So authors always get these weird requests for signed book plates or cards, etc. By weird I mean something about them just doesn’t ring true. Like the person making the request has some SERIOUS medical condition and desperately needs 20 book plates signed–oh, and she/he just happens to send the same “I love your books” letter to multiple authors at the same time.
I had one of these sent to me. It wasn’t a medical type thing, but it just squealed weird. The person claimed to have read my book, but I could tell he hadn’t. It was a mass type of thing. I threw the card and return envelope in the trash, because I am a big believer if something gives you the heebie jeebies, you don’t owe the originator of the heebie jeebies an explanation. I didn’t ask him to seek me out.
Anyway, recently a couple of my friends received one of these requests. It always causes discussion. Is it a real request? Or is there something nefarious going on here? Refer back to my rule–if it doesn’t feel right–don’t do it.
And what might a person be doing with 20 signed book plates or cards? Selling them. The beauty of ebay. Now you will notice most of these plates are signed by big names–but there’s nothing like thinking ahead.
Lori
Oy. I think someone asking for twenty signed book plates would definitely throw off my suspision radar. Its a bit odd.
by Valeen August 22nd, 2006 at 12:41 pmBetter 20 signed book plates than sending you 20 books to sign. And sadly, I’m not kidding (no it wasn’t me).
by cece August 22nd, 2006 at 5:46 pmI don’t know, Cece, I don’t think I’d mind 20 books–if they were purchased new. Then at least you know you are getting a book sale out of it. And what trust that you’d send them back! That’s the wild part. And a bit ballsy, I have to say.
by Lori August 24th, 2006 at 8:40 amThey weren’t new and the owners had cats (if you catch my drift) :(
by Cece August 25th, 2006 at 9:29 am