:

Guns – Kindle single
Ghost Brothers ARC
Ghost Brothers trade
Joyland ARC
Joyland trade (2)
Joyland trade second printing
Joyland trade first signed
Joyland s/l
Joyland gift
The Dark Man all three proofs
The Dark Man gift
The Dark Man s/l with Chadbourne remarque
The Dark Man portfolio
Doctor Sleep US ARC
Doctor Sleep CD galley proof
Doctor Sleep UK ARC
Doctor Sleep US trade
Doctor Sleep US trade signed
Doctor Sleep CD s/l with Erin Wells remarque
Doctor Sleep CD gift
Doctor Sleep UK trade
Doctor Sleep UK WH Smith edition
Doctor Sleep UK Waterstones edition
Doctor Sleep UK s/l
Doctor Sleep UK gift edition with facsimile signature

The Shining SP ARC
The Shining SP s/l
Shivers VII ARC
SK Desk Calendar 2014
Twists of the Tale ARC
He Is Legend ARC Gauntlet 99 Club
Turn Down the Lights ARC
Crucified Dreams ARC
By Blood We Live ARC
Year’s Best Dark Fantasy 2012 ARC
Other Worlds Than These ARC
Façade ARC
Tales by Moonlight Review copy
Lit a la Carte Recipes
Samarian ARC
Illustrated SK Trivia Revised ARC
The Dark Tower Companion ARC
The Dark Tower Companion
Tin House vol. 14 no. 4
Twice the Power UK promo booklet
Doctor Sleep sleep mask
A large number of comics
Quigley chapbooks (4)

John

[RichardX]

Are you including travel expenses, days off from work, sitting at the Canadian border for hours trying to get through US customs etc? I bet that sort of thing adds up to thousands of dollars. I enjoy the live events, but get a laugh when they berate ebay sellers for reselling his signed books. It's much less costly to buy a copy on ebay even at inflated prices than travel to many of these events.

[Roseannebarr]

Ghost Brothers trade $50
Joyland gift (2) Hardcover $45 each = $90
Joyland trade first signed $100 x 2 Hartford conn meet great $200
Joyland s/l $75 x 2 = $150
Joyland trade x 3 = 17 x 3 = $51

The Dark Man gift $50x 3 = $150
The Dark Man s/l $350
The Dark Man trade $25
Doctor Sleep US trade signed 10 x $40 = $400
Doctor Sleep US trade signed 5 x 35 = $175
Doctor Sleep CD s/l 2 x $450 = $900
Doctor Sleep CD gift 2 x $95 = $190
Doctor Sleep UK trade 1 x $60
Doctor Sleep UK s/l 2 x $400 = $800
Doctor Sleep UK gift edition with facsimil e signature $100

The Shining SP s/l
Twists of the Tale
The Dark Tower Companion
Tin House vol. 14 no. 4


updated with prices on most

[Merlin1958]

Let's see, I know I am not in the top ten, but I bought...

Joyland U.K. S/L $100
Joyland U.S. PB $20
Dr. Sleep U.S. trade $25
Dr. Sleep U.K. trade $25
The Shining GE $140
Pre-ordered Mr. Mercedes $45
Legacies S/L
Dolso The Dark Tower VII case. $125
Dolso Joyland Case $110?
Dolso Carrie case $150?


Still kicking myself for not getting the Dr. Sleep S/L. What a dummy!!!

As above plus
The Dark Man slipcased edition $75,
Doctor Sleep Gift $140
Doctor Sleep US S/L $600
Doctor Sleep UK S/L $600
The Shining S/L $600
Cujo S/L $750

Oh, and two limited prints $45
And a slipcase for my signed Joyland $47
And four foreign editions $40
And a first edition Insomnia $15

Total $3,267*

*includes shipping and best guestimate to convert to USD where required.

(oh god thats scary when you total it up. I don't want to play any more!)

Cases count? If so I've updated the above.

[Dan]

I would say anything that was released or preordered and paid for this year would count, as long as it is a King item. Once you add a slipcase it is a part of that book in my opinion.

[Patrick]

Your lists are quite impressive! There is no way I am going to add mine up. Ignorance is bliss!

[TwistedNadine]

Your lists are quite impressive! There is no way I am going to add mine up. Ignorance is bliss!

