Over the past month, I’ve received emails from two newly-published authors who have upcoming book signing events. They both wanted to know, “Where should I sign the book?”
By far the most common place to sign a book is on the title page. Occasionally the half-title is signed, and some authors do sign on the front free endpaper (that’s the blank page opposite the inside front cover).
For what it’s worth, I’ve found when shopping at used bookstores, that author signatures inside the front cover or on the endpaper tend to get missed by those pricing the book. Over my bookselling career, I’ve found many books signed in one of those places which were not priced, or noted by the seller, as having been signed. This is because it’s a less commonly signed area of the book.
But really there’s no right or wrong way to do it. (Ken Kesey used to sign a book just about anywhere – the dustjacket, the cover…it was all fair game. This is why I always look carefully at Kesey books when I’m out looking for books…) Though the standard place to sign is the title page, really it comes down to your personal preference. From a book collector’s perspective, the only thing that matters is if the book is signed or not, rather than where it’s signed.
If you’re signing an anthology, you have several options. You can sign the title page, or the page your work appears on. I’ve also seen authors sign next to their name in the table of contents. Editors most often sign on the title page.
Please use blue or black ink; colored inks are rarely used. It’s probably best to use a ballpoint, or good quality rollerball or gel pen which will not blot or bleed through the paper.
For information about different types of author signatures (inscriptions, association copies, etc.), on our Author Signatures page.
If you’re not an author, but a gift-giver wondering where (or if!) to sign a book you’ll present to someone else, please see our article about On Signing Gift Books.
Denise Enck
Denise is Empty Mirror's founder and editor. She's edited several other literary magazines and small-press publications since the 1990s. When not at Empty Mirror, you can probably find her reading or writing -- or out exploring the back roads and beaches of Washington State.
FAQs
By far the most common place to sign a book is on the title page. Occasionally the half-title is signed, and some authors do sign on the front free endpaper (that's the blank page opposite the inside front cover).
Where is the proper place to autograph a book? ›
Sign your book on the title page or the blank page opposite the title. These are the most common places for an author to sign a book. A less common place to sign is inside the front cover.
What is the proper page to sign a book? ›
The author writes a short handwritten signature or dedication on one of the first pages of the book. Usually, he leaves the signature on the title page of the inner part of the book. Authors usually sign their works after a Author Reading or at special book signings.
Where do you sign the inside of a book? ›
Front inside cover or the opposite page. The author's foreword section is the best place to sign. You can use any pen to sign with what you feel comfortable, no hard rule for this. Gel pen on title page, get some nice fat ones with some foam padding, if you have lots to sign.
Where should you inscribe a book? ›
In either case, it makes sense to inscribe a book within its first few pages: that's where the recipient will spot it most quickly, and where your message will be best appreciated separate from the book's text.
How do you inscribe a book as a gift? ›
Perhaps write why you're giving them this book and what it means to you. Another idea: add a quote directly in the book that you feel will resonate with them. Make it as lighthearted or as personal and deep as you'd like—there's no “right” way to write a book message.
How much does an autograph increase the value of a book? ›
Signed trade editions are copies of the regular trade first edition signed by the author, with or without an inscription. These signed books will usually sell for at least twice as much as an unsigned copy, but the real determinant of price will be the value of the author's signature.
How many signatures should my book have? ›
Variables here include the thickness of the paper you're using and the number of sheets per signature. If you're rounding and backing, you'll want enough signatures to get a good round going, but if not that's less of a concern. Between 2 and 8 folded sheets per signature is common, depending on the size of the book.
What do you say at a book signing? ›
You can keep it simple and just sign your name, but a lot of authors include a little note. It can be as easy as “Enjoy the book!” or “Happy reading!” Or you might pick a memorable quote or phrase from the book.
How many sheets should a book signature be? ›
A book section (also called a signature) most commonly includes 1-3 sheets when built using thick paper and 4-8 sheets when made with thinner paper.
I recommend Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Markers. Other brands of permanent markers may work fine too, but I've only personally used Sharpies for signing photo books (and photo canvases for that matter). A permanent marker is important as you don't want it to smudge.
Do authors still sign books? ›
Major book publishing firms plan and fund book signing tours for their authors, which often cost many thousands of dollars. But if you self-publish, or publish with a small firm, you can still do book signings—just at a lower cost. You may need to spend some time or money to promote the event.
What is the correct way to write a book? ›
9-Step Guide on How to Start Writing a Book
- Decide What Your Book Will Be About. ...
- Research and Outline Your Book. ...
- Structure Your Novel. ...
- Use First- or Third-Person Point of View. ...
- Create a Memorable Main Character. ...
- Choose a Cozy Space to Write Your Book. ...
- Create and Follow a Good Writing Routine.
May the pages of this book be filled with joy, laughter, and countless wonderful memories. Wishing you many happy storytimes together." "To [Baby's Name], may each page of this book be a stepping stone to a lifetime of learning, imagination, and adventure. Welcome to the world little one!"
Should you write on the first page of a book? ›
The best advice I've ever heard in regards to writing the first page of a novel is that you should, counter to all instincts, never try to write it first. The reasons behind this advice make sense. The first page has to do a lot of work.
What is the title page of a book? ›
A title page is the page inside a print or eBook that includes the full title of the book and usually the author and publisher.
How long should a book signing be? ›
If you have a massive following, your book signing can be up to 3 hours. If not, then 2 hours maximum should be enough time to read your excerpt, do a Q&A, and sign books.
Why are pages called signatures? ›
Signatures were first printed on books not for the readers but for people whose work was folding them. Books indeed were not printed leaf by leaf but on large sheets of paper containing a number of pages on each side, in a second moment these pages were folded up to make groups of leaves.
