Sorted your bookshelves recently? Had a look at old books in your attic? What did you find? New books you do not intend to keep? Old books collected by your Grandpa but you never read? Ever wonder whether they are worth something? Do you love books? Can you judge a book by its cover? Can you tell the difference between New York Edition and first editions of Henry James' Novels? May you want to put that know knowledge to some use? If you answered “yes” to some of those questions, then you can make money by selling books online.

You hesitate and doubt that statement? You already tried eBay but had no success? No need for doubts or glum faces! By following basic strategies outlined below, coupled with some research you can make money.

Books and eBay

Books are one of the major categories in eBay. It is a major category because it has high turnover and hits. Books are special, people love them for their content not the material they are made of, they are relatively inexpensive compared to most other collectibles, lot more people collect books than other items. All that adds up to profits if you know how make them. As always key to sell, successfully is differentiation. You and your product have to stand out from crowd. How do you do that? You stand out by giving what is unique and what is in demand.

Favorites
First we will see what is in demand at eBay. Here are the most search words for the books category on eBay on October 8, 2007.

1. Harry Potter
2. Stephen King
3. Easton Press
4. James Patterson
5. Bible
6. Nora Roberts
7. Nancy Drew
8. Lot
9. Star wars
10. The secret

Source: eBay Pulse

It is clear, best sellers are best sellers everywhere either as characters, books or authors. It is also notable that the best sellers here cater to all types and ages of readers. There are among others children's books, the bible, horror, romance, thrillers, new age, self-help, in that list. In other words buyers of books at ebay belong to all categories.

Specialize You can't be all things to all people especially when you want to stand out from the crowd. You have to specialize. The category you want to specialize in will depend on your own preference and capabilities. Keep in mind that buying and reselling books in categories where the best sellers replace each other quickly require you to be quick and well informed on the latest trends. It is also risky. Specializing in fields where the best sellers don't change much over the years is less risky, though you have to be more knowledgeable about the product.

Classics When it comes to classics, the money is in the collectibles rather than in the newest edition of the book. You have to know your editions inside out, literally. You can go for niches like text books but here also you must be up-to-date with latest news.

Finally you must pay attention to details and should get your basics right; be honest, detailed, and clear. Use pictures, and ask for reviews.