What he said.
As Im reading the lists Im sweating 'cause so many of them are on my list plus the travel expenses to the signing events.
Im not coming back to this thread

[bdwyer19]

Oh come on Nadine, join us!! Yeah it was painful, but in a fun kind of way. Does that makes me a masachist???

[TwistedNadine]

Oh come on Nadine, join us!! Yeah it was painful, but in a fun kind of way. Does that makes me a masachist???

yes, a sadist too

[webstar1000]

Wow... you guys are making me feel bad... I do not have time to write it all down but in USD... I am just shy of 10 grand... in Canadian (where I live)... WELL OVER $12000 with shipping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am scared shitless of next year. LOL At least it is a investment. I was lucky on a LOT of purchases...

[jhanic]

I intentionally did NOT put prices on what I purchased this year. Some things are better left alone.

John

[Merlin1958]

Just entered into a deal for a signed first trade of "Dr. Sleep", with, David at Betts!!! Now that it is out of the way.... LOL

[dnemec]

I can't believe all of you totaled your purchases! If I add it all up, I'll have to tell, because I'm sure it will be unbelievable to me. And if I tell, 2014 will be "The Year of $0 Stephen King purchases!"

(And not too mention the cost of the trip to Toronto!) :eek:

[Roseannebarr]

Wow... you guys are making me feel bad... I do not have time to write it all down but in USD... I am just shy of 10 grand... in Canadian (where I live)... WELL OVER $12000 with shipping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am scared shitless of next year. LOL At least it is a investment. I was lucky on a LOT of purchases...

I don't think you should look at the collection as an investment. It it too much at the whim of Stephen King (career and life) and his fan base. I think some members here can attest to the price drops compared to years before. From what I read on this website, the price has dropped compared to 5 or so years ago. What happens when he does stop publishing? Nobody really knows for sure. Some of the lettered editions have not appreciated like people expected either (from what i understand).

Collecting should be about enjoying what you have, what you can get, but be careful with the "justification" that it is an investment. Just my opinion. I feel that the people that are selling now are getting a "fair" price on there wares. It just seems to me like several long time collectors are cashing in now! For various reasons. I would like to know what others think!

[webstar1000]

Wow... you guys are making me feel bad... I do not have time to write it all down but in USD... I am just shy of 10 grand... in Canadian (where I live)... WELL OVER $12000 with shipping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am scared shitless of next year. LOL At least it is a investment. I was lucky on a LOT of purchases...

I don't think you should look at the collection as an investment. It it too much at the whim of Stephen King (career and life) and his fan base. I think some members here can attest to the price drops compared to years before. From what I read on this website, the price has dropped compared to 5 or so years ago. What happens when he does stop publishing? Nobody really knows for sure. Some of the lettered editions have not appreciated like people expected either (from what i understand).

Collecting should be about enjoying what you have, what you can get, but be careful with the "justification" that it is an investment. Just my opinion. I feel that the people that are selling now are getting a "fair" price on there wares. It just seems to me like several long time collectors are cashing in now! For various reasons. I would like to know what others think!


Thanks for your thoughts. I have to disagree though... King's signature will be more valuable when he is no longer on this earth. The amount of signed copies will be what they are and no more added. I do agree that the prices will fluctuate but there is always going to be a market for a beautiful well made King book, signed and "rare" to some extent. He is one of the greatest writes to grace us and will remain that way long after he is gone. I can think of no other writer that has garnered more films/shows/etc as much as his work. When I say investment... I mean I will get more than I paid for the books... that is based on how much I spent on said books... thus I am always on the hunt (as I assume this whole site is) for the best deal going. Before I was educated I spent alot more for a book than I should of. That trend will "newbies" will continue.. and I hope it does as it benefits all of us here. I can guareantee most here have built their collections by buying and selling their books:) Good luck to all i say!

[TwistedNadine]

Just entered into a deal for a signed first trade of "Dr. Sleep", with, David at Betts!!! Now that it is out of the way.... LOL
Congrats Bill!



I don't think you should look at the collection as an investment. Collecting should be about enjoying what you have.

I agree with this. I look at it as an investment for my kids since they will be the ones to sell it off when Im dead, but its not an investment for my lifetime. Besides the market being too volatile, I love my collection and even if I could get 10 times more than what I paid I dont think I could bring myself to sell it off. Duplicates yes - sometimes - but even selling those can be traumatic.


