Autographed books are normally deemed as rare since not many are available. They are also considered rare because the author's signature or inscription is often times specially dedicated to someone. If the books is specially dedicated to someone, then the more popular the individual is, the more valuable and desirable the book will itself be. When autographs are added to a book, then extra interest and value is added as well.

There are a variety of ways for collectors to obtain autographed books for their collections, with the most obvious way being getting the autograph directly from the author at a book signing. Another way is by contacting the author, offering to purchase an autographed copy of one of their books.

With the technology of today, many authors already have their own web sites where they actually sell autographed copies of their books. Another way is to go through the publishers, whio are often very helpful with supplying their readers with valuable information and they have web sites with helpful links as well.

An autographed book is valued by how popular the author is, but be sure that the signature is that of the actual author, for there are many individuals who will write the names of the author within the inside covers of novels to make a little profit. It is very unfortunate that ninety percent of autographed books that are actually purchased do not contain authentic author signatures, which are normally in older books. Authentic autographs will normally appear on the first endpaper next to the opening flyleaf, which in proper publishing terminology means the blank pages within a book and the glued binding pages.

Since collectors are so avid about collecting autographed books, they must be made aware of the dangers that are waiting to deceive them. It is a shame that some individuals seem to have the need to prey on others for the desire of creating a profit for themselves with items that have been forged. It is rather unfortunate that being able to differentiate between forged autographed books and authentic autographed books is almost impossible for any amateur collector. Thus, amateurs should always consult a professional before purchasing an autographed book.

Individuals creating forged copies of autographed books will go to great lengths to ensure that their forgeries appear authentic by using blank endpapers from older books to practice writing fake autographs of the author in question. This is to help them get a much better feel for the uniquely distinguished writing style of the author. They have also been known to research the variety of formulations of ink from that period, which will help them with practicing their writing style.

Some of these forgeries are done so well that collectors have to consult professionals to distinguish between authentic and fake copies. So, prior to purchasing be sure to get the return policy in writing just in case your original autographed book turns out to be a forgery.