Autographed Copies Poll

[rolanni]

As some of you may know (we didn't, until it was pointed out to us by an Alert Reader), Baen has decided to release two editions of some top-line 2012 books: A regular, unsigned copy at The Usual Price Point ($22 - $24); and a limited-to-1000-copy signed edition for $30. These editions would be released simultaneously and be available equally through all vendors, including Amazon.com and BN. This would effect books by David Weber, John Ringo, Larry Correia, and Lee-and-Miller.

I'm curious how readers might feel about the price difference between the signed and unsigned editions. When we were signing hardcover preorders for Meisha Merlin, back in the day, there was no extra charge for our signatures, so personally I'm rather. . .non-plussed by this new scheme. I do know that Very Special Editions -- such as slip-cased editions, or illustrated editions -- command higher prices, and rightly so, but it just seems. . .wrong to charge people for ink.

So! What do you think?


[Poll #1793777]

Comments

[sraun]

I picked "some other figure" - the real answer is 'it depends on the author'. For some authors, it's not worth anything. For others, it's worth quite a bit.

As for the publisher - this is a 'what will the market pay for?' situation. If this keeps my favorite authors books being published, go for it! I am assuming the author gets a little bit for the signed book, since - as I understand it - the author gets a percentage of cover. And that's another bit of incentive - the authors I want to support potentially get more money. Maybe not much, but every bit counts.