Autographed copies?

[Susan Breen]

This is a very nice problem to have, and I am not complaining. Just confused. Say someone wants an autographed copy of my book (God bless them). What do I do? Do I have her send me the copy, autograph it and then send it back? Do I autograph a card and send that out? What's the etiquette?

[Cathy C]

This is a very nice problem to have, and I am not complaining. Just confused. Say someone wants an autographed copy of my book (God bless them). What do I do? Do I have her send me the copy, autograph it and then send it back? Do I autograph a card and send that out? What's the etiquette?

I'd suggest "book plates." This is a sticker that people can paste on the blank page before the title page with your signature. It's also handy to leave with stores after a book signing. Always request an SASE be sent to you, so you can just sign the plate and drop it in the envelope.

They're also handy for writer conferences when the inevitable fan walks up and says, "Oh! I just love your book, but I forgot to bring it along." You then respond with, "Thank you so much. Would you like a signed bookplate to put in your copy?" INSTANT gushing fan! :D

You can make a book plate look like anything you want. Cie and I did a spooky design that works for any of our books. But for your first book, you can use the cover graphic or your photo in one corner, with your name on top. It can have borders or background images. Pretty much whatever you want to spend on them. But keep in mind that you'll get a cheaper price with a large quantity, so if you intend to write multiple genres, it's best to keep it simple.

Here's a link to a writer promo website, Earthly Charms (http://www.earthlycharms.com/bookplates.htm), I like that did a couple different ones.

A couple of things to remember about bookplates. ALWAYS include your website addy if you have one, and try to give the reader some sense of "personality" of the plate.

[IceCreamEmpress]

Seconding the bookplates. Works great. Easy to transport. No down side.


I like BookplateInk (http://www.bookplateink.com/index.htm).

[Susan Breen]

Thank you! That's very helpful.

[maestrowork]

Definitely book plates.

[James D. Macdonald]

But -- having them send a copy, you sign it and send it back -- also works. Done that too.

Make sure folks know when and where you're doing in-person signings.

[maestrowork]

Some also bought a signed copy directly from me. That works out fine as well.

[IceCreamEmpress]

Some also bought a signed copy directly from me. That works out fine as well.

Yep, I'd offer all the options (assuming your publishers permit you to buy and resell books--not every publisher likes this :( ).

[ishtar'sgate]

This is a very nice problem to have, and I am not complaining. Just confused. Say someone wants an autographed copy of my book (God bless them). What do I do? Do I have her send me the copy, autograph it and then send it back? Do I autograph a card and send that out? What's the etiquette?
Usually people send me their copy to sign. Occassionally I sell them one I have on hand, especially if it has to go to another country.
Linnea

[benbradley]

I've probably mentioned this before as a long-time book buyer/collector and part-time seller.

Some people (in general, collectors) aren't as happy with autographs on bookplates. Signed on the pretitle or title page is probably the "most collectible" as it's pretty good evidence the author held the actual book in his/her hands, as opposed to signing the bookplate which was almost certainly later put into the book.

But even this isn't a guarantee the author held the actual book, though, as sometimes a publisher will send the author a bunch of unbound copies of the title page to be signed and sent back and be bound into the book, thus the publisher can have hundreds or even thousands of "autographed copies" available for sale on the book's first day of release.

But I suspect most people wanting autographs are just "fans" and are happy to get the author's autograph, whether it's on the title page or a napkin...

[johnrobison]

While there's nothing wrong with bookplates, I also make a point of signing the stock at all my local booksellers, both chain and independent. They can mail books anywhere, and I can refer people to them. That works out well all around.

We also sell signed books at Robison Service, though we don't promote it online. Just walk in.

[IceCreamEmpress]

While there's nothing wrong with bookplates, I also make a point of signing the stock at all my local booksellers, both chain and independent. They can mail books anywhere, and I can refer people to them. That works out well all around.

Oo, very good idea.

We also sell signed books at Robison Service, though we don't promote it online. Just walk in.

The "Car Talk" guys sell their books and CDs at their shop, too. They should have you as a guest on their show sometime--it would be interesting for us listeners!

[a_sharp]

I got a signed bookplate from Orion for LOTTERY! She cleverly designed the border to match the spine pattern on the book jacket. That was a nice touch and worked because we live 3,000 miles apart and book mail to and from Hawaii is pricey compared to a plate.

[ORION]

awwww thanks A_sharp...
if anybody wants to see them I show them on my website...

[EelKat]

I did a very bold thing once. On my 30th birthday I wrote to (emailed) my fave voice actor (cartoons) and asked if I could have an autographed photo for my birthday. Two weeks later I recieved not one, but 2 autographed photos (big 8"x11" ones too!).

I've done the same thing with others as well, (actors, authors, singers, etc), but so far he was the only one to send an autograph. However, I did end up becoming a regular corrspondant with my fave author via email, as a result of this, (I have since bought 4 autographed books from him via eBay) and he in turn ended up recomending me to his editor!


just some thoughts.