Book Signings

Did you know that Christmas is coming? I was so annoyed when I saw my first Christmas advert on the 20th October. I can really do without sleigh bells before the clocks go back.
Anyway, the Christmas season is well upon us now, and the celebrity books are rolling out left, right and centre. On the train in this morning, Metro had details of several signing sessions taking place over the coming days.
lawrence
A Waterstone’s ad told us that we have an opportunity to meet Lawrence Dallaglio, the England rubgy star. He’s signing copies of his autobiography, It’s In The Blood. As you can see from the ad, that’s pretty much all there is. I would expect the bookshops to prefer that you bought your copies there rather than online, but I’m sure a handful of people will have rugby shirts or photos for him to sign as well.
alice
Meanwhile a Borders ad lets us know that Alice Cooper will be holding his only UK signing of his new book Golf Monster at their Oxford Street branch. There’s a note in the ad that’s worth reading:
“All customers must purchase a copy of Golf Monster to receive an autograph. Additional autographs are given at the discretion of Borders. Due to limited signing time, customers are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.”
As I say, it’s reasonable that they insist that you buy your copy at the shop, although I’ve never really been to a signing where people hadn’t bought a copy there. The rules regarding additional autographs are practical. If the queue’s reasonable, then get out a CD to sign. But if it’s busy, let’s just do the books.
lewis
Finally there was a further Waterstone’s ad for racing sensation Lewis Hamilton’s book My Story. Obviously, considering Hamilton was only born in 1985, I would anticipate further volumes will follow in due course.
But the most interesting thing about this ad is the accompanying restrictions:
“Please note Lewis Hamilton will be signing dedicated copies of ‘My Story’ only, a maximum of two copies per person. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. Access to the queue is on a first come, first served basis. Due to time constraints reservations will not be available.”
Let’s be clear. Hamilton is only there for a little while, but because some PR person is paranoid that every copy sold will be on eBay within minutes, they’re forcing Hamilton to write a dedication in every copy, and thereby take longer. Dedicationless books are more valuable because you’d probably prefer In any case, the two copies limit would surely put off most chancers.
If, perhaps, the signing wasn’t at 4.30pm on a weekday, there’d be a greater chance of real fans being at the singing rather than, say (and I don’t mean any disservice), students who might be more tempted to make a quick buck selling on their books.
I’ve never heard of a book signing where you’re forced to have a dedication. I suspect that this will be the start of a trend


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4 responses to “Book Signings”

  1. Alyce avatar
    Alyce

    I had my daughter’s copy of Lewis Hamilton’s book signed yesterday. You were right the day was bad for students, but the amazing thing is we got there at 5 minutes before he began and were on a 100 reserve list (he was to sign only 400 but did 500) At reserve 92, there was no hope but we stayed on. Not only did the three Hamilton boys sign up, it was relaxed and every body could take pictures, film and have their hand shaken by the two senior Hamiltons. What a great personal to support! He did not seemed tired and did not leave until close to 9 pm!The mixture of people lining up was amazing and every person comin out came with a smile that said it all. The race content was mixed with age ranges from babies (he definitely carried one for a picture pose) to a Caucasian about 84 year old lady who did not complain the entire time we lined up (almost 4 hours). The atmosphere was relaxed and most definitely dominated by fans.
    Beyonce and Julie Andrews need to take a line of Lewis’s attude to fans…don’t take oneself too seriously and remember one is still human.
    I wish Lewis the best always and support his move to Switzerland, as it is not him turnin his back to England, but acquiring a bit of time to himself to be normal and give us one of the best sportmanship personalities our country will ever have.
    Thank you.

  2. Mark avatar
    Mark

    I too was at this event and i totally agree with the comment by Alyce. I was lucky enough to be 65th in the queue. I got there at 10:40 and left at about 17:50 so a good few hours but it was well worth it. People had actually been there since 04:00 (NO WAY) Sadly there were a lot of autograph dealers near me and they were trying to aruge with Lewis’ security (THEY LOST) which was funny. Can’t wait till the next motorsport related signing that they have.

  3. vickie avatar
    vickie

    I also agree with what Alyce said, having a dedicated copy is also worth a lot more to a REAL fan and supporter of Lewis than just an autograph and those who want to just make some money out of him and his books arent worth the handshake and chat with such an incredible person that those who went just to sell the book for money got!!!! I travelled down to London from 5.00am and waited outside the shop from 10.30am until the signing, even though he was a bit late it was well worth it!! I love you Lewis!!

  4. Adam Bowie avatar

    I’m glad people who went along to see Lewis had a good time. I’m impressed that he hung around for four hours signing books.
    I did hear his interview on Simon Mayo’s programme which was interesting – his book’s not an “autobiography”!