An Author on one of the social media outlets posed a question to fellow Authors. Would you fulfill a request from a fan to personally inscribe and sign a book. The fan would pay extra for the request and shipping.
A tremendous out pour from fellow authors ensued. Mainly agreeing that they would in fact personally inscribe, sign and ship out the book. Most wouldn't charge extra for the inscribing but would charge the shipping, rightly so.
I watched the exchange... as a reader... as a fan.
Now granted, in my life I only had one book signed and it was from Hill Harper and the book was for my son who at the time was a teenager.
I love to read and I love the interaction with authors but I haven't really adapted to the fan level of signed books, pics, etc. Just write so I can purchase the book and read. I think it's great that fans are there for authors. It is the push they may need to continue putting pen to hand. It is the recognition deserved for material that takes a person out of the norm and into another world if but for a spell. It is the very way to get the word out on a great read. It's free advertisement (let that sink in for a moment).
Having said that... As a reader... I have an answer...
Yes! Send the request! Charge the shipping. Use the best ink. Write something short but wonderful. That fan will tell others. They are not just a fan, they are YOUR customer! Do you not understand the customer creed applies to you as well?
Now granted you wouldn't want strangers knowing where you live, get a PO Box. You wouldn't want to encourage any out of norm requests. This question was basic and so is my response.
We are not just 'fans' we are the ones that read your work, brag of it, re-read it and tell others. We re-purchase for another. We connect with you via social media and see what your writers mind is up to. We appreciate you. Some of us review you, blog or share on other social media platforms.
It would be so much more beneficial for all to not lose sight of that.
A tremendous out pour from fellow authors ensued. Mainly agreeing that they would in fact personally inscribe, sign and ship out the book. Most wouldn't charge extra for the inscribing but would charge the shipping, rightly so.
I watched the exchange... as a reader... as a fan.
Now granted, in my life I only had one book signed and it was from Hill Harper and the book was for my son who at the time was a teenager.
I love to read and I love the interaction with authors but I haven't really adapted to the fan level of signed books, pics, etc. Just write so I can purchase the book and read. I think it's great that fans are there for authors. It is the push they may need to continue putting pen to hand. It is the recognition deserved for material that takes a person out of the norm and into another world if but for a spell. It is the very way to get the word out on a great read. It's free advertisement (let that sink in for a moment).
Having said that... As a reader... I have an answer...
Yes! Send the request! Charge the shipping. Use the best ink. Write something short but wonderful. That fan will tell others. They are not just a fan, they are YOUR customer! Do you not understand the customer creed applies to you as well?
Now granted you wouldn't want strangers knowing where you live, get a PO Box. You wouldn't want to encourage any out of norm requests. This question was basic and so is my response.
We are not just 'fans' we are the ones that read your work, brag of it, re-read it and tell others. We re-purchase for another. We connect with you via social media and see what your writers mind is up to. We appreciate you. Some of us review you, blog or share on other social media platforms.
It would be so much more beneficial for all to not lose sight of that.
