I swear I already wrote something like this here, but I can’t seem to find it, so I’m doing one of those “write now for future reference” posts, spurred on by the fact that in the space of three days I’ve gotten, like, ten requests for autographed books, etc.
My Autographing Policy
Yes, I give autographs. Find me at a convention or other public appearance. If I have a scheduled signing at the convention appearance I’ll probably ask you to wait until then because that’s generally the most convenient time for me.
If I don’t have a scheduled signing, you can come up and ask. I am generally happy to sign but there may be times when I’m busy doing something (including having a private conversation) in which case I might ask if you can catch me another time.
If you catch me outside a scheduled signing, please only ask to have me sign one or two things (i.e., don’t come up to me with a whole bag). If you have your own pen, that’s generally helpful since outside scheduled signings I usually don’t walk around with one.
I don’t require you to have a book of mine to sign; I’ll sign autograph books, blank pieces of paper, etc. I’ve yet to sign a body part, but will if you want, so long as it’s a body part you can expose in public without getting arrested.
No, I won’t sign your book/bookplates if you mail them to me with a self-addressed, stamped return envelope. The primary reason for this is that I am extraordinarily bad at putting things back into the mail; stuff like that sits on my desk for months and sometimes even longer. I figure it’s easier to say “no” than to annoy you by never returning your book/bookplates. It’s not you, it’s me. Sorry.
If you send me stuff anyway, I will not promise it will ever make it back to you. Seriously, it’s a bad idea to send me stuff.
If your goal is simply to have an autographed work from me, and I am not coming to a convention/doing an appearance near you, may I suggest three things:
One, buy a limited edition of one of my books, which generally come signed by me. These limited editions are usually more expensive than the standard editions, but in addition to having my signature in them, these books are generally of a higher quality production-wise and include new art and/or extra bits. Subterranean Press has published my limited editions to date and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Two, from time to time (usually around the holidays or a new book release date) I’ll announce that I will sign books purchased from my local independent bookstore, Jay and Mary’s Book Center. When I do that, all you have to do is call in to the store and order the book. You’ll have to pay for shipping but otherwise there’s no additional charge beyond the cost of the book.
I also frequently sign stock at Jay and Mary’s, just because I happen to be there, so beyond any public announcement, it’s worth checking in with them to see if they happen to have any signed stock.
Three, I will frequently sign stock for booksellers if I happen to be in their town and/or they are selling at a convention I’m at. For example, I recently signed stock for Bakka-Phoenix Bookstore in Toronto and for Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, which had a table at a convention I attended. So at the moment (6/28/10) it’s a good chance they have signed editions and would be happy to sell them to you.
Any additional questions? Leave them in the comment thread.
The Blatherations of Others