I can't believe all of you totaled your purchases! If I add it all up, I'll have to tell, because I'm sure it will be unbelievable to me. And if I tell, 2014 will be "The Year of $0 Stephen King purchases!"
(And not too mention the cost of the trip to Toronto!) :eek:

Ditto

[The Library Policeman]

If I add the costs of my trip to Paris to what I've already spent on King books this year, my head will explode - so I'm not going to bother. :D

[herbertwest]

I made a recap on my (french) website, of all the important & main releases. French & English release. Main release (not including the lettered).
If some of you would consider taking 2 minutes and see if something is missing, surely you'll understand the titles.
>>> http://club-stephenking.fr/3667-actualite

thx!

[Rahfa]

Wow... you guys are making me feel bad... I do not have time to write it all down but in USD... I am just shy of 10 grand... in Canadian (where I live)... WELL OVER $12000 with shipping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am scared shitless of next year. LOL At least it is a investment. I was lucky on a LOT of purchases...

I don't think you should look at the collection as an investment. It it too much at the whim of Stephen King (career and life) and his fan base. I think some members here can attest to the price drops compared to years before. From what I read on this website, the price has dropped compared to 5 or so years ago. What happens when he does stop publishing? Nobody really knows for sure. Some of the lettered editions have not appreciated like people expected either (from what i understand).

Collecting should be about enjoying what you have, what you can get, but be careful with the "justification" that it is an investment. Just my opinion. I feel that the people that are selling now are getting a "fair" price on there wares. It just seems to me like several long time collectors are cashing in now! For various reasons. I would like to know what others think!


Thanks for your thoughts. I have to disagree though... King's signature will be more valuable when he is no longer on this earth. The amount of signed copies will be what they are and no more added. I do agree that the prices will fluctuate but there is always going to be a market for a beautiful well made King book, signed and "rare" to some extent. He is one of the greatest writes to grace us and will remain that way long after he is gone. I can think of no other writer that has garnered more films/shows/etc as much as his work. When I say investment... I mean I will get more than I paid for the books... that is based on how much I spent on said books... thus I am always on the hunt (as I assume this whole site is) for the best deal going. Before I was educated I spent alot more for a book than I should of. That trend will "newbies" will continue.. and I hope it does as it benefits all of us here. I can guareantee most here have built their collections by buying and selling their books:) Good luck to all i say!

I've gone into this in another thread, but that's a very "now" way of thinking, which I don't say as an insult or anything.

When SK shuffles off this mortal coil, there will def. be a spike of interest/panic buying, but it won't take long after that for him to fall out of public view, simply because he won't be producing anything anymore. People forget quickly, especially pop culture icons. I teach college freshmen - and 0/24 could identify "Animal House," for example. Value might be maintained, but the people coming up won't be buyers for signed books, because he won't be their icon.

Also, there's actually no shortage of signed books - if anything, the market is glutted now, and he's adding signatures fairly steadily.

Even for people who are alive - Michael Jordan, Larry Bird - are totally ignored by people now. Yeah, of course there's value, but it's not going up. With SK, I think it will stabilize and stagnate. However, that's years away. I wouldn't view it as an investment or expect anything valuewise. I agree with you - good luck to all!

[needfulthings]

IMHO: "The ONLY TRUE King signature's are Signed Limited Editions ALL others (in this day & age) are under suspicion".

[webstar1000]

IMHO: "The ONLY TRUE King signature's are Signed Limited Editions ALL others (in this day & age) are under suspicion".

Agreed.

[webstar1000]

Wow... you guys are making me feel bad... I do not have time to write it all down but in USD... I am just shy of 10 grand... in Canadian (where I live)... WELL OVER $12000 with shipping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am scared shitless of next year. LOL At least it is a investment. I was lucky on a LOT of purchases...

I don't think you should look at the collection as an investment. It it too much at the whim of Stephen King (career and life) and his fan base. I think some members here can attest to the price drops compared to years before. From what I read on this website, the price has dropped compared to 5 or so years ago. What happens when he does stop publishing? Nobody really knows for sure. Some of the lettered editions have not appreciated like people expected either (from what i understand).

Collecting should be about enjoying what you have, what you can get, but be careful with the "justification" that it is an investment. Just my opinion. I feel that the people that are selling now are getting a "fair" price on there wares. It just seems to me like several long time collectors are cashing in now! For various reasons. I would like to know what others think!


