Should I get my first edition signed or not?

I own a first edition book, unread and in fine condition (A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin) from 1996, will the value of this book likely decrease or increase from a signature by the author here in 2008?Should I get my first edition signed or not?
If you can get it signed I'd go for it. I think that series has around 3 books out with 1 to go, if you could get the set as 1st edition signed it likely increases the value even more. On the other hand it may be too much effort in a market that is too niche.



e-bay is the cheap market research tool of the century, go take a look at what people are asking for recent better known fantasy fiction - say Orson Scott Card, Stephen Donaldson, etc., check first edition vs. signed first edition pay particular attention to auctions that actually have bids that are above the minimum - many auctions look interesting and imply a good price, but if nobody is bidding above the minimum that tells you that the market is illiquid and may not be worth too much of an investment - it'll be hard to realize the value for the uniqueness unless you can find exactly the right customer, who may not even exist.



Right now, prices are %26lt;10 for 1st edition, maybe 14-30 for signed first edition, but nobody is bidding. May be a bad time for prices in markets like these with the underlying stock market meltdown and credit crunch. That could mean that distressed sellers might give up a 1st edition to complete your set for next to nothing - it may be worth contacting some and offering to take a 1st edition off their hands for 20% of the asking price, if nobody is buying they just might take it. If not, it only costs you a little time sending offers.Should I get my first edition signed or not?
Chances are that it will eventually increase the value of the book. They generally do.