How to get an Autograph

An autograph is a handwritten name, but how do you get your book signed. Here are a few ideas about how you get get your book signed by the writer. Read on.

Mario Vargas Llosa signing his books

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:

• Usually, the easiest way to get an autograph is at a book signing, but that’s not always possible.
• First, find out if the author has a Web site, and see if he/she will be at any public signings and/or events.

Allen Ginsberg 

• If you can’t approach the author at a public event, approach the publisher.
• The publisher’s Web site usually lists a contact person (the publicist’s e-mail and/or phone number).

Kirk Douglas' signature

• Send a professional query to the publicist, requesting the publisher’s procedures on contacting the author.

Depending on the publisher, the procedure for submitting an autograph request may already be on the Web site.

The autograph of Jack Kerouac

As you can imagine, authors are likely to receive masses of mail (and e-mail), particularly if the author is popular. I’ve always found the publicists very helpful in getting my questions answered, etc.