Signed Books

Over the past couple of months, I've received a lot of questions about where I get my signed books, and the best ways to get them signed, etc. etc. So I've decided to go ahead and answer questions that I've gotten in a singular place where anyone can come to going forward.

1.You have so many, where do you get them?
 Answer: All over the place.
 More Helpful answer: I get most of my signed books from big box retailers such as Target, Books A Million, and Barnes and Noble. A lot of the big box retailers have pre-orders months in advance, and can sometimes be gotten at a discount.
I also, religiously follow authors that I'm highly anticipating on Instagram. From there, you can find out where they're going on tour, which brings me to my next two answers: small businesses, and on tour. If you're really looking for a specific book to be signed, call up, or email a place on the author's tour and see if they have any set aside, or if you can pre-order. In addition, if you find out that YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR is going on tour near you, then it's less expensive to go ahead and get the books you own signed in addition to the highly anticipated new release.
 Another great way to get signed books, are book subscription boxes. These are generally the most expensive way, since you typically have to buy the whole box which can range from $35-$50 plus shipping. Some great subscription boxes that include signed books are: Owlcrate, FairyLoot, ShelfLoveCrate, ShelfLoveReads, Uppercase, LitJoyCrate, and sometimes Illumicrate. Some book only options are: ShelfLoveCrate, LitJoyCrate, and Uppercase. In addition, some boxes have exclusive editions.

• Owlcrate: Exclusive cover art, signed edition. 
• LitJoyCrate: Some books have exclusive art on the end pages, and signed
• FairyLoot: Sprayed edges, and signed

2. Okay, but my city/state/country never gets any tour stops.

I thought that once too, but somehow in the last year I've met probably 20 authors. 

So the first step to getting to the tour stop is define how far you're willing to go. How far is too far? Is it author specific? Would it make a difference in miles/travel time if you were going to see an author you've read twenty books by versus a debut author? If it does, write it down or map it out. 

The next step after you've decided how far you're willing to travel is find the names of the popular book stores/libraries on those stops and follow them. Are you near Fountain Bookstore, or One More Page, or Parnassus? Next follow the author, follow the author, follow the author. No matter how exciting the event is to you, it's unlikely that you're going to see street signs all around town about the signing. Most likely, it'll only be right on the door. If you religiously follow the author you want to meet, they'll post their tour schedule and you can find out if your area made the cut. If your area didn't make the cut say something. Make a comment on the tour schedule, "Ohio loves you! Hope to see you one day!" Something simple and nice. Also if you're international contact the publisher. In a nice way. Leigh Bardgo has specifically said to contact her international publisher about touring since that is (apparently) who picks the tour stops. 

And finally, preorder, preorder, preorder, preorder. That's how you get tour stops. 

3. Okay, but it's going to take me forever to get my books signed. 

True. That is absolutely true. However, if you pay attention to book signings, if you shop at your favorite small businesses, and your big box retailers, and occasionally subscribe to book subs, and follow your authors, and show up to their tour stops even when it's been a long day, or whatever excuse you'll give yourself, then it won't take nearly as long as you would think. 

In March of 2017, I had a grand total of four signed books. Now, September 2018, I have 98 signed books. A lot I bought recently, but a lot I already had, and took with me to events, and paid attention to events in my area, or stalked the author to find out where they would be. It takes dedication, to get it done, but it also takes a little time too.

4. Sounds expensive. 

It is. But, occasionally, you can get a good price, especially if you're okay with paperbacks. At author signings, it's easy to find a book or two on BookOutlet, or get a book on sale at B&N. Also, occasionally you can find signed, good condition books on eBay.