Book Signings

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RichardX

Well-Known Member
Sep 26, 2006
1,737
4,434
I know this is one of Ms. Mods favorite topics since they all go so well with no headaches! There's no perfect way to do it, but since I have gone to my fair share as a fan here are my unsolicited preferences for how they work:

The Good:

1) Sell tickets in advance that allow the purchase of a pre-signed book at the event and then allow the person to get one other book of their choosing signed. Toronto was a great event.
2) Sell a limited number of signing tickets in advance. That way anyone travelling a long distance will be guaranteed a signed book and not have to concern themselves with standing in line all day to ensure that happens. George Mason was like this. It takes the edge off the herding instinct and limits the number of people in line to however many King wants to sign.

The Bad:

1) Distribute random pre-signed books. I understand the benefits - no lines, no signing for hours by King - but it's a bad idea. Many people who may not really care whether they get a signed copy have an equal chance to get them as those who are willing to travel a long way and leave disappointed. Some people also appreciate the opportunity to talk with King even briefly and see him sign their book don't get that opportunity. There were also some reports that event organizers were pulling signed copies for themselves (which is understandable) making the odds even greater against receiving one.

The Ugly:

1) Survival of the fittest. Announce King will be signing at some location and it's every man or woman for themselves. Leave it to well-intentioned, but wildly disorganized book store employees to sort out or provide conflicting instructions depending on who you talk with. Require people to stand in line for hours or even overnight for a chance to get a signed copy.
 

RichardX

Well-Known Member
Sep 26, 2006
1,737
4,434
Alternative--- let SK take a year off from all book signings/tours. Allow him to write, relax, be with family, grandchildren and practice the art of being Pooh (who just is).

I don't think any of those are mutually exclusive with book signings since he does only a handful of per year. I really enjoy the few that I have attended and hope he keeps it up. When they are well run, it's a lot of fun.
 
M

mjs9153

Guest
Never been to one..not a big signature person,only have one signed book..however,after reading the synopsis of Mr Mercedes,I would like one signed copy,for my own reasons.Been a constant reader since,oh 1978 or so,and while autographs are to me usually something silly,because the authentication is so difficult or impossible,I would really like just one book,that I knew he signed..would even treasure a handshake,and a simple,"Thank you Stephen" for all the wonderful words,even more..:nerd:
 

danie

I am whatever you say I am.
Feb 26, 2008
9,760
60,662
60
Kentucky
I know this is one of Ms. Mods favorite topics since they all go so well with no headaches! There's no perfect way to do it, but since I have gone to my fair share as a fan here are my unsolicited preferences for how they work:

The Good:

1) Sell tickets in advance that allow the purchase of a pre-signed book at the event and then allow the person to get one other book of their choosing signed. Toronto was a great event.
2) Sell a limited number of signing tickets in advance. That way anyone travelling a long distance will be guaranteed a signed book and not have to concern themselves with standing in line all day to ensure that happens. George Mason was like this. It takes the edge off the herding instinct and limits the number of people in line to however many King wants to sign.

The Bad:

1) Distribute random pre-signed books. I understand the benefits - no lines, no signing for hours by King - but it's a bad idea. Many people who may not really care whether they get a signed copy have an equal chance to get them as those who are willing to travel a long way and leave disappointed. Some people also appreciate the opportunity to talk with King even briefly and see him sign their book don't get that opportunity. There were also some reports that event organizers were pulling signed copies for themselves (which is understandable) making the odds even greater against receiving one.

The Ugly:

1) Survival of the fittest. Announce King will be signing at some location and it's every man or woman for themselves. Leave it to well-intentioned, but wildly disorganized book store employees to sort out or provide conflicting instructions depending on who you talk with. Require people to stand in line for hours or even overnight for a chance to get a signed copy.
Alternative--- let SK take a year off from all book signings/tours. Allow him to write, relax, be with family, grandchildren and practice the art of being Pooh (who just is).

