Aside from limited editions that I have, I was one of the lucky ones who was able to go to the Missoula event for Sleeping Beauties and obtain a signed copy there. I was in a small town north of Seattle at a Goodwill when I found a mint condition unread hardback of Insomnia that was signed (it's a legit siggy). Paid $1.99 for it! I still wonder how exactly that signed book made it to a goodwill in a small Washington town. I bought a signed 4th printing hardback of The Bachman Books at Powell's in Portland, OR. A good friend of mine works at Starbuck's corporate headquarters in Seattle and she was able to get a signed copy of Lisey's Story and she gave it to me.
$1.99!!!!!
How did you approach the cashier without giving away the value??? "I'd like to buy this completely worthless book" as sweat runs down the side of your face.
I've found a few first edition hardbacks in second hand stores and charity shops always hoping to find a signed one and all my family and friends keep an eye out too.