Book signing
Encyclopedia
Book signing is the affixing of a signature
to the title page
or flyleaf of a book
by its author
. A book signing is an event, usually at a bookstore or library
where an author sits and signs books for a period of time.
Book signing is popular because an author's signature increases the value of books for collectors
. The author may add a short message to the reader, called a dedication
, to each book, which may be personalized with the recipient's name upon request. A simple author's signature without a dedication is typically more valuable to collectors (exceptions include inscriptions to persons of note, e.g. from Hemingway to Fitzgerald, or to persons of significance in the author's life). Many authors today spend a great deal of time signing their books, and sign many thousands of copies. James Ellroy
is known for signing every copy of the 65,000 strong first run of My Dark Places.
Book signings provide more than a just a chance to obtain signatures. Authors and bookstores are benefited by the fact that many copies of the book being promoted are sold. Signings also increase public goodwill and allow authors to connect with their fans. For fans, signings give them a chance to see and meet a favorite author and ask them questions.
Sometimes the author will sign additional copies for future sale. An additional advantage for authors for doing this is that once a book has been signed, it cannot be returned to the publisher for a refund.
Signature
A signature is a handwritten depiction of someone's name, nickname, or even a simple "X" that a person writes on documents as a proof of identity and intent. The writer of a signature is a signatory. Similar to a handwritten signature, a signature work describes the work as readily identifying...
to the title page
Title page
The title page of a book, thesis or other written work is the page at or near the front which displays its title and author, usually together with information relating to the publication of the book...
or flyleaf of a book
Book
A book is a set or collection of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets, made of hot lava, paper, parchment, or other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. A single sheet within a book is called a leaf or leaflet, and each side of a leaf is called a page...
by its author
Author
An author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
. A book signing is an event, usually at a bookstore or library
Library
In a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
where an author sits and signs books for a period of time.
Book signing is popular because an author's signature increases the value of books for collectors
Book collecting
Book collecting is the collecting of books, including seeking, locating, acquiring, organizing, cataloging, displaying, storing, and maintaining whatever books are of interest to a given individual collector. The love of books is bibliophilia, and someone who loves to read, admire, and collect...
. The author may add a short message to the reader, called a dedication
Dedication
Dedication is the act of consecrating an altar, temple, church or other sacred building. It also refers to the inscription of books or other artifacts when these are specifically addressed or presented to a particular person. This practice, which once was used to gain the patronage and support of...
, to each book, which may be personalized with the recipient's name upon request. A simple author's signature without a dedication is typically more valuable to collectors (exceptions include inscriptions to persons of note, e.g. from Hemingway to Fitzgerald, or to persons of significance in the author's life). Many authors today spend a great deal of time signing their books, and sign many thousands of copies. James Ellroy
James Ellroy
Lee Earle "James" Ellroy is an American crime fiction writer and essayist. Ellroy has become known for a so-called "telegraphic" prose style in his most recent work, wherein he frequently omits connecting words and uses only short, staccato sentences, and in particular for the novels The Black...
is known for signing every copy of the 65,000 strong first run of My Dark Places.
Book signings provide more than a just a chance to obtain signatures. Authors and bookstores are benefited by the fact that many copies of the book being promoted are sold. Signings also increase public goodwill and allow authors to connect with their fans. For fans, signings give them a chance to see and meet a favorite author and ask them questions.
Sometimes the author will sign additional copies for future sale. An additional advantage for authors for doing this is that once a book has been signed, it cannot be returned to the publisher for a refund.
External links
- Authorstrack.com Author Book Signings, Author Events, Author Lectures and More Author Book Signings, Author Events
- Celebrity book signing and events A comprehensive listing of all American book signings involving notable personalities.
- FindBookSignings.com A large list of upcoming book signing events.
- BookSigningEvent.com A listing of upcoming Book Signings at Independent Booksellers.