Signed Books

[C.]

I have two signed books: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green and Harry, A History by Melissa Anelli.

I've never been to a book signing but I would definitely go to one if it was an author I liked quite a bit (i.e. JKR, Sarah Dessen, John Green, Maureen Johnson, etc.). A friend of mine got the John Green autograph for me since I was sick and couldn't go to the signing and I managed to meet Melissa Anelli after a live Pottercast two days ago.

[Jessica]

I have two signed books as well: Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, and Reason for Hope by Jane Goodall (my prized possession). I saw Satrapi at a lecture in Baltimore at my old college campus and stayed for her book signing. Jane Goodall was in Baltimore in April for a lecture which I also went to, and she also spent some time at the zoo I work at visiting our chimps. We got to talk and hang out, and she was kind enough to sign my book.

[Petra X]

I've never been to a book-signing, mostly because I live 2,500 miles from the nearest country big enough to have a book-signing event. I would really treasure a book from an event like that. However, when I am buying books for my bookshop, signed books (that didn't sell 'on the day') are ones I stay away from as customers don't like them at all. I guess you actually have to have been there to value them.

[Kristine]

Jessica wrote: "I have two signed books as well: Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, and Reason for Hope by Jane Goodall (my prized possession). I saw Satrapi at a lecture in Baltimore at my old college campus and stay..."

That's so awesome on both accounts!

[GracieKat]

Petra X wrote: "I've never been to a book-signing, mostly because I live 2,500 miles from the nearest country big enough to have a book-signing event. I would really treasure a book from an event like that. Howev..."

I don't live anywhere near where a famous (or even semi-famous) author would come, either. Nobody comes here.

[vicki_girl]

Petra X wrote: "I've never been to a book-signing, mostly because I live 2,500 miles from the nearest country big enough to have a book-signing event. I would really treasure a book from an event like that. However, when I am buying books for my bookshop, signed books (that didn't sell 'on the day') are ones I stay away from as customers don't like them at all..."

I buy them, but I also don't have a chance to go to many book signings. I live in the continetental US, but in the deep south, and not near Atlanta (the most metropolitan city), so most book signings are 4-6 hours or more away, except some less well-known local authors. It's definitely not the same as being there, but I think it's still pretty cool to have a signed book. My guess is that signed books by living authors are less desireable b/c there's still that chance you could meet them yourself and get your book signed...I don't have any data back it up, but I would think signed books by authors who have passed on would probably go for a good price.

Back on topic though, I just bought a book from a bookshop that had a copy of The Night Trilogy signed by Elie Wiesel. Even though it would have been an honor to meet him, the signed book is now one of my most treasured possesions. It's not everyday that you buy a book signed by a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads]

Think I was watching the UK Antiques Roadshow and one guy brought in a set of signed E.M. Forsters. The books expert nearly orgasmed - apparently Forster hardly ever signed books for people. So the signature is pretty valuable.

[Eve]

Cheri wrote: "I have two signed books: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green and Harry, A History by Melissa Anelli.

I love John Green! Our book club read an Abundance of Katherines last year.

[Eve]

I'm fortunate to live near an independent book store that is a destination for authors so I go to author events as much as I can. However, the owner is very militant about only letting the authors sign books bought from their store. This doesn't work out for me very well since by the time I find out about the event, I've already bought the book (usually from another store or Amazon), so I have to be a bit sneaky.

The most recent book I got signed was an art book, All Over Coffee by Paul Madonna - he even drew a little cartoon for me. Also, some years ago, I had Nick Bantock autograph a bunch of books for me, and he graciously drew a griffin on one of them.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads]

That reminds me - I have a book of cartoons signed by Doug Marlette.

They're from the Watergate era, when he was cartoonist at the Charlotte Observer, where my mother freelanced.

He drew a cartoon next to the signature, of Richard Nixon.

[Sherry]

Grace wrote: "I used to have a signed copy of 'Salem's Lot that was given to me. I lent it to a boyfriend and when we broke up he suddenly "lost it". Insert expletive here.

I also have a signed copy of The Ca..."

Grace, that's aweful! That would have been a great one to keep!

[Sherry]

Roseann wrote: "I am lucky, being a book seller, that I get to go to the BEA (Book Expo American) when it is on my coast and get many signed editions. I have books ranging from Neil Gaiman to Jamie Lee Curtis.

..."


Okay, I'm jealous!

