Ed Postal, Barnaby Rudge Booksellers

Meet Ed Postal, Antiquarian Bookseller and Abebooks member since 1996.

This month Abebooks is delighted to share some thoughts from Ed Postal, of Barnaby Rudge Booksellers in Laguna Beach CA, with our Bookseller Community. Ed has been a successful bookseller for more than 12 years, after first getting started in the business as a printing broker. Now a respected dealer in antiquarian books, Ed has focused his specialist skills on building a unique inventory dating from the 16th through the 19th centuries and Children's Illustrated books from 1880-1930.

Upholding and advancing the professional ethics and specialized knowledge of antiquarian booksellers is a cause near and dear to Ed's heart. As a valued member of both the Abebooks Advisory Group and the ABAA, he takes every opportunity to actively address the concerns of professional booksellers everywhere.

Since Ed has been in the field for so long, we couldn't help but wonder how the internet has affected his business and what adaptations has he had to make. Ed's response was interesting. He pointed out that in the true antiquarian book market there is still little competition, with most of the 450 or so ABAA members co-operating with -- rather than competing against -- each other. However, prior to selling on the internet, Ed admits that book fairs, antique shows, and collectors were a mainstay of his business. Not so any more. Most significantly, the internet has provided a broad range of informed buyers and international sources, which has meant an increase in acquisition and in sales beyond what was possible from a smaller "locals only" business. It's also meant less reliance on the antiquarian shows, especially as his stock has evolved.

Ed says he's noticed a difference in the bookselling industry as a whole since the introduction of the Internet, primarily in the influx of sellers new to the business. His biggest piece of advice to new sellers? Simple -- really learn the business. He suggests that an investment in education through mentor ships and resource books (such as those available through Spoon River Press and Oak Knoll Books) can make a big difference in a seller's initial success. Never one to wait for other's to take the lead towards a solution, Ed has published his own resource guide to help other booksellers: Price Guide & Bibliography to Children's & Illustrated Books. He says these references, as well as auction records, are absolutely invaluable to learning the industry knowledge that is a key to success: how to set pricing.

To prove his point, Ed shared one of his earliest "learning" moments. He sold a first edition of Sky Island with a dust jacket for $400. Later that week, he found a picture of a first edition Sky Island with dust jacket on the cover of an auction catalogue. The book later sold for $5000. Safe to say, Ed never forgot that experience.

In closing, what is Ed's recipe for success? "Buy books you enjoy, always upgrade your inventory, and keep growing!"

Thanks to Ed Postal for taking the time to share his experience with our Bookseller Community.

The views of the author, expressed above, are not necessarily those of the Advanced Book Exchange.