Paranormal & Supernatural | Books & Reading

The paranormal and supernatural sector of the books and magazines industry has long been one of the most popular niches here and is becoming ever more so with the explosion of TV programmes around these themes. While some people simply like to read about the paranormal and supernatural, others avidly collect books and magazines in this genre. Consequently there is plenty of choice both in the new and second hand markets.

An introduction to paranormal and supernatural books and magazines
There are numerous sub-genres within the paranormal and supernatural books and magazine sector. You can, for example, read books about true life accounts or fictional books that embrace this subject matter. In magazine terms, this sector includes a number of titles that appear on a regular basis (i.e. monthly) that people can collect. Again these may be based on fictional elements of the paranormal and supernatural or on real life experiences.

Some people also like to buy paranormal and supernatural books and magazines that are tied in with TV series or films. So, they may, for example, collect Buffy books.

Things to think about before buying new paranormal and supernatural books and magazines
If you are looking to buy new paranormal and supernatural magazines then bear in mind that you will generally have to pay the list price if you are buying them new in a shop. Magazines -- unlike books -- don't tend to be given discounts. This is, however, not an issue when it comes to buying magazines second hand and it is also possible to find remaindered stock cheaper in some smaller book shops.

It is relatively easy to shop around for paranormal and supernatural books and to find them at discounted prices. However, do bear in mind that if you are buying a specialist or fairly obscure book that you may have to pay the full price. And, you may need to order these books as they may not always be readily available in a book shop or held in stock by an Internet book seller.

For newer titles and those still in print, one of the best ways to get a price comparison is via the Internet -- you can shop at an Internet only store or look to see if your local book shop's website has any special offers. You may choose to buy online to get a discount and then have the book delivered to your local shop or to your home. Do remember to factor in any postage costs here and to be aware that there may be delivery times to consider as well.

Things to think about before buying paranormal and supernatural books and magazines second hand
Many fans and collectors of paranormal and supernatural books and magazines buy them second hand. This may be because the books and magazines that they want to read are rare, out of print or simply hard to find. In some cases, collectors will spend a good deal of time shopping around simply to obtain them at the lowest possible cost.

If you are collecting paranormal and supernatural books and magazines then the quality of the book or magazine that you buy may be an issue for you. If you simply want to read the book then you're probably not too bothered if someone has scrawled a message inside the jacket cover or the publication is a little frayed around the edges (but do of course check that the pages are all there!). If you are buying rare collectible books or magazines then bear in mind that the physical condition of the issue WILL have a bearing on its price and on the way in which it may rise in value in the future.

You can easily check out the quality of a book or magazine in a second hand shop because you can see and handle it but this is not possible if you buy online. So, if buying over the Internet and quality is an issue with the book or magazine in which you are interested then do ask the seller specific questions before you agree to make a purchase.

For example, ask the seller to outline any damage to the cover, pages and contents of the book or magazine. Ask if the cover is in good condition, if all the pages are there and if anyone has written inside the book. You can -- as well -- ask for a digital photo of the book or magazine so that you can assess for yourself how it looks generally.

Another good tip is to ask the seller why they are selling the book or magazine. They may, for example, run a small book or magazine online store or they may be getting rid of an unwanted gift. Some people sell books and magazines as soon as they have read them whilst others get rid of them simply to free up space around the house or to raise some extra cash.

If the paranormal and supernatural book or magazine that you are buying is valuable, rare or a collectible then you will also need to check that it will be well packed and sent to you by an appropriately secure method. This will make ensure that if it gets lost in the post you will ultimately get your money back.