Thanks for your thoughts. I have to disagree though... King's signature will be more valuable when he is no longer on this earth. The amount of signed copies will be what they are and no more added. I do agree that the prices will fluctuate but there is always going to be a market for a beautiful well made King book, signed and "rare" to some extent. He is one of the greatest writes to grace us and will remain that way long after he is gone. I can think of no other writer that has garnered more films/shows/etc as much as his work. When I say investment... I mean I will get more than I paid for the books... that is based on how much I spent on said books... thus I am always on the hunt (as I assume this whole site is) for the best deal going. Before I was educated I spent alot more for a book than I should of. That trend will "newbies" will continue.. and I hope it does as it benefits all of us here. I can guareantee most here have built their collections by buying and selling their books:) Good luck to all i say!

I've gone into this in another thread, but that's a very "now" way of thinking, which I don't say as an insult or anything.

When SK shuffles off this mortal coil, there will def. be a spike of interest/panic buying, but it won't take long after that for him to fall out of public view, simply because he won't be producing anything anymore. People forget quickly, especially pop culture icons. I teach college freshmen - and 0/24 could identify "Animal House," for example. Value might be maintained, but the people coming up won't be buyers for signed books, because he won't be their icon.

Also, there's actually no shortage of signed books - if anything, the market is glutted now, and he's adding signatures fairly steadily.

Even for people who are alive - Michael Jordan, Larry Bird - are totally ignored by people now. Yeah, of course there's value, but it's not going up. With SK, I think it will stabilize and stagnate. However, that's years away. I wouldn't view it as an investment or expect anything value wise. I agree with you - good luck to all!

I appreciate your take in this but again I have to disagree.... literary works hold MUCH more promise than movie icons, sports player's "great games of past" etc... I do agree there are a TON of signed books out there but as posted by Needfulthings... only the signed limited will have true value. It is like saying that books written by J. R. R. Tolkien are no longer valuable cause he has passed.... we all know that are very valuable. I do love collecting but any person who collects... looks at value. I see it time in and time out here. People buy and sell for more here all the time. There is nothing wrong with that either. To me... there are many books by King that are "works of art". Shinning, It, Dark Tower to name but a few... Art increases in value with time, especially when the artist has "moved on". I mean no disrespect, just wanted to give you my take on it. Cheers:)

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

All my books King signed in front of me are genuine. (and I usually have video or photographic proof of the signing of them).

[webstar1000]

All my books King signed in front of me are genuine. (and I usually have video or photographic proof of the signing of them).

I would love to have just ONE signed in front of me.... how many times have you had the opportunity?

[stroppygoblin]

All my books King signed in front of me are genuine. (and I usually have video or photographic proof of the signing of them).

I would love to have just ONE signed in front of me.... how many times have you had the opportunity?

3 for me. Sold one, still got 2

[webstar1000]

All my books King signed in front of me are genuine. (and I usually have video or photographic proof of the signing of them).

I would love to have just ONE signed in front of me.... how many times have you had the opportunity?

3 for me. Sold one, still got 2

I had the chance once... but things did not work out in my favor. I would love for him to sign the first King book I ever bought. It is beat up from reading it so many times and only a paperback but that would not be why I want him to sign it you know?

[stroppygoblin]

I had the chance once... but things did not work out in my favor. I would love for him to sign the first King book I ever bought. It is beat up from reading it so many times and only a paperback but that would not be why I want him to sign it you know?

And that would be the Book SK would most enjoy signing I'm sure

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

All my books King signed in front of me are genuine. (and I usually have video or photographic proof of the signing of them).

I would love to have just ONE signed in front of me.... how many times have you had the opportunity?

Four times, but my wife was always with me, so we got numerous books signed.

[webstar1000]

All my books King signed in front of me are genuine. (and I usually have video or photographic proof of the signing of them).

I would love to have just ONE signed in front of me.... how many times have you had the opportunity?

Four times, but my wife was always with me, so we got numerous books signed.

