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.
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.