Well poop. Thanks to Alyssa for ruining my day.From the RWA Literacy Autographing page:
We solicit your support and ask you to purchase books at the autographing rather than bringing copies you already own.Years past, you've been allowed to bring 5 of your own books to get signed. Prior to the signing, happy volunteers walk through the line of waiting romance fans and put a sticker on your book(s) so that the cashiers wouldn't charge you for it.
I understand why RWA is doing this. No, really - I do. You've got people who bring more than five books from home. Then you have to have volunteers go through the entire line - and if you've never been to one of these signings? Trust me, it's the mother of all lines. It's mammoth. I totally see that it's a big pain in the ass.
Still, it makes me sad. Last year I was able to get my lovely copy of Courting Miss Hattie signed by Pamela Morsi. I was also able to have Ruth Ryan Langan sign my ancient copy of Nevada Nights, the first historical romance she had published - way back in 1985. Also, the first romance novel I ever read. Period. And the first "grown-up" book I read over the course of one day.
I'll admit it. I'm a nostalgia whore.
It was a real treat to have both of those books signed, especially Nevada Nights since even the author hadn't seen a copy of it in years.
Oh well. I'll get over it. Still, it makes me sad.
9 comments:
Wendy,
Bring your copies anyway--just not to the signing. You're sure to run into authors either at their workshops, at luncheons, etc. Ask the author if you can meet them in the hall later on--I'm sure they won't have a problem with that. Keep them in your tote bag and you never know when you'll run into one. :)
Gulp. I am volunteering my services during this even.
Mammoth lines? Double gulp.
You'll just have to encounter the authors in other places, then. My friend Ann did it at RT (and wasn't the only one, either). It was actually a lot of fun because you got the authors at a moment in time that was a bit more unguarded.
My navy blues are turning very green with envy!
I remember bringing my 5 books. It sure didn't stop me from buying out the place, LOL! It's too bad.
I'm terrified to bring my books and try to chase down authors elsewhere... I don't want to be a stalker, LOL. It was always such a safe place for a freakishly shy person to get her books signed. Oh well... life goes on :)
Oh, and Katiebabs, yup - seriously mammoth lines.
What about taking bookplates for autographs? Not as nice as the actual book, but it would be something....
I'm not so sure about grabbing an author for an impromptu booksigning. If an author's on her way to give a workshop, or meet with her agent or editor, she might not welcome being waylaid. I'm not saying don't do it -- you might be making an author's day. Just be aware that if you're getting the deer-in-the-headlights look, or seem to be getting the brush-off, the author might have a schedule to keep.
Lori: Yeah, me too! When I do bring books from home to be signed, I like to concentrate on those out-of-print titles I have in my keeper stash. And yep, I still manage to drop major coin. But I "get" why RWA has said this. I really do. Saves them and their volunteers a lot of hassle.
Margaret: Totally agree! I would not be comfortable way-laying an author in the hallway or elevator for an autograph. Y'all have too much going on during the conference, and the last thing you need is some weirdo librarian shoving a book under your nose ;-)
Sorry. It kind of ruined my day, too. I like Michelle's idea. I'm planning to cart some books around (literally, since I'll have the cart with me) to the publisher signings. Not a lot . . . just a few. Really.
Major bummer. My plan was to bring some real choice oldies for signature. I've a bit of the nostalgia bug my own damn self. Good Lord I'm there's a long drive between me and the signing so I can come up with a plan of attack.
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