End of Watch Book Signing?

[skimom2]

Salt Lake City is only 12 hours drive time from me. I just might have to give this some serious thought. Of course it the weekend of Father's Day and I run the men's department at my store so that would probably be a great big 'NO!' from management when I ask for the weekend off......

Ask early! Come have dinner with me!

 

[skimom2]

Not yet. We'll be speaking to all of the bookstores next week but many of them have not yet found their off-site location for the events.

Would love to meet you, too, but unfortunately it won't be on this book tour. Scribner sends a rep to those. The event won't be at the bookstore itself. They'll have an off-site location for the event so might not end up being within walking distance..

Poop. Mark was just asking me if you would be coming, and saying that we should ask you out to dinner again

 

[kingricefan]

Ask early! Come have dinner with me!

I'd love that! We'll see what happens.

 

[carrie's younger brother]

If anyone is planning on attending the Jersey City, NJ event, I'd love to meet up!

 

[Kati33]

I got so excited when I saw Tulsa was on the list... and then I noticed the date. The entire length of the tour is when I'm on a once in a lifetime trip for work. Luckily I got to see him in Wichita for the Revival tour. I hope everyone gets a chance to make it to an event- I still cherish the fact that I got to be in the same room with him and hear him read from his work.

 

[notebookgirl]

I am impressed about Dayton. Crossing my fingers I will get tickets, especially since he is in my state for once!

 

[morgan]

Surprised myself and Mark by bursting into tears at this. I'm such a goob. Please make sure Mr. King knows how try much we appreciate everything he does for us. Even if he never made another personal appearance, I'm so grateful for near 40 years of campfire tales. He will always be part of my heartfamily.

At least I'm not the only one.

 

[Geminii23]

Just posting this here for those who don't visit the main site or have overlooked the Newsbot post:

Below is the list of confirmed bookstores that will be sponsoring Stephen’s appearances. The format for these venues will be on-stage conversations and there will not be a book signing. Stephen will be pre-signing 400 books for each store that will be given out randomly at the event. More details will be released as they become available.

June 7 Word Bookstore, Jersey City, NJ
June 8 Penguin Bookshop, Sewickley, PA
June 9 Books & Co., Dayton, OH
June 10 Taylor Books, Charleston, WV
June 11 Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN
June 12 Carmichael’s Books, Louisville, KY
June 13 Prairie Lights, Iowa City, IA
June 14 Bookworm, Omaha, NE
June 15 Booksmart, Tulsa, OK
June 16 Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM
June 17 The King’s English, Salt Lake City, UT
June 18 Barnes & Noble, Reno, NV

Jeez. Only 400 signed books and given out at random??? So basically I might end up driving 6 hours for nothing. Well not nothing. It would still be great to hear what SK has to say on-stage. But still very disappointing.

 

[cat in a bag]

Oh how I would love to go to the Salt Lake appearance. Or Omaha, it is almost as close to me.

But, being only a month before King Kon, I really doubt it.

Time to start playing Powerball again.

 

[Spideyman]

Jeez. Only 400 signed books and given out at random??? So basically I might end up driving 6 hours for nothing. Well not nothing. It would still be great to hear what SK has to say on-stage. But still very disappointing.

Look to the positives-- many will never have an opportunity to see, hear, enjoy SK due to location, health, economics. The signed book is an extra to the event. It's the cherry on top of the sundae. Sit back and savor that sundae- you might be surprised at the experience it will provide. There are no disappointment if one is lucky enough to attend a SK event. The disappointment is for those who can not.

 

[Moderator]

Do you know if he's ever come here, or if he ever would? I only remember him having visited a school in New Brunswick, which is practically Maine. We have lovely mountains out west....

He's never done a signing there that I'm aware of. Never say never, but can't say if/when he would.

 

[Moderator]

Look to the positives-- many will never have an opportunity to see, hear, enjoy SK due to location, health, economics. The signed book is an extra to the event. It's the cherry on top of the sundae. Sit back and savor that sundae- you might be surprised at the experience it will provide. There are no disappointment if one is lucky enough to attend a SK event. The disappointment is for those who can not.

