Policy Statement: Autographed Books

[rolanni]

I really didn't think I need to publish a policy statement for this, but I'm told that "most authors don't mind" the behavior discussed below.  As it turns out, I very much mind this behavior, so!

Discussion

Sharon Lee and Steve Miller are delighted to meet and chat with their readers at conventions, readings, and similar events, and to sign their books, as time and the constraints of the event permit.  We are committed to being accessible to our readers.  We really like you guys, right?

However.  When we retire to the Cat Farm and Confusion Factory, we are on, as the union used to have it, Our Own Time.  We willingly engage with our readers via a number of online outlets, we publish contact email addresses so that readers may ask questions, and a Post Office Box address for folks who prefer paper.

We do not publish our home address as a contact.  The internet being the internet, I'm sure it's there to be found. What folks from cities don't quite seem to grasp, though, is that we live in the country.  Mail that doesn't fit into our mailbox is simply left on top of it, open to the weather.  As we also live in Maine, that weather can sometimes be quite challenging.  Not to say, wet.  Sending anything to the home address is really just putting whatever it is to additional, unnecessary risk.

Everybody comfortable with the above?

OK, now we get to the:

Policy Statement

Sharon Lee and Steve Miller do not, as a policy, encourage anyone to send books through the mail for us to sign.  In point of fact, we don't want anyone to send books through the mail for us to sign.  I'm being as clear as possible, here.

If, despite the above statement, you feel that you must make the attempt, the proper protocol is:

1.  Write to either Steve or myself at one of our widely available email addresses, on Facebook, at Live Journal, or mail a paper letter to the PO Box address, asking if it's all right for you to send X number of books for signature.

1a.  We will most likely say "no," but we will answer a civil inquiry.  Do not assume that we will say "yes," and mail the books before you receive our answer.  This will only cork us -- well, me; Steve's a lot more even-tempered than I am -- off.

2.  If, against all odds, we agree to receive your books, and sign them, please send them properly packaged for travel, and include with them a stamped, self-addressed envelope of a size and kind that will easily and safely accommodate  your books for the return journey.

3.  Unless we've discussed this with you in depth, do not send anything to our home.  Not even a surprise.  Especially a surprise.  Just. . .don't.  It's creepy.

Thank you for your attention to the above.

For those looking for signed editions:  Signed editions of our books are often available through Uncle Hugo's Bookstore.  If Uncle doesn't have a signed copy in stock, you may contact our local bookstore, Childrens Book Cellar.  We have an arrangement with Ellen where we will stop by and sign books for which the customer has requested a signature.

Comments

[groblek.livejournal.com]

That seems quite reasonable to me. I admit that I don't know very many authors, but from the sample I do have, I think that most authors do in fact mind that sort of behavior.

[gilraen2.livejournal.com]

Sorry about the Lake Champlain chocolate truffles. I didn't understand. I won't send any more.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

As I recall it, you sent an email asking for the best address to send to. So you stand on the common sense side of the matter. Which is where I honestly think most people are.

The package that arrived today arrived just...arrived. Rude and creepy.

sending stuff

[suesponies.livejournal.com]

Uuummm, this may be a good time to let you know to expect a small package from me :)
....However, it will go to your PO box address, the one you specifically gave out for gifts of soap. See, I *can* follow directions. So sorry about the people who cannot.

Re: sending stuff

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[bercilakslady.livejournal.com]

I just want to thank you for being as accessible to your fans as you are. I'm sorry to hear about the creepiness.

PRIVACY AT HOME

[margotinez.livejournal.com]

Good for you. You already share a great deal of your life with us, such as this Live Journal blog. Thank you for giving us whatever glimpses you choose. And yes, you richly deserve Your Own Time.

a further thought

[margotinez.livejournal.com]

After reading the earlier comments, I now wonder if perhaps some clod got caught up in the "signed Book" kerfuffle, or perhaps looked at that as an opportunity to make a little money by going "direct to the source"? In any case, not good.

[lwe.livejournal.com]

I don't mind if people send me books to sign, on two conditions: They ask first, and they include return postage. But my mailbox is on a nice dry porch, not out in the weather.

Really, it seems obvious to me that this is an "ask first" situation, and I'm surprised not everyone gets that.

[lwe.livejournal.com]

Oh, and there's no timetable on these things -- if it takes weeks or months to get around to mailing the books back, that's just tough.

"most authors don't mind"

[bookmobiler.livejournal.com]

That's a variation on the childish "But Brian's Mommy says it's OK."
Any mother will tell you it's usually not true.
When it is true neither the referenced child or the parent should be considered suitable companions.

[estara.livejournal.com]

Okay, that is creepy - no surprises, I agree.

Can I send you a Smashwords no-surprise ebook you might enjoy? I've discovered a new author I love, doing sf/fantasy with and without the flavour of YA and her newest is just so fun (a ya apocalypse without dystopia, with common sense) that I want writers who I particularly enjoy to maybe enjoy her, too. I already successfully enticed Sherwood Smith (who by now has read four books by Andrea Höst).

I was thinking of sending you an ebook to the e-mail of yours that I sent your own Fictionwise ebooks to.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Thank you; I'm always looking for good stuff to read. Be aware, though, that with the to-do list in its current state, my reading time is rather limited.

[estara.livejournal.com]

Sure! It's supposed to be something fun to relax and go somewhere else in your mind when you need a break, not a chore to please a reader of yours.
Sartorias said she devoured it (http://sartorias.livejournal.com/539310.html) - so if it worked for you it might really take your mind off the annoying stuff for a bit and that would be my aim here.

ETA: sent :-)