Store Hours: 9-5:30, Monday-Saturday
Sending us photos of your books -- What we need to see:
Quick Checklist:
1. The photo is in focus.
2. The file size of the photo is not too large (Between 1-2 Megabytes is best)
3. The pictures are not larger than 10 MB. (The email will be too large for our server and it will bounce back)
4.You are sending only one good photo of each part of the book. Multiple images of the spine, for example, are not necessary.
5. All major condition issues are visible or noted in your description.
Front CoverWhy it's important: To provide an idea of the decorative value and the overall condition. Make sure to: 1. Avoid cropping out the corners when editing or resizing the photograph. 2. View the photos on your computer before sending. 3. Check that the title and the cover design are in focus. |
 This works: The title and all the gilt decorations on the cover are in focus and we can see all the edges.
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SpineWhy it's important: Book collectors want books that look nice on shelves. The better the spine looks, the more decorative value the book has. Make sure to: not cut off the top or bottom of the spine in your photographs. 
Oops! Portions of the spines are cropped out, and the titles are out of focus. |
  This works: The spines are in focus, clearly showing the titles and the spines' conditions. |
Title pageWhy it's important: To confirm important details such as the title of the book, the author, the illustrator, the publisher, the publication date, and the edition. To identify imprints that distinguish it from other printings. Make sure to: Be extra careful that the words are in focus and that no words are cut off. |
This works: The entire title page is pictured and all information is in focus. |
Major Condition ProblemsWhy it's important: Interior condition issues detract from the overall value of the book, particularly when they affect the text and the illustrations. Make sure to: Photograph examples of major staining, spotting, or tears. Photograph examples of the book's maps or plates.  This works: These are examples of three good photos showing issues of detached covers, a cracked inner hinge, and foxing. |
Notable Inscriptions & Limitation PagesWhy it's important: To authenticate genuine signatures and inscriptions. To determine the edition of the book. Make sure: If you think a book is signed under a photograph or inscription, photograph the entire page. Sometimes, we will recognize an inscription (such as the one by Ulysses S. Grant on the right) as printed. Warning about signatures: Most signatures underneath portraits opposite the title page are not authentic. Most often, books are signed on the title page, an endpaper, or flyleaf.
Oops! The entire page is not photographed, so we cannot authenticate the signature. |
This works: The photo shows the entire page and is clear enough to read the inscription. |
Collections of BooksIf you have a collection of books, take photographs of the books on the shelves. This gives us a general idea of what type of collection you have. Again, the golden rule: Make sure the books are in focus. 
Oops! The picture is blurry, obscuring the spine ends and titles of the books on the shelf. |
 This works: The spine ends are not cut off and the photo is clear enough to get an idea of the books' titles and conditions. |
Send emails to: info@brattlebookshop.com. Make sure to include your full name and telephone number.
We will contact you if we have more questions or need more information and return e-mails within 2 business days.
If you don't hear from us by then, call us at 617-542-0210.
