Readers and Collectors Holy Grail: Grey Bar Edition

We all know what I am talking about when I bring up grey bar books. These are technically called “Physical ARCs”, or, “Author Copies”. Either way, these are some of my favorite copies to receive. Why you may ask? Well, as a reader and collector, these books mean that the author picked YOU to get this copy. Yes, it may have some imperfections, but it is the FIRST copy usually. The first printed copy of their masterpiece, of your next favorite read, or your current favorite read.

I have seen people both say they hate those versions because it messes with the cover, or that they love them because it is a unique and special book to have on your bookshelf.

As someone who has over ten of these, I can honestly say the excitement each time I get one, never lessens. It only intensifies, and it isn't because I want to collect them, it's because I was chosen to receive that copy. I was picked to be able to say I have the first version of that book. I was picked to be able to proudly photograph and show off my love for that author and the book.

Trying to put into words about what the grey bar means to me is hard. I guess the best way to explain it is, remember on christmas when you were a kid and you wanted the best and newest toy that came out that year? It is that, but it’s a year round thing.

I can still remember the FIRST grey bar I received. I was… blown away. I remember being told I was being sent a copy of the book and I was already stoked because I had done the BETA read on it, and it had quickly become my favorite new read. But when the box arrived and I opened it, peeled away the paper, and saw that grey bar across the cover… well I went speechless. Then I cried because as much as some dislike it, I love it. It’s a surreal moment.

Now, most of my authors ask me which I prefer, and I always tell them, whichever version you send me, I will love regardless. And honestly, that‘s the truth. Regardless if it has the bar or not, I will love and cherish it, but it’s something about that bar that just sparks extra emotion.

I have had people ask me if I will ever sell them. The answer to that is no. I never will. I will sell every book in my collection before I post my grey bars. And lets just say, I have been offered a pretty penny for a few of my grey bars.

Everyone has an opinion on them, but when push comes to shove, I will always cherish any book I get, but my grey bars hold a spot all on their own.