FAQ

PULP MAGAZINE GRADING

I feel that grading is in the eye of the beholder. But there is a general standard in which to base the grading of pulps. I use the grading outline from Bookery's Guide to Pulps & Related Magazines by Tim Cottrill. I try to adhere to this as best as I can. However, in certain circumstances I believe that pulp grading can be better described in the description with a "Plus" or "Minus". The guidelines below still apply of course, but there are times where "Good" is a not quite right for the pulp and Very Good would be a bit misleading. In these circumstance a "Plus" or "Minus" is used i.e. Good Plus or Very Good Minus.

I will do the best that I can to inform you as accurately as I can of a pulp's condition. I do make mistakes from time to time and I am always happy to make it right. As a reassurance, I am happy to give a refund to any buyer who feels that the pulp that they purchased was not accurately graded.

I have provided pictures of pulps that are in the described condition. I have not shown pictures of the spine or interior pages so make sure that you factor this into your judgement when grading your pulps.

VERY FINE -

The highest grade used to describe pulp or pulp-related publication condition. A "Very Fine" is in the same condition as the day it arrived at the newsstand, regardless of the issue's age. The only allowable flaws would be a few very small tears on the overhang of the covers but the tears can not go beyond the overhang. There should be no tears if the pulp was originally published with trimmed covers. Pages must be as white as when the issue was published.

As you can see in the picture, there are no reading creases or tears that are going into the cover. There are some tiny overhang tears but this pulp has covers with an overhang.

FINE -

A fine copy may not be newsstand fresh but it should be close. The spine should be near 100% with only the most minor of edge flakes allowed. The book should have nearly all of it's original cover brightness, and the pulp overhang should display only those tiny tears or bends as would likely have occurred the day it was placed on the news rack. One or two very small tears may be present, or a small (less than a half inch) corner crease or two. No tape or edge trimming permitted. Pages may not be their original white but should be creamy or only slightly yellowed.

In the picture, you can see that there are few small flaws but not to many. Flat, clean and bright.

VERY GOOD -

Covers should be reasonably bright. Pages may be lightly tanned, yellow or off white but should be mostly supple with only a hint of edge flaking here and there. Tape may be present but in small amounts, such as the spine corners or a small interior tear. The cover may be slightly separated from the spine edges, but should not exceed an inch or two, and the overall book must be solid. A vertical reading crease near the spine is common, as are small corner creases. The overhang may be chipped or have tears but should still be present. The spine should be well over 50% intact. No pages can be missing. Although a very good pulp may have one or more of the above defects, this does not mean it should have an abundance of them, or should have an accumulation of defects as to mar the pulps general attractiveness. In particular, the main body of the cover should not be damaged so as to detract from the art. When someone says that a pulp is in "Good shape for it's age" they should be referring to this condition. When you look at the pulp, you should be impressed with it's condition but not in awe.

This pulp has some minor reading crease as you can see. There are some edge tears but none are large. The cover is bright but slightly dulled.

GOOD -

Typical used but not abused pulp. A number of cover creases and/or reading stress lines. Pages may be tanned but should have only minor flaking. Spine lettering may be flaked or chipped but the spine should not be completely damaged or missing. A taped spine or taped interior pages are not uncommon, as long as the tape is unobtrusive and any glue repairs have not seriously damaged the book. The overhang may be heavily chipped or trimmed altogether.

This picture shows a pulp with Paper tape on the top and bottom of the spine that overlap onto the covers. There are some small edge chips and tears.

FAIR -

Generally considered below collectable grade unless rare or in high demand. A "fair" copy may be missing a back cover or a title or an advertising page but all story pages must be intact. Outer pulp edges may be brittle in places, but the overall pages must be solid enough to turn without undue risk of tearing or breaking apart. Pages might be especially darkened, or exhibit damp-staining. Numerous cover stress lines or tears, heavy chipping or trimming may be present.

The picture shows a pulp with a large chip. This alone makes it a Fair copy. There are also creases and pencil marks.

POOR -

An incomplete copy, coverless or missing pages, or brittle or otherwise dammed beyond reasonable readability.

The picture should require no explanation.

Domestic Shipping Charges

I will send pulps via Media Mail most of the time. If you purchase a single pulp, it will most likely qualify for First Class. If this is the case then I will send it first class. Delivery Confirmation is included. I have had to guess on these prices for the most part based on experience. If you pay significantly to much then I will inform you and send a refund. If you are significantly undercharged then I will ask you to help cover the balance. These prices are not intended to make myself a profit.

1 - 2 Pulp Magazines - $3
3 - 5 Pulp Magazines - $5
6 - 15 Pulp Magazines - $10
16 - 20 Pulp Magazines - $20
21 And Up Pulp Magazines - $30

International Shipping Charges

I have had to guess on these prices for the most part based on experience. However, depending on the country, the prices can vary quite a bit. If you pay significantly to much then I will inform you and send a refund. If you are significantly undercharged then I will ask you to help cover the balance. These prices are not intended to make myself a profit.

1 - 2 Pulp Magazines - $10
3 - 4 Pulp Magazines - $13.50
5 - 7 Pulp Magazines - $30
8 - 11 Pulp Magazines - $44
12 - And Up Pulp Magazines - $60

Canada Shipping Charges

I have had to guess on these prices for the most part based on experience. However, depending on the country, the prices can vary quite a bit. If you pay significantly to much then I will inform you and send a refund. If you are significantly undercharged then I will ask you to help cover the balance. These prices are not intended to make a profit. If you think the shipping is too much then let me know. You are probably right.

1 - 2 Pulp Magazines - $5
3 - 4 Pulp Magazines - $10.00
5 - 10 Pulp Magazines - $30
11 - And Up Pulp Magazines - $40

Special Requests

If you have any special requests as to how you would like your order to be shipped, please let me know. I would be happy to accommodate.

Payment Method

This website is designed to have you checkout through PayPal. YOU DO NOT NEED PAYPAL TO CHECKOUT. You will be able to use your credit or debit card. It will work like any other point of sale service. I do accept checks but you will have to contact me before you send the check so I can delete the pulps in your order from this website. You are welcome to contact me for any other payment methods. I will do my best to accommodate.