Fake Book Autographing
In the I Hope This Is A Joke category…
Some publisher has an ad at Craigslist looking for individuals to ghost sign newly released books. Yep, I said ghost sign. Uh, really? Is signing that hard?
For those of us who sell 10-12 books at a booksigning on a good day this seems odd. I’m sure actual bestsellers get a bit more tired at the signing than I do, but still. Why would this ever be necessary or appropriate?
Here’s my favorite part of the ad:
Requirements:
You must be able to demonstrate your ability to precisely copy the authors’ signatures. You will have to come to our signing location in West LA to show us your ability, and will be hired on the spot if you perform well.
Well, sure. It would be an outrage to get an autographed book where the autograph looked fake. Getting one that looks real, however, is just fine. Everyone knows that.
August 19th, 2008 at 11:57 am
That HAS to be a joke. Right? For once, I am at a loss for words.
August 19th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Sounds like someone is wanting to have fun on eBay. Get more money from a signed copy than a blank one.
August 19th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
The mind boggles, but I have this feeling they’re serious — maybe it’s for a celebrity autobiography or something.
August 19th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Do bookstores accept a bunch of signed books from an author if they aren’t sent by the publisher? Just seems like a crazy idea if the bookstores would either only do a live booksigning or require the publisher to send in the books. I guess they will sell some of the books for more money on ebay.
August 19th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I”m thinking it isn’t a publisher, but someone who is hoping to make a quick buck selling autographed copies of books. Sheesh.
August 19th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
That’s so shady. And
I don’t know what it says about me - but the first thing that comes to mind is that person is trying to find someone who can forge other things as well - like checks.
Ridiculous.
August 20th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Gees, hard to believe. Sounds not on the up and up to me.
August 20th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I’m guessing Margaret Atwood’s remote autograph machine was too expensive to rent.