That is cool.... My wife would cause she would see a signature (no real cost like a S/L) and a trip. LOL

[Rahfa]

I appreciate your take in this but again I have to disagree.... literary works hold MUCH more promise than movie icons, sports player's "great games of past" etc... I do agree there are a TON of signed books out there but as posted by Needfulthings... only the signed limited will have true value. It is like saying that books written by J. R. R. Tolkien are no longer valuable cause he has passed.... we all know that are very valuable. I do love collecting but any person who collects... looks at value. I see it time in and time out here. People buy and sell for more here all the time. There is nothing wrong with that either. To me... there are many books by King that are "works of art". Shinning, It, Dark Tower to name but a few... Art increases in value with time, especially when the artist has "moved on". I mean no disrespect, just wanted to give you my take on it. Cheers:)

I shouldn't have used sports examples, because they aren't really what I meant.

The reason Tolkien maintained/increased value is because people were NOT buying the book as an investment AT THE TIME - so they're legitimately scarce. Most copies were read, treated badly and discarded, because nobody in 1958 was thinking "I better save a copy of this Elven fantasy." So they disappeared, THEN pop culture decided they had value - thus, the increase. Same with Hunter Thompson - his first couple books are rare because they were just counter-culture nonfiction that was interesting but not culture-shifting...then all of a sudden they were, and so demand got big, and stays fairly healthy because the supply isn't that big.

Which is why SK's first five first editions (Carrie-Dead Zone) and Gunslinger, and many of the pre-1995 s/l editions WILL always maintain a fairly high value...because they really are scarce.

But most of the recent s/l editions people are buying today are bought with investment in mind, and are treated carefully and don't just disappear - so the inventory we have right now will never really decrease. Go back 25 years and someone might think "oh, neat, a signed SK book," but they wouldn't treat it with white gloves like it's their kid's tuition...but now they do. So in the present times, people are more aware of SK's "value" while also being aware that they should keep a hold of it at all costs.

So the supply doesn't drop - and when the day comes (many years from now) when pop culture interest has moved on to somebody else, that supply will remain the same but with much less demand. It's happened before, and will happen again.

Back to your point, though, I do agree that s/l editions should maintain some decent value because of that credibility. But it's not as "limited" as we think they are.

We don't even disagree - in the shortterm, the market is fine - but I think there's a difference between pop culture enthusiasm driving the hobby/collecting/investment market, and true high-end collectibility that drives the big ticket prices necessary for longevity. Other than his early books and a few of the early s/l editions, I think most of his books fit into the pop culture collector's realm.

[webstar1000]

I appreciate your take in this but again I have to disagree.... literary works hold MUCH more promise than movie icons, sports player's "great games of past" etc... I do agree there are a TON of signed books out there but as posted by Needfulthings... only the signed limited will have true value. It is like saying that books written by J. R. R. Tolkien are no longer valuable cause he has passed.... we all know that are very valuable. I do love collecting but any person who collects... looks at value. I see it time in and time out here. People buy and sell for more here all the time. There is nothing wrong with that either. To me... there are many books by King that are "works of art". Shinning, It, Dark Tower to name but a few... Art increases in value with time, especially when the artist has "moved on". I mean no disrespect, just wanted to give you my take on it. Cheers:)

I shouldn't have used sports examples, because they aren't really what I meant.

The reason Tolkien maintained/increased value is because people were NOT buying the book as an investment AT THE TIME - so they're legitimately scarce. Most copies were read, treated badly and discarded, because nobody in 1958 was thinking "I better save a copy of this Elven fantasy." So they disappeared, THEN pop culture decided they had value - thus, the increase. Same with Hunter Thompson - his first couple books are rare because they were just counter-culture nonfiction that was interesting but not culture-shifting...then all of a sudden they were, and so demand got big, and stays fairly healthy because the supply isn't that big.

Which is why SK's first five first editions (Carrie-Dead Zone) and Gunslinger, and many of the pre-1995 s/l editions WILL always maintain a fairly high value...because they really are scarce.

But most of the recent s/l editions people are buying today are bought with investment in mind, and are treated carefully and don't just disappear - so the inventory we have right now will never really decrease. Go back 25 years and someone might think "oh, neat, a signed SK book," but they wouldn't treat it with white gloves like it's their kid's tuition...but now they do. So in the present times, people are more aware of SK's "value" while also being aware that they should keep a hold of it at all costs.

So the supply doesn't drop - and when the day comes (many years from now) when pop culture interest has moved on to somebody else, that supply will remain the same but with much less demand. It's happened before, and will happen again.

