Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
Ever since I was young, I have had a passion for the sci-fi and fantasy book genre, both in reading and collecting. You could say I was among the fantasy book lovers. Unfortunately, bookshops and newsagents seemed to have nothing but bestsellers or factory seconds. So, I learned how to seek out the best places for my fix, and I’d like to share these tips with you. Please note that these tips are aimed at collectors, but everyday readers can also benefit from the information.
Tip 1: For beginners in collecting, a great way to start is by visiting second-hand bookstores, as they have low prices and often an acceptable selection. The main issue with second-hand shops is that the books are often well-used and frequently have the shop’s stamp inside, so you cannot re-trade them. Overall, for collectors, I rate them 3/10.
Tip 2: For the budget-conscious, take the time to visit local garage sales for new authors or titles you haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading. This option often has lower-quality books, and it’s usually challenging to find complete sets, but occasionally there’s a hidden gem. For example, a few years ago, I bought an entire box of old sci-fi novels for $5 and discovered a first edition of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “A Princess of Mars” at the bottom, now displayed proudly in my collection. Overall, for collectors, I rate garage sales between 3 and 7/10.
Tip 3: Online auction websites like eBay are often excellent sources for rare editions, collectibles, sets, and singles to complete a collection. This method can be a good way to save money but comes with risks, such as not being able to physically inspect the item and the possibility of misleading seller descriptions. I have had both good and bad experiences with online auctions. Overall rating: 7/10.
Tip 4: Online bookstores specializing in the genre you enjoy are great places to find new copies of books and their sets. The best one I have found for sci-fi and fantasy is http://www.scifan-online.com. The primary reason is the owner’s “Author of the Week” page, which has introduced me to several new authors. The only issue with this method is that it often takes a week or more for deliveries, and if your postal worker is rough, you may receive damaged goods. Overall rating: 8/10.
Tip 5: For hardcore collectors, join book clubs Trance Music - Free Flowing Electronica - Have you ever found yourself dancing in a club, utterly absorbed in the melody, feeling as if the trance music is flowing through you and guiding your body's movements? This is an experience I've had numerous times during carefree nights at local techno clubs I've often wondered which type of techno generates this unforgettable sensation… and sign up for bookstore newsletters to receive updates on signings and new novels from top-rated authors. This ensures that your collection stays up-to-date and can help you get your books signed, which is great for displays. Overall rating: between 5 and 9/10.
I hope these tips help everyone start an excellent collection of novels, and I wish you all the best in your future hunts.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
