The first author I met was Robert Crais. He was on his tour for Sunset Express and, at the time, I had read two of his books. I thought it would be cool to get the new one signed by the author. I ended up having so much fun that, soon I was going to author signings and events as often as I could. My book collection is now filled with piles of signed books and I've gotten to hear some great stories about the authors themselves.
A big benefit of going to book events is being introduced to new authors. I can tell you, if you don't go to a signing just because you haven't read that author's work, you're making a mistake. When I met Sparkle Hayter for the first time, I'd never read any of her books. I can’t remember why I went, but I’m really glad I did. I enjoyed listening to Sparkle and getting a sense of who she is. Her sense of humor is very evident and I found out a lot about her. Enough to make me want to read her books, which is the point I guess! Because she presented her self so well, she gained a new fan and now I don’t miss any of her books. This is also true of Minnette Walters, and Chuck Logan and numerous others. Going to signings for authors you are not familiar with is a great idea. And if all you buy is a paperback, they’ll still be happy you came. It’s a great opportunity to find out about new books first hand from the people who wrote them. Most authors, either consciously or unconsciously, put a bit of themselves into their work. It’s my feeling that, if you enjoy listening to an author speak, you will most likely enjoy what they write.
More reasons to go to signings? First, to support the author. The authors spend a lot of time alone in front of a computer and when they tour for brief periods of the year it is a chance for them to interact with fans and see what people think of their books. It’s a chance for us, as fans, to say thanks for writing. And believe me, authors appreciate hearing that. Second, it’s a chance to help support your local bookstore. A good turnout at events will help them to have more in the future. A publisher will definitely want to send authors to a store that has nice turnouts for the events.
There is a general etiquette at signings and a few things that have become common practice. It’s polite to buy something at the store where the event is held. Many times you’ll already have the book being promoted. That’s ok, because there are plenty of other books to choose from. And, if you really can’t afford to buy a book, at least thank the owner for the event. It can take a lot of wheeling and dealing to get these events set up.
At most events, it is all right to bring books from home to have signed. If this is something you want to do, it's a good idea to still buy something from the store. Again, this is a way of thanking the store for hosting the event. On occasion, an author may limit how many other books they will sign. Not often, but every now and again. You can usually call ahead and find out from the people who run the store. When I went to see Clive Barker, the number of books that could be brought from home to be signed was limited to two. When I saw the amount of people who showed up, I understood why. Mr.Barker has written a lot of books, and if every one of the two hundred plus people had brought their whole collection... well, Clive would have been signing books for days. And that is not an exaggeration. I know that Lawrence Block limits books brought from home to three for every new book you buy. Here again, Block has written over fifty books, and it would take forever for him to sign them all. But, for the most part, most authors are only too happy to sign what ever you bring in.
Getting signatures at conventions is a little different. There are actual signing times set up for all the authors. So, while most of the authors are fine with being approached and asked to sign books, not all will. And here again, it’s a matter of being polite. If you approach an author and they say “not right now” or something along those lines, don't take offense. They’re there to have fun too! Of course I’ve also heard authors say, “You took the time to buy it, the least I can do is sign it.” Basically, if you have a book or two to get signed, go for it. Just don’t take it personally if the author asks you to wait till another time.
Brodarting it up… As a reader, going to author events is the best way to get insight into the books you already love and to meet new authors you’ll want to read. It gives authors a chance to feedback from readers and this is your chance! So, check your paper, call your local bookstore and check the Internet. Most authors have tour dates on their websites or their publishers website.
Get out there and let the authors know you love their books!!!!!
Jon