Back to your point, though, I do agree that s/l editions should maintain some decent value because of that credibility. But it's not as "limited" as we think they are.

We don't even disagree - in the shortterm, the market is fine - but I think there's a difference between pop culture enthusiasm driving the hobby/collecting/investment market, and true high-end collectibility that drives the big ticket prices necessary for longevity. Other than his early books and a few of the early s/l editions, I think most of his books fit into the pop culture collector's realm.

I agree much more with the way this was worded for sure:) I think with anything... (like you said pop culture dictates) you will still see fluctuations in his stuff. For instance, a Dark Tower movie finally gets done after his passing. It would add a ton of newbies to want his works signed, or any other movies that are well done. I do not collect for monetary gain because I probably will die before I sell my prized books.. as most here will. I just hope to see more pick it up over time and not let him disappear as a forgotten icon:(

[needfulthings]

My quote had to do with SIGNED books.:confused: First Editions (at least the early rare ones) for collectors are not in question if they are REAL & you KNOW what you are looking at (unless they are price clipped).IMHO.

[CyberGhostface]

This year I just got

Dr. Sleep Gift Edition - $95
The Shining Gift Edition - $95
The Dark Man Slipcased Edition - $50

And if you want to count Joe Hill:

NOS4A2 Limited Edition - $125 + slipcase - $30

So $390 in all and that's not including shipping. :panic:

This year I'll probably get PS's 20th Century Ghosts and maybe I'll try getting the Talisman/Black House and Desperation sets from Grant if they're still available. I'll try not to get any other SK stuff unless they release a LE for something I really like. Mr. Mercedes I'll probably pass on.

[Randall Flagg]

Sorry for the dumb thread title. It is subject to change, deletion, merging, or archiving.
Purely unnoficial, and keeping in mind that the official year of release doesn't always correlate to when King wrote or actually signed the book/story/guitar/portfolio, etc. 2013 has been a remarkable year for King, and a very expensive year for King Collectors

Here is a rough count of King S/L's by year:

1980-1
1981-2
1982-4
1983-4 (Cotw Portfolio)
1984-2
1985-1
1986-0 (Ouch!)
1987-2
1988-5 (DTI Audio, Letters From Hell)
1989-4 (DTII Audio)
1990-4 (Rainy Season Print)
1991-4 (Signatures)
1992-1
1993-1
1994-3 (Insomnia Portfolio)
1995-2 (Betts re-binds House Next Door)
1996-5
1997-3 (Cujo Guitar)
1998-3
1999-1
2000-2
2001-0 (Ouch!)
2002-2
2003-2
2004-5 (Does TGWLTG really count?)
2005-2
2006-1
2007-4
2008-0 (Ouch!)
2009-4
2010-6
2011-7
2012-5
2013-8
2014-?


Numerically, 2014 was an easy year. Only 3 books (Shining S/L, & Lettered, Carrie Lettered).

[Merlin1958]

And so far in 2015? 0 correct?

[Randall Flagg]

And so far in 2015? 0 correct?
Thinner Lettered was sold, but hasn't been delivered yet.

[Randall Flagg]

If you thought 2015 was tough. 2017-2018 for King S/L and Lettered editions is at a whole different level...

[stroppygoblin]

If you thought 2015 was tough. 2017-2018 for King S/L and Lettered editions is at a whole different level...

Down the Rabbit Hole we go...

https://hacklibschool.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/book-2869_1280.jpg

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

If you thought 2015 was tough. 2017-2018 for King S/L and Lettered editions is at a whole different level...

Yeah, and when their wives find out what they spent on the books, the divorce rate will be at a whole different level. :)

[Randall Flagg]

Add $1,500 for the lettered edition of Flight or Fright...

[TravelinJack]

If you thought 2015 was tough. 2017-2018 for King S/L and Lettered editions is at a whole different level...

Yeah, and when their wives find out what they spent on the books, the divorce rate will be at a whole different level. :)

:lol:

[webstar1000]

Add $1,500 for the lettered edition of Flight or Fright...

You were NOT kidding... BIG YEAR!

[herbertwest]

Add $1,500 for the lettered edition of Flight or Fright...

You were NOT kidding... BIG YEAR!

It's only the middle of march

[Randall Flagg]

Add Misery Numbered $525, and Misery Lettered $3,950.