Signed Books For Whoever Wants ‘Em
Followers of the blog know I’ve had a couple go-arounds with grifters selling books with forged signatures in them at mark-up prices. I loathe the idea that people who want signed books are at risk of being taken advantage of by online con men. As far as that goes, I don’t think folks should have to overpay for a genuine signature, either. I love the Sub Press and PS Publishing editions of my stories, and I think they give value for the price, by producing remarkable books: great paper, great covers, bonus material, etc. The signature in the front of these books is, I think, the least interesting and least valuable thing about them.
With that in mind, I had an idea I wanted to throw out there. I’m doing a signing at Water Street Books in Exeter on October 1st. They’ll have HEART-SHAPED BOX in soft and hardcover, 20TH CENTURY GHOSTS in soft and hardcover, and LOCKE & KEY in hardcover. If you’d like a signed book, call them between now and October 2nd, and place an advance order. You’ll only have to pay cover price, plus shipping and handling. And you’ll know it’s the real deal.
Just two rules. They’ll only ship three books per household. And I don’t know how many people will call in, but if they get a really, really ridiculous number of orders, at some point, I’ll have to say that’s it.
So if this is something that interests you – if you want to nail down a signed book or three, and you can’t make it to one of my fall appearances – give Water Street Books a call and they’ll help you out. I’m glad to personalize – just say who you want it for. Here’s Water Street’s info:
Water Street Books
125 Water Street
Exeter, NH
603 778-9731



September 18th, 2008 at 9:02 am
So, can I still come to the store with books to get signed? I am confuzzeled.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Yes, I’m also signing in store on October 1st.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:13 am
ok, thanks, Joe
September 18th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Great idea.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I have been looking for a reason to order Locke & Key. This will work. Thanks, Joe.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:33 am
THANKS a bunch! That’s mighty awesome of you. I think I may just pre-order that hard cover Locke & Key through them. I feel like I am sticking it to those people selling fakes…thanks. You are a good guy.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I want to say a HUGE thanks!
I live in Ohio, and I know I’ll probably never get to one of your signings, so this is a huge treat that I was able to order some signed books that I know are real. Who Hoo!!
September 18th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
This is great! I already have L&K on order but I can give that copy to my daughter who has been wanting to read it. If I can get a signed copy of L&K that will make my third authentically signed Joe Hill book. Thanks for the info Joe!
And TG is right: You ARE a good guy!
September 18th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I’ll one-up that and say you are a super-duper guy
September 18th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Im in…..Thanks Joe…This is so cool…
September 18th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
and since its on OCT 1st….that will be Mary and I first couple of books( had to get HSB in hardcover again and of course L&K) signed for us as a married couple…cant beat that.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:32 am
Its cool to equate a personality to a face..you know what I mean..What interested mary in your work was your personality and kindness at LA book festival..but its the stories that is keeping mary and I coming back for more….and for that SIR..i thank you..a Signature in a book is the desert to a great meal.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:23 am
This is a really cool idea. I called Water Street Books last night to pre-order Lock and Key, and it was painless (five minutes on the phone and seven dollars to ship).
Thanks for signing the book!
September 19th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Thanks Joe! You’re an awesome guy. I’ve got my copy of Locke and Key ordered, can’t wait to read it!
September 19th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
This is a wicked cool thing for you to do. I appreciate it. Got a HSB and L&K coming my way. Cheers.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Called mine in yesterday. Great idea. I have a hard time getting to signings seeing I am near Alaska!
September 20th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Joe, I live all the way across in Ireland, would the book store be willing to send it internationally?
If not, I would be willing to buy a copy and post it to you with return postage paid to get your signature on a hardcover off Locke and Key, which I think bar your dads Dark Tower comic, Locke and Key is the best on the market at the moment
September 21st, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Tony,
I can ask Water Street books – my guess is they probably would, as long as you’re paying the shipping. But you can ask them yourself… visit their website and send them an e-mail.
If I hear anything about international shipping, I’ll post.
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:05 am
Joe, thank you for looking into this for me!
Have read most of the comments on here relating to different subjects and have to agree with everyone who says you are a very decent guy
Many thanks
Tony
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:22 am
Okay, I’ve decided … I’m going. It’s a four-hour drive. That’s about $700 in gas. But hell, it’ll be worth it.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:33 am
LOL Come on over Rio! It’s will be fun!!
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Joe
Just to say phoned the store and they took my order, got the shipping worked out with them no problem. Many thanks again for the heads up about the book signing and I look forward to getting my personalized copy!
September 24th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Joe,
Like father, like son in the “Real Class” dept!! My hometown library has yet to carry your works. I’m hoping to order now.
Kudos to you and yours!
September 24th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Just got Locke & Key ordered!
Thanks, Joe : )
September 24th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Kim’s picks:
http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/column/index.cfm?columnID=10976
Nice mention of “Locke & Key.”
September 28th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Realy like Heart shaped box I´m begining to read it again.
Will you ever come to Sweden? Or can the bookstore send the books to Sweden?
September 29th, 2008 at 1:36 am
This is why I only purchased the PS Publishing, and Sub Press versions. I love the artwork BTW, Vincent Chong is amazing! Any plans on working with him in the future?
September 29th, 2008 at 8:51 am
[...] On a related note, two more days to order from Water Street Books and get a signed copy of LOCKE & KEY, 20TH CENTURY GHOSTS, and/or HEART-SHAPED BOX. