Signed books: part signature, part story
Signed books have long held a special place in the world of second-hand and antiquarian bookselling. For some collectors, they offer a tangible link to a favourite writer; for others, they’re a savvy investment. But how do you know what’s worth buying — and how do you avoid the fakes? We spoke with Niall and Sean of Endpaper Books, a part-time but fast-growing book business specialising in modern first editions, about why signed copies matter, how to spot a good one, and the best places to buy them.
Why signatures matter
“It’s just nice to have a book that has a tangible connection to the author,” says Niall. “It’s a personal connection that you don’t usually get with just a standard off-the-shelf printed copy.”
That personal connection — and the rarity it represents — is often what gives a signed copy its value. But not all signatures are equal. “Is it flat signed or is it dedicated? Is it dated? And what date is it from? Did the book go on to win any awards?” Niall explains. “All these things feed into it.”
Sean adds, “Sometimes when you have a signed book, you get that little bit of a story behind it as well. A postcard, a letter, a signing event — it’s a different type of provenance.”
What collectors are looking for
While Niall and Sean focus on titles they enjoy themselves, they’ve noticed patterns in what sells well. “David Attenborough is always very popular among collectors,” says Niall. “Books that have been made into films or TV shows are usually popular with younger collectors - Sally Rooney and ‘Normal People’, that sort of thing.”
Sean points out that cultural moments and social media play a part. “Instagram drives quite a lot of it in terms of what’s trending.”
Does a signature always increase value?
In most cases - yes. “It depends on the book,” says Niall. “First editions are more rare than later editions, and signed firsts are therefore more rare again. But if someone’s buying it as a gift or for a personal reason, just the fact that it’s signed might mean more to them.”
Condition is another crucial factor. “We always look at condition first,” Sean explains. “Regardless of whether it has a signature or not, condition is an important factor. You’ll accept a little imperfection, but the condition always has to be as best it can be - and then the signature on top of that is great.”
How do you know if a signature is real?
“With signatures increasing the value of a book, there’s inevitably a lot of forgeries out there,” says Niall. “But you should always aim to buy from credible people and do your research. And compare it against known, authentic examples.”
Sean agrees. “Organisations like the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA) and the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association (ABA) have their own standards and regulations, which their dealers should follow. That gives you confidence over what you’re buying.”
He adds that some authors are particularly known for forgeries — “JK Rowling is one” — and signatures can change dramatically over a lifetime. “It could be age, it could be ill health. So you have to do your background checks and ideally, buy from an accredited dealer.”
Provenance helps, too. “If you can find a book with an invitation to the signing event, or a hologram, or a letter from the publisher, it’s good to bolster the authenticity,” says Niall. “But when you know the author’s signature style and you’ve done your homework, there are easy tells.”
Why buy from PBFA and ABA members?
Endpaper Books became members of the PBFA in 2024 and now sell regularly at PBFA book fairs.
“We used to rely solely on on-line selling platforms - eBay and Instagram etc - but face-to-face interactions at PBFA fairs have really boosted our sales and exposure.
Crucially, buying from the PBFA and ABA members gives buyers extra reassurance. “Accredited sellers can talk through the provenance of a book, highlight condition issues and offer a guarantee that you’re buying genuine items,” explains Niall.
Endpaper Books at Bath
Visitors to the upcoming PBFA Bath Book Fair on 27–28 June will find Endpaper Books there in person, with a range of signed titles on offer.
“We’ve got the Wolf Hall trilogy by Hilary Mantel — all signed,” says Sean. “We’ve also got a really nice pair of Terry Pratchett’s The Carpet People — the original edition and the reworked one (1971 & 1992 respectively). We’ve never seen that pairing before.”
“And we’ve got a signed JK Rowling Deathly Hallows from the Midnight Signing event in London,” Niall adds. “It comes with the original promotional bag and her hologram to verify the signature.”
Signed books aren’t just about value — they’re about stories, history, and human connection. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just browsing, book fairs offer a rare chance to handle these items in person, speak to knowledgeable dealers, and discover something special. Come curious — you never know what you might find.
Our next fair: Bath Book Fair
When: Friday 27 June (12pm–6pm) & Saturday 28 June (10am–4pm)
Where: Bath Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4EU
Entry: Free entry with this ticket or £2 on the door