I think Richard X probably (correct me if I'm wrong, Richard) was giving some preferences for whenever Mr. King has another signing.
All of us on the board are glad for Mr. King to take some time off, and I don't think Richard was requesting a book signing right away, just giving some tips for the next one?
 

Wasp27

Well-Known Member
Feb 3, 2014
65
422
36
Louisiana
I used to work at barnes and noble and the biggest crowd they got when I was there was for Ron Jeremy..sigh. He was cool, but I couldn't help but notice his tshirt was ratty and covered with stains. Hahaha
 

Autumnlyn

BOOYA!
Feb 12, 2009
1,125
1,157
Far Nor Cal
I was lucky enough to attend my first book signing last year. I don't collect signed books but it gave me the chance to fulfill my lifelong dream of shaking Sai Kings hand...as an added bonus, I got a hug :)

While I don't stalk celebrities (usually) this was a special moment for me, one I will cherish forever. Thank you Uncle Stevie. BTW: This signing was done via "Cattle Call" we all lined up and waited our turn :)
 

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danie

I am whatever you say I am.
Feb 26, 2008
9,760
60,662
60
Kentucky
I was lucky enough to attend my first book signing last year. I don't collect signed books but it gave me the chance to fulfill my lifelong dream of shaking Sai Kings hand...as an added bonus, I got a hug :)

While I don't stalk celebrities (usually) this was a special moment for me, one I will cherish forever. Thank you Uncle Stevie. BTW: This signing was done via "Cattle Call" we all lined up and waited our turn :)
SO cool.
 

bigkingfan91

Well-Known Member
Mar 1, 2014
190
921
32
WV
I'd love to attend one, I'm not a big autograph fan but nothing could compare to getting to meet the man, and shake his hand. I'm not even sure what I'd say, or if I'd stutter, or clam up, or what. I wouldn't leave without telling him how much he has impacted my life, and how much I appreciate every word he's ever written, and how I went without a new video game I had been dying to get years ago, so I could get one of his brand new hardbacks & how mom couldn't believe I was picking his novel over the game LOL. Security would probably be brushing me off by then but oh well!
 

Garriga

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2010
1,315
1,212
43
Starkville, Mississippi, United States
This is a great discussion and Richard has brought up some interesting points. Especially his point about distributing books randomly. Some of those who get the lucky draw, don't care about having a signed edition. I know a few who have been lucky enough to draw a signed edition. An acquaintance of mine got one in New Orleans, he no longer has it. That is all I will say on the matter, because frankly it offends me.
 

Moderator

Ms. Mod
Administrator
Jul 10, 2006
52,243
157,324
Maine
The events at which there were pre-signed books that are randomly distributed were speaking appearances at which people get a chance to see Steve for a much longer time than they would at a signing, they can get a sense of who he is as a person as well as the writer, and there is usually a reading and a Q&A session. The reason the books are distributed randomly is to make it less likely that someone who is only going to sell the book for a profit will be guaranteed a signed book and knowing that will be more likely to pass on the event and that space will be used by someone who is truly a fan.
 
Mar 12, 2010
6,538
29,004
Texas
The events at which there were pre-signed books that are randomly distributed were speaking appearances at which people get a chance to see Steve for a much longer time than they would at a signing, they can get a sense of who he is as a person as well as the writer, and there is usually a reading and a Q&A session. The reason the books are distributed randomly is to make it less likely that someone who is only going to sell the book for a profit will be guaranteed a signed book and knowing that will be more likely to pass on the event and that space will be used by someone who is truly a fan.

I hadn't thought about that. I'll bet there are many opportunists who aren't fans but want signed books so they can sell the books for big profits.
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I was lucky enough to attend my first book signing last year. I don't collect signed books but it gave me the chance to fulfill my lifelong dream of shaking Sai Kings hand...as an added bonus, I got a hug :)

While I don't stalk celebrities (usually) this was a special moment for me, one I will cherish forever. Thank you Uncle Stevie. BTW: This signing was done via "Cattle Call" we all lined up and waited our turn :)
Who's the dark haired cutie in the left of the picture? Did she get a hug too? o_O;):wink: