Autographed Copies Poll
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 08:08 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rolanniAs 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]
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]
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no subject
Date: 2011-11-10 06:22 am (UTC)I think (hope?) this idea is a nonstarter for Baen. I don't think it will help sell books. In fact, it may discourage some sales. The truth is that I am unlikely to pay more for a signed book unless I know the author or have a reason to specifically provide financial support to the author. But I rarely buy hardcover books. Only special books get that much money out of me and, unfortunately adding this much to a hardcover price, probably means I won't be getting the signed version. Yes, if you are paid a percentage of sales revenue, you will get more, but Baen will still realize a lot more than you do. I know the publishing industry is in trouble, but this seems like it will hasten the demise of print books, not increase sales.