 

[RichardX]

Jeez. Only 400 signed books and given out at random??? So basically I might end up driving 6 hours for nothing. Well not nothing. It would still be great to hear what SK has to say on-stage. But still very disappointing.

There will be a ton sold on ebay because random distribution ensures that people who may not care whether they get a signed book or not end up with them. I agree it is an awful format for folks who plan to travel a long way with the hope of getting a signed copy. The expense, hassle, and long odds make traveling more than a few hours to these events generally not worth the effort in comparison to ebay. Of course if you are just going to hear King speak, this is a great opportunity. But for fans who also collect signed books not so much. There is some impression that if you collect signed books then you are not a true "fan" of King's but some kind of type of opportunist which is ironic because the King book collectors that I know are probably the most zealous fans. They travel all around the country at tremendous expense to themselves. There is always going to be a market on ebay for King's signed books. These types of event formats that are apparently designed in part to minimize ebay resellers don't work and generally penalize fans who are book collectors.

 

[notebookgirl]

Jeez. Only 400 signed books and given out at random??? So basically I might end up driving 6 hours for nothing. Well not nothing. It would still be great to hear what SK has to say on-stage. But still very disappointing.

I went to one like that before from Stephen King. You are in the same room with one of America's all-time greatest authors, it's totally worth it. He is charming and funny in person.
The event I attended, it was only 250 books. While I got lucky and received one, I would have been happy if I didn't. I did do something extra for that event. I actually got to ask him a question because I practically jumped at the chance when the Q&A portion began.

 

[carrie's younger brother]

There will be a ton sold on ebay because random distribution ensures that people who may not care whether they get a signed book or not end up with them. I agree it is an awful format for folks who plan to travel a long way with the hope of getting a signed copy. The expense, hassle, and long odds make traveling more than a few hours to these events generally not worth the effort in comparison to ebay. Of course if you are just going to hear King speak, this is a great opportunity. But for fans who also collect signed books not so much. There is some impression that if you collect signed books then you are not a true "fan" of King's but some kind of type of opportunist which is ironic because the King book collectors that I know are probably the most zealous fans. They travel all around the country at tremendous expense to themselves. There is always going to be a market on ebay for King's signed books. These types of event formats that are apparently designed in part to minimize ebay resellers don't work and generally penalize fans who are book collectors.

Zealous does not necessarily translate to passionate and faithful, two things I believe I am when it comes to SK books. I am a Constant Reader since Carrie came out in paperback in 1975. I have many first editions (paperback and hardcover) purely because I bought them when they were first published, not because I consciously sought them out. I have nothing signed by the man nor do I really care if I ever have a SK signed book. But I am a fan through and through. Zealous? Probably not. Faithful? Absolutely. Amassing signed SK books and collectibles does not translate to being a Constant Reader and fan, at least to me.

 

[Geminii23]

There will be a ton sold on ebay because random distribution ensures that people who may not care whether they get a signed book or not end up with them. I agree it is an awful format for folks who plan to travel a long way with the hope of getting a signed copy. The expense, hassle, and long odds make traveling more than a few hours to these events generally not worth the effort in comparison to ebay. Of course if you are just going to hear King speak, this is a great opportunity. But for fans who also collect signed books not so much. There is some impression that if you collect signed books then you are not a true "fan" of King's but some kind of type of opportunist which is ironic because the King book collectors that I know are probably the most zealous fans. They travel all around the country at tremendous expense to themselves. There is always going to be a market on ebay for King's signed books. These types of event formats that are apparently designed in part to minimize ebay resellers don't work and generally penalize fans who are book collectors.

I agree that true King fans and collectors are not the opportunist imho. I don't even have an eBay seller account because I collect King books for myself and to pass on to my kids one day. Not to sell and profit off of other fans. That is what bothers me. I do not agree that this type of event format would deter eBay resellers that much. In some ways I think it would help create an environment for opportunism. If it is a random lottery, then I would imagine a lot of local people who are only looking to make a quick buck on eBay will show up with their friends in hopes of scoring a copy to sell. But I am sure the argument could me made just the same that done on a first come first serve would be no better at deterring eBayers. There are always going to be those people trying to take advantage of fans of anything.