[Sherry]

Kris wrote: " I just got my first book signed by its author this past Thursday. Jhumpa Lahiri was at my local Barnes & Noble for a reading and book signing, and I got my copy..."

Kris or others who have been to a book reading/signing... How does the "reading" part work? Is the entire book read to a group by the author or just the first few chapters?

[Taejas]

The only signed book I have is I'm Just Here for the Food because I worked at a B&N when it came out and he gave a copy to each of the employees. Nice guy. I ended up watching that Good Eats show afterward just to see what all the hubbub was about.

Oh, and randomly, I have a signed Strunk and White that I found at a used book store! lol. er, that is The Elements of Style. I don't know anyone who calls it that though.

[Brooke]

I actually have a signed copy of Hillary Clinton's book addressed to me and my husband. Whether you are a Clinton fan or not, I think that is still cool. I have Grisham, Glenbeck, and Tom Daschal books signed. I like signed books! We don't get very many opportunities in Oklahoma though.

[Diane]

Just picked up The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Shanghai Girls by Lisa See. Both are signed. Carlos Ruiz Zafon apparently lives in the LA area, and dropped by our local book seller, The Mystery Bookstore in Westwood Village.

[Jennifer]

i have a signed copy of TWILIGHT that my dad and i found at a borders outlet

[Diane]

Jennifer wrote: "i have a signed copy of TWILIGHT that my dad and i found at a borders outlet"

Wow! that's a find!

[Liz]

Some people frequenting this thread might be interested in a book called Tolkien's Gown by Rick Gekowksi (I may have misspelled the last name). It's a collection of short stories about the rare book trade--he talks about The Tales of Beatrix Potter, The Satanic Verses, The Lord of the Flies, etc. It's quite good.

[Kristine]

Sherry wrote: "Kris wrote: " I just got my first book signed by its author this past Thursday. Jhumpa Lahiri was at my local Barnes & Noble for a reading and book signing, and ..."

Hi Sherry,

I've only been to one so I can only speak of that experience. Jhumpa just read one of the stories from the book and it was one that was towards the end of the book.

[Nancy]

I don't want to spam you so I won't put in my book titles, but if anyone wants not only a signed book but an inscribed book (from a much less than famous author, however you never know what the future holds :))I'm happy to do it for purchases off my website. Shipping is free.You can read the first chapters for free, too at www.GoodReadMysteries.com and decide if you want to go further.
I bet other writers will do this as well.

[Wen]

I have 2 books signed by the authors one from J.R. Ward and a galley copy of a book from Amanda Ashley
I have a collection of autographs from authors I have read. In the scrapbook are signed bookmarks and cover flats. I have some nice letters I had gotten over the years in the book too.

[GracieKat]

I'm going to be going to an author signing on the 20th. I haven't bought any of her books yet but I'm hoping to pick them up before then. It's a local author. I checked out her first book from the library and really liked it so I'm planning on getting it this week.

[Diane]

I just discovered a real gem!! I started The Reader with the group this month. I've had my copy for over a year, I picked it up at a garage sale for 50 cents or a dollar. When I opened the cover, I realized not only was it signed by the author, but the woman's credit card slip was in there, showing it was purchased at one of my favorite indie bookstores that has since (sadly) closed.

[Rowena]

Grace wrote: "Petra X wrote: "I've never been to a book-signing, mostly because I live 2,500 miles from the nearest country big enough to have a book-signing event. I would really treasure a book from an event l..."

You might be surprised. Stores such as Barnes and Noble are receptive to authors who do drive-by signings, so some stores must see an advantage in it.

There's a site, BookTour.com which will tell you which authors are signing where.

[Tammy AZ]

I have a few books signed by authors - mostly mystery writers, since that is the genre a like. I went to a book signing by Stephen White years ago & he offered to sign three other books I had if I mailed them to him, which was pretty cool. (I didn't take him up on it). At the same signing was Earlene Fowler - I hadn't heard of her at the time and bought two books anyway, which she signed with a very lovely and personal comment. I really treasure that book and have been and avid reader of her books ever since.

[GracieKat]

I went to read Beauty is Therapy Memories of the Traverse City State Hospital and realized it was signed. Not by a famous author but stil...

[Lauren]

I have a signed copy of High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D. I also have a signed copy of Me and My Shadows A Family Memoir by Lorna Luft... which is really cool for me because I LOVE everything that has to do with Judy Garland!