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

[badgermirlacca.livejournal.com]

If it's just a matter of a signature in a book, then no, I don't think it's reasonable to ask for more money--not unless you're also going to start charging fans for signing books, period, and if you do that, I suspect both your signings and your fandom will suffer.

Why should I pay more for a signed copy of a book when I can get an unsigned copy and then go to a signing and not only get the signature but "meet" the author (okay, at least SEE the author signing the book) as well? Makes no sense to me.