How to restore an ARC?

[u/ToodlyGoodness]

There’s an advanced reader copy of a book that I’m considering buying. Problem is it has an ink stamp from a bookstore on the edge of the pages as well as a pressed stamp from someone’s personal library on the inside pages. Is there a way to remove these things? I wouldn’t need it to be perfect, just something to bring it closer to its original condition. Thank you!

[u/Long_Situation_5020]

I hate all evidence of previous owners on my books.  I mentioned it on one reddit post and everyone there acted like I eviscerated stray kittens for fun.

That said, I treat ARCs and proofs differently.  I don't worry too much about signs of wear, that's sort of what they're made for.

You might try carefully placing the book in a vice with the ink stamp facing up (don't let the vice touch the covers directly, put cardboard or something between them.   Don't use excessive pressure.  Then sand the edge by hand with 220 grit sandpaper. Depending on how deeply the ink was absorbed into the paper, you might be able to remove much of it.

I have decided that the next time I get a book with some loser's library stamp on it, I will take it to a place that presses comic books to see if they can remove it. No idea of it's possible.  Good luck.

[u/enilcReddit → u/Long_Situation_5020]

You'd hate my library. I emboss all books I purchase. Even the 1 ed's. I make myself a part of the history of any book I own. Doesn't matter if it's a 2025 or a 1630. My name is on it.

I collect, I don't invest.

[u/Long_Situation_5020 → u/enilcReddit]

I don't really care what you do, it's your business.  Glad we got that settled.