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Selling unreleased book

Are there any eBay policies on selling something like an Advance Reader Copy of a book that has not yet been released to the public?  We occasionally run across these, and while the person who gave/sold them to us could potentially get in trouble with the publisher, I'm not aware of any legal concerns.  However, we don't want to break any eBay policies.  I couldn't find any mention of that type of situation in eBay's policies page, but sometimes ya'll know something we can't find with a search!  Thanks in advance!

Message 1 of 6
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Selling unreleased book

I wouldn’t list it. 
If whomever gave it to you feels they would be in trouble with the publisher what makes you think the publisher won’t go after you if you list it? 
Could fall under copyright infringement. 
If I’m incorrect someone will chime in to tell us. 

Message 2 of 6
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Selling unreleased book

Ebay has not prohibited ARCs or other review copies in the past, which differs from the big marketplace sometimes referred to as The River.

 

But the creativity of IP rights protectors is constantly increasing.

 

 

Message 3 of 6
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Selling unreleased book

I've listed them from time to time over the years with no problems and there are lots of them on the site. But you never know what can come at you from left field. Sometimes I don't get them until the hardcover is published. I will list them as cheaper copies and sometimes they sell. 

Message 4 of 6
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Selling unreleased book

It isn't illegal to sell an ARC, but with the proviso that the content may not be the same as final publication.


Hell is empty. And all the devils are here.
Message 5 of 6
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Selling unreleased book

There is nothing stated specifically within EBay' s policy page but occasionally some publishers will throw a VERO claim at you. Especially when it's trying to be sold prior to publication.

 

And then again I've had some publisher's agents tell me that when they see one of their ARCs up for sale on Ebay via auction prior to publication that they actually use those metrics and that data to gauge interest and fan following for that book, prior to going to print. 

 

As for eBay having a problem with its seller's selling ARCs, Galleys, and Uncorrected Proofs then at the very least they should start by removing those item specific selections in their book categories from the special attributes list. 

 

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