But only a few are collectible. The rest, paperbacks, book club editions, reprints, and the like are considered reading copies, great for rereading and sharing and wearing out. The majority of books in existence are reading copies. These include book club editions which are printed in huge quantities, very common, and rarely collectible. Most reprint paperbacks are likewise reading copies, as are most books in poor or damaged condition.
Collectible books are another thing altogether.
There are a number of qualities which make a certain copy or edition of a book more valuable than another. Sometimes it has to do with the book itself, sometimes with who owned the book or who gave it away. The better the condition of a book, the more it is desired and valued. Books in fine condition need to be as much like new as possible, with dust jackets still around them, Books with torn pages, missing dust jackets, scribbles on the inside, damaged or missing covers, or mold are much less collectible and valuable First Edition - The earlier an edition of a book, the more collectible. With most books, the first edition is the most valuable.