Two of my favorite authors will be visiting my local Barnes & Noble this week, and since I hope I can go (please teachers, don’t give me a lot of homework, I NEED to go this event), I was wondering – what is proper book signing etiquette?
Now I haven’t really been to a lot of author events – before the last year, not a lot authors visited my local B&N (that I was aware of), I don’t really don’t know much… or anything when it comes to etiquette so that’s why I need your help.
Buying Books
Can you only get books signed if you purchased them directly from the store hosting the event? From my very limited experience, I can say this varies. When I went to an Ally Carter event in 2013, that Barnes & Noble required that in order to get into the line to have your books signed, you had to buy at least one copy of United We Spy (the book Ally was on tour promoting) from them. But when I went to see the Epic Reads Fall Tour last October at my local B&N, they didn’t really care if you brought books from them or not (or at least they didn’t make it a mandate). Then again, the Ally Carter event was much, much bigger.
Number of Books to Bring From Home
Okay, this one, I have absolutely no clue. I know as someone who has waited in a line for hours to get book signed (hey, it was Rick Riordan, okay!) that you should not bring too many books. Just out of respect for everyone there and the author who already has to sign a gazillion books, try to limit the number of books you bring. That being said, I don’t know if there is a specific number of books you’re normally allowed to bring. I’ve heard anywhere between 1 and 3. But then I’ll go to events and see people that will 30. Any one want to help me out?
So I’ve been to A LOT of signings and it really does vary. It depends on the author, how big of a following they have, and the store. I’ve found that if it’s a more known author at a B&N you have to buy the book there. For instance, I pre-ordered Insurgent when it came out and Roth was having her launch in lower Manhattan. When I got there, they wouldn’t let me in to the signing area seating unless I had a wrist band, which required me buying the book. I was not happy since I pre-ordered from B&N and had my receipt with me. So I bought a copy, had my copy signed, and then returned the copy to my local B&N. She signed in Manhattan yesterday and they required people to buy a copy of the book with the new cover AND get that one signed. I already own the book! I don’t want another copy (b/c contrary to some book lovers, I don’t have to own every cover of every book…eh hem Shatter Me). My friend went and she bought a copy, but they were only allowing you to have two books signed (one had to be the purchased copy of Insurgent). She managed to get all her books signed (and mine). Not sure how she finagled that since I wasn’t there and I haven’t spoken to her yet. As for the amount of books, I’ve brought a ton, and I’ve brought only one. Depends on what I listed at the beginning of my response. If I have a ton, I get on the very end of the line so that I don’t hold others up.
I am soo clueless when it comes to book signings. Thank you so much for commenting and stopping by Brooke! 🙂
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I believe it varies by the bookstore hosting the event. I’ve been to some events where you have to buy the book from them to get a signing line #, but you can bring up to 3 books from home. I’ve also been to some events where you can do either, and they put a sticker on the books you brought from home so they don’t try to charge you for them later.
I kind of wish there was a set rule. I guess I’ll just have to call and ask if they have any rules?
Thanks for stopping by Julie! 🙂
[…] Emz asks: what’s considered proper book signing etiquette? […]
I work at an indie bookstore when I’m not on the Internet – it’s lovely! – and we do YA events once a month, usually panel style (2 – 4 authors). We don’t put a limit on the books you can bring from home unless they’re a huge author, like Cassandra Clare or Holly Black, simply because they’d be at the store all night if we didn’t.
Generally book signing etiquette is this – buy at least ONE book from the store you’re at, preferably something the authors can sign, but any book you’re interested in is good. Buying paperback backlist is always good, especially if you already have the new book, and the new book is best of all to buy. People buying books is the only way bookstores can continue to bring authors to events. Bring one or two books from home (three max, I’d say; people who whip out stacks are the worst for booksellers and both dreaded and loved by authors). Otherwise, just be polite and courteous and only ask for photos if it’s clear the authors have time and are willing. It’s really not hard. 🙂
If you’re ever unsure about the signing rules for a store, just call in advance! Most are happy to let you know if there’s a limit on books to bring or if it’s required to buy a book.
Thank you so much for this! It really helps clarify a lot of things. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Nicole! 🙂
[…] year, I investigated book signing ediquitte and received a couple of helpful comments. Last year’s post applies to an event where […]