When Does "Out Of Print" become "Limited Edition"?

The other day I told you about Scott Russell Sanders' book Warm as Wool. I loved that book, so I decided to see if could pick up a used copy to own.

What in the world???

How can a children's picture book cost 45 to 60 bucks used? In some listings, it's over $150! I did think it was beautifully done, but there's no way I'll buy a book for my kids that costs over $150!

I'm not sure why it's become so valuable. Scott is still alive--at least he was as of Friday night--so it's not some kind of Van Gogh-like, posthumous shot of fame. As far as I know, he's not achieved any current fame; I found him to be an excellent writer, but nothing he's produced has hit commercial success that would cause his other titles to increase in value. The book is nicely done, but not so extraordinary as to warrant astronomical prices. The most noteworthy thing about it is that it's out of print.

So it left me thinking, "Hmmm....I'd better hold onto my one little box of out-of-print copies of The Contemplative Mom."

Because you just never know when it will be marketed as "Limited Edition."

I could be sitting on a gold mine!