Ultimately I want to go simply because it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. I had the pleasure of meeting Shane Black at a Screenwriting conference way, way back. Great guy and really nice. He actually hung out after the on-stage portion and chatted with people one-on-one for a bit.

 

[skimom2]

Jeez. Only 400 signed books and given out at random??? So basically I might end up driving 6 hours for nothing. Well not nothing. It would still be great to hear what SK has to say on-stage. But still very disappointing.

A book doesn't cost that much, in the grand scheme of things, but this is your chance to hear a kind, funny, intelligent, interesting guy speak. The book will never change, but he'll never be the same guy as he will be that night. I love books immensely (my groaning bookshelves and long-suffering spouse can attest to that ), but experiences are lightning in a bottle.

 

[RichardX]

Zealous does not necessarily translate to passionate and faithful, two things I believe I am when it comes to SK books. I am a Constant Reader since Carrie came out in paperback in 1975. I have many first editions (paperback and hardcover) purely because I bought them when they were first published, not because I consciously sought them out. I have nothing signed by the man nor do I really care if I ever have a SK signed book. But I am a fan through and through. Zealous? Probably not. Faithful? Absolutely. Amassing signed SK books and collectibles does not translate to being a Constant Reader and fan, at least to me.

The larger point is that random distribution simply gives folks who could care less if they get a signed book and live next door the exact same chance as someone who may have traveled hours or days and spent hundreds of dollars to attend for the same opportunity. The purpose seems to be to deter ebay resellers but we know from prior events it has little or no impact. I once spent 32 hours in a car driving twice to Maine to stand in line for hours at 4AM to get a signing ticket and then return the next week in a driving rain storm. The book went straight into my collection. I could have purchased that same book on ebay or Betts Books for a fraction of the cost and hassle. That doesn't mean I don't read every King book or am a less "faithful" fan but quite the opposite as I doubt many constant readers here would do the same. It is great King is still around and doing these events whatever the format. People attend for a variety of reasons and there is no perfect way with demand being so high. But I think there are better ways to handle it. For example, put random signing tickets among the tickets that are purchased to the event so people will know ahead of time whether they are going to get a signed book or not. That would be random but allow folks to tailor expectations so you know in advance if you are getting a signed book. It avoids giving everyone that expectation only to be disappointed. There was a lot of complaining last time about book store employees pulling signed copies for themselves that could easily be avoided. [/QUOTE]

 

[stacy270]

There will be a ton sold on ebay because random distribution ensures that people who may not care whether they get a signed book or not end up with them. I agree it is an awful format for folks who plan to travel a long way with the hope of getting a signed copy. The expense, hassle, and long odds make traveling more than a few hours to these events generally not worth the effort in comparison to ebay. Of course if you are just going to hear King speak, this is a great opportunity. But for fans who also collect signed books not so much. There is some impression that if you collect signed books then you are not a true "fan" of King's but some kind of type of opportunist which is ironic because the King book collectors that I know are probably the most zealous fans. They travel all around the country at tremendous expense to themselves. There is always going to be a market on ebay for King's signed books. These types of event formats that are apparently designed in part to minimize ebay resellers don't work and generally penalize fans who are book collectors.

This makes me wonder how many people would show up for actual signings if NO books were being signed.Isn't the actual thrill in being able to just say hi and to thank your favorite author in person? A signed book is just a bonus.Nobody is MAKING anyone travel miles and spend wads of cash to attend an event. Would you not attend an event with a face to face if there were no signed book involved? I am honestly curious about this.

 

[Spideyman]

This makes me wonder how many people would show up for actual signings if NO books were being signed.Isn't the actual thrill in being able to just say hi and to thank your favorite author in person? A signed book is just a bonus.Nobody is MAKING anyone travel miles and spend wads of cash to attend an event. Would you not attend an event with a face to face if there were no signed book involved? I am honestly curious about this.

I'd be there in a heart-beat.