In order to clear its warehouse, a publisher will often offer the unsold (remainder) portion of a printing at a discount. Such books are usually marked on the page edges so that they cannot be returned for a full-price refund. As with most changes made to a book after the initial printing, a remainder mark reduces the value of a book to less than the same edition would bring unmarked. Individual collectors differ in how distasteful they find a remainder mark to be, but the mark and its location should always be noted in a book description.

Examples of remainder marks.

Remainder marks are generally simple; they often look like random dots or streaks from a black or colored magic marker. Remainder marks vary from the discrete, to the flamboyant, to the apparently accidental.

Sometimes symbols are used:

  • Ace Fantasy uses a capital "B" on one edge.
  • My favorite, Simon & Schuster, uses its logo "the sowing man."
  • Not illustrated is the Random House icon of a little house.
  • Also not pictured is a remainder mark no longer in use that might be found on older books: purple dye sprayed over the entire top or bottom edge of the book, giving a speckled effect. At one time, this was used by Doubleday, Delacort, and possibly other publishers.

A remainder mark on the top of the book, however discrete, is worse than one on the bottom, because it can be seen when the book is shelved.


While not classed as remainder marks, other stamps and markings applied to the edges of books usually reduce the value not only by their presence but often by what they represent.

It is common to find a "used" stamp on one or more page edges of text books that are sold back to campus bookstores. In addition to the stamp on the page edges, these books are often full of highlighting, underlining, and marginal notes made by their former student owners.

Libraries frequently mark not only the page edges of their books, but also many interior pages.

A NOT FOR RESALE stamp may be seen on remaindered books that have been distributed to schools, prisons or other institutions. This is generally thought to reduce the value of the book - although not quite as much as a library stamp.

On the other hand, review copies may also be marked NOT FOR RESALE. This is one of the few cases where a page edge marking does not necessarily reduce the value. Some collectors consider having a review copy, which is identical to the portions of the same printing offered for sale, to be a plus.

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