Frans de Waal signing a book before giving a lecture.

Book signing is the affixing of a signature to the title page or flyleaf of a book by its author. A book signing is an event, usually at a bookstore or library where an author sits and signs books for a period of time.

Book signing is popular because an author's signature increases the value of books for collectors. The author may add a short message to the reader, called a dedication, to each book, which may be personalized with the recipient's name upon request. A simple author's signature without a dedication is typically more valuable to collectors (exceptions include inscriptions to persons of note, e.g. from Hemingway to Fitzgerald, or to persons of significance in the author's life).

Most authors today spend a great deal of time signing their books, and sign many thousands of copies. James Ellroy is famous for signing every one of the 65,000 strong first run of My Dark Places.

Book signings provide more than a just a chance to get signatures. For authors and bookstores the obvious benefit is that many copies of the book being promoted are sold. Signings also increase public goodwill and allow authors to connect with their fans. For fans, signings give them a chance to see and meet a favorite author and ask them questions.

Sometimes the author will sign additional copies for future sale. Cynics point out an additional advantage for authors: once a book has been signed, it cannot be returned to the publisher for a refund.

[edit] See also

• Autograph

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Book signing

• Authorstrack.com Author Book Signings, Author Events, Author Lectures and More Author Book Signings, Author Events
• Celebrity book signing and events A comprehensive listing of all American book signings involving notable personalities.
• Author & Illustrator Signatures Author & Illustrator Signatures Examples
• FindBookSignings.com A large list of upcoming book signing events.