I bought the book 101 Patchwork Patterns at a FOL sale. I just noticed that there's a small paper clip on one page. I took it off and now there are rust marks on both sides of the page at the top.

Connie - I would think it not postable - a stain is a stain!  Is it a wish list book?

Unfortunately I'd think it isn't postable however I bet if you post in the craft forum or book bazaar, you'll find someone very glad to pay a credit for it--even with the rust stain.

You might try a very fine grade of sandpaper to remove it, if the pages aren't glossy.  That does not work with glossy paper.

Emily, I know that works with the edge of the book, but have you done this with the text pages?  I have always been too chicken.

Well, the book isn't postable as is.  If it doesn't work, you can still offer it as an unpostable.  I do it often to the edges.  But not to the text.  This would be the time I'd try it.  For a regular paperback, I try a soft white eraser on stains like chocolate fingerprints.  But rust can be tough as it gets into the paper.  I won't expect an eraser to work on rust.

Maybe I will give it a shot with book that is totally a non-postable.  Connie - I will let you know.  Probably by tomorrow night!

ETA:  Well this was a duh moment.  Why haven't I tried it on some books that are non-postable no matter what is done! 

Thanks, Robin. Sure go ahead. Meanwhile I did place it in the Crafting forum for a credit. That is a very slow forum with no posts today.

This book is the only one in the system. I received two requests within the last week, but I declined both because they were too subjective with smells, etc. I can't smell anything but I usually turn those down.

Plus, the rust doesn't interfer with the patterns at all on the pages. I'll wait and see how the crafters feel about the book.

and I can see the words and it doesn't smell like poop , pee or throw up , i'll take it.  LOL

PS Emily, thank you for your tip about chocolate, after reading chocolate is my fav. thing.