Bringing a used book to an author signing?

[hiaasenrocks]

Does anyone do this? I was at a book signing about a year ago and, while waiting in line, the guy in front of me was bragging that he had all the author's books, and he bought them at a used bookstore. I thought, okay, this guy's just making conversation.

But no. When he got to the signing table he mentioned it to the author who very graciously smiled and asked him what his name was so he could sign the book.

Authors don't get paid when one of their used books sell. And maybe I'm somewhat biased, for two reasons: (1) I'm writing a novel now and hope to join the ranks of the published, and (2) I like new books! There's something nice and clean about opening a new book and reading it. Even the smell (sometimes) of the ink. (Okay, I'm weird.)

So what do you all think about this? Would you bring a used book for an author to sign? I'm talking about a book that was obviously purchased used, with a stamp on it or something. And, even if you did, would you tell the author?

[Book Lover]

1. No

The point of the book signing is for the author to sign the book s/he's promoting; to bring other books for him or her to sign is impolite.

[hiaasenrocks]

3. This particular author has a book signing policy....

For every new book you buy, he'll sign two that you brought. And he brings "new" books (old titles, but unused) that count toward the "new book" purchase.

I just don't think he was counting on someone bringing books that he bought in a used bookstore. I guess this probably wasn't the first time it had happened.

[Book Lover]

6. Obviously, that's different

If it's his policy, then frankly, no I have no problem with someone bringing in books they bought from a used bookstore. Once I buy a copy of a book, it's mine and I will use it as I see fit. If that includes selling it to someone else who wants to read it and who doesn't want to pay the inflated price of the new book (I've been in publishing production for over 15 years, I know this is how the industry works), so be it.

I know that as an author that's not what you want to hear. Sorry.

[hiaasenrocks]

8. Maybe I'm not being clear. My fault.

I realize people are going to buy and sell used books. It's not illegal. I was just bringing this up more from an etiquette standpoint.

And the author I mentioned in the previous post is willing to sign your books that you bring, but I think he means books that you bought and used yourself.

This isn't a huge deal with me. Just some Sunday night rambling. :)

[tinfoilinfor2005]

15. Carl Hiaasen lives here in the Keys and has frequent book

signings at our local book store. I attended one with a friend who is, to put it plainly, poor. I had a new book, my friend had a used book. She apologized to him but there was no need as he was very pleasant and seemed happy to sign it. But all the other people in line had new books.

[qnr]

2. My opinion is that a book from any source, library, used book store,

illegal downloading from the internet, serves as advertising for the author. They probably have problems with it, but it should be a minor concern.

[hiaasenrocks]

5. I don't disagree, necessarily, in cases where someone

actually goes out and buys new books from that author if they like his/her work. Otherwise, the "advertising" doesn't really benefit the person who did the work.

But I see your point...to a point. :)

[tuvor]

4. I look at it this way.

People are going to do it. Right or wrong, I don't know, and it doesn't matter.

All that matters in the end is how the author reacts to the person with the used book.

[hiaasenrocks]

7. Yeah, that's really what I was getting at.

I would have a problem going up to an author and basically saying, "Hi, will you sign this book that I'm not paying you for?"

True, people are going to do it. And there's nothing illegal about a used bookstore. Yet, anyway. It's just more of an etiquette thing for me, I guess.

[Book Lover]

9. But no one else is getting paid for it either

Not the printer, not the copy editor, not the development/signing editor, not the designer, not the layout tech. Yes, the author is indispensable, but the author, in the current industry setup, is only one of many people who work hard to make the tangible object you purchase. Do I get personally get pissed when I see a book I worked on in a used bookstore? Nope; it means the book is moving on to someone else's library. Keep 'em moving.

[hiaasenrocks]

10. You're correct. I only mention the author because

I was talking about the book signing incident.

I realize the other people who worked on the book aren't getting paid either. Personally, I don't like that. But we can differ on that one. No big deal.

[Book Lover]

11. I don't want to come across as too harsh

There are many new technologies that can enable the tech-savvy author to skip the current model of publishing. And someday when we have a real and usable e-book solution, this conversation will seem quaint.

[hiaasenrocks]

12. You bring up an interesting topic.

I've only a couple of brief conversations with people about the e-book future. I know a guy who owns a small POD company here in town. The people I've talked to say we'll always have books, especially when it comes to fiction. Some technical and other non-fiction books might come out as e-books exclusively, but from their perspective, books won't disappear entirely. I bring this up because it concerned me that that may someday be the case. I like to hold a book in my hands when I'm reading. I'd hate to have some electronic device with me on the beach or poolside, trying to read a novel. I suspect the market will demand actual books.

[Book Lover]

14. I believe the codex will always be with us too

But I also firmly believe that some information that we currently distribute in book form will be more useful in e form. For instance, I used to work for a computer book publisher. Anyone still using their copy of "Discover Bongo"? Unless the purchaser recycled their copy, those books are sitting in storage somewhere, useless. At least a deleted e-book file doesn't enter the waste stream.

[unsavedtrash]

13. I might ask Vonnegut to sign my 1st ed. copy of Breakfast of Champions but

for everyone else I would buy a new book.