Obtaining signatures can be at times frustrating, always time consuming, but on the occasion that the awaited mail returns, or you finally get to the head of the line to get that book signed, extremely rewarding. Below are a number of points to be aware of when attempting to gain a signature for a volume. Experienced collectors will probably need not peruse the text, however, there most certainly will be the odd useful tip for the novice and intermediate collector.

Writing to an author....

First the basics.....if you are going to write to an author you first need be assured that the address you have is current. The internet is a marvelous tool and Google is your friend. Remember that and use it to your advantage if you wish to locate an author's home address. Be aware however, that the more well known the author the more difficult this can be. You would therefore generally be advised to use one of the other two methods we have listed . First, and most popular, is via or C/O their publisher. Once again however, be sure to ascertain that the publisher that you are writing C/O is that particular author's current publisher. Author's do change publishers, some more often than others. This method, whilst being the easiest, is also alas the one that will take the most length of time to get any sort of reply, due of course to the fact that it's the one that most people use. Author's do prioritize their mail, and the more prolific the author the greater the prioritization process. Mail sent C/O their publisher is 99% certain to be from readers and fans, and as such will and can only be answered when they have time to spare.

The other method is taking the time to track down the author's current literary agent. This can take a great deal of time, however, the reply window is greatly shortened due to the fact that your letter will be read far sooner if sent C/O the current literary agent. It also demonstrates to the author themselves that you have taken the time and effort which others have not and as such will probably warrant a reply.

At this point there are a number of rules of etiquette to be mentioned when writing to an author. Firstly, do not send an unsolicited book to be signed, you will rarely get it returned other than unopened and without that signature. If you wish for a book to be signed, then ask in your initial communication. Be sure also to note prominently in that first letter that you will be delighted to send the book at their request and that you will ensure that all packaging materials and return postage will be included. Secondly, make sure that your first letter contains a return address on the envelope in order that you can be aware of whether or not your letter was even recieved, and a stamped return addressed envelope for any reply such as permission to send a book or to decline. Some authors will not sign books any longer, but at least will reply to your request if you give them the means to do so. I am aware that the above, particularly in reference to the return envelope and postage etc. sounds like just plain common sense, however you would be surprised at the amount of collectors who neglect to adhere to these rules and as such receive nothing.

(Please DO NOT email or message me for a list of current literary agents and their authors nor either for one dealing with a specific writer. The information is available in many different places to those who take the time and the effort to research it. Also, quite a number of the more sought after author's are at great pains to conceal who their current agent is for privacy reasons, and any information concerning those individuals which has been provided has been done so with the proviso that it's confidence be respected.)

Writing to those incarcerated....

On occasion the most difficult signatures to obtain, odd really when you think that those in prison for various crimes have little to do with their time. However, if your interest is in this form of collectible item then it is possible. The most important factor is firstly, to obtain the name of the institution to which the inmate is confined. The Dept of Justice / Corrections / Prisons for each state has a website, most of which contain online inmate locators. Once this has been done you would also do well to actually call the mailroom of the facility you will be writing to and enquire as to what regulations are in place regarding what form of mail an inmate is permitted to receive. This is quite important due to the fact that if your mail infringes on those rules it will not be returned to you, nor either delivered to the inmate. Certain institutions do not, for example, allow inmates to receive stamps in the form of a self-addressed envelope for a reply. Others will not allow packages beyond a certain size, or certain forms of reading material, so if it's a book you want signed you would do well to research this before sending. You would also be advised to enquire as to the requirements for putting a small amount of money in an inmate's prison bank account, as on occasion this is the only means by which you can pay for any return postage on an item. Also be aware that some prisoners of a more notorious stature, in effect those who receive 'fan mail', have in the past been known to have other inmates either sign or write replies. Just because you got a reply from Son Of Sam doesn't mean he wrote it...this is particularly true of many typed letters that are just signed at the bottom.

Book signings.........

In some fashion the easiest means by which to obtain your signed item, particularly if you live in a heavily populated area of the US. Not so easy for those in more rural locations. The best method to ensure that you don't miss a signing is the subscribe to either the author's publishing house newsletter or any news or email communication published by the author themselves which outlines promotional appearances. In this fashion you will have some notice and also the opportunity to select a book to be signed.

There are caveats among many collectors that certain author's will only sign one book at any particular sitting or appearance. Yet on many occasions this is simply not so. In fact, amongst certain genre's of collectors this appears, at least on some occasions, to be merely a means of falsely inflating the rarity of a signed volume. At the last signing I went to of Kurt Vonnegut's before he passed away I managed to have 7 separate books signed, despite the common and stated beleif at the time that Mr Vonnegut would only sign one volume, and in actual fact probably wouldn't sign any. How? I wore a very large and obnoxiously visible kangaroo hat which he though quite bizarre and amusing and was so distracted by it he was more than happy to sign whatever I put under his nose. Much I might add to the disgust of those other individuals who hadn't thought of the same thing and stood there clutching that one sacred book looking like they'd lived through Slaughter House Five rather than just read it. I've had similar success with many other author's including Ann Rice, Terry Pratchett, Stephen King, and one occasion, Alexander Solzhenitsyn. All reputedly well known as single volume signers, yet on each occasion I have had multiple items signed. Take a leaf out of the Trekkie bible and go in fancy dress if you want to. Remember that author's are people, book signings can be very boring for them. Same compliments, same clichés, same 'I love your work'....do something different to stand out, garner their attention and reduce the occasional monotony and you shall be rewarded.

Also remember that authors, probably more than any other form of celebrity, are acutely aware of the role played in their success by their audience. An author's exposure, and as such success, is purely and utterly down to book sale numbers. Their are no real PR agents for most of them, no people magazine or reality TV, no commercials or sponsorships, no Access Hollywood or the usual dirt splashed over the tabloids to attract attention. It's all down to the readers and the fact they are reaching into a pocketbook or wallet. As a result, you will find that most are more than helpful and willing to grant a request should it be made in a polite and thoughtful manner.

If you found this guide helpful or informative please be kind enough to click on the vote button at the bottom of the page. Thank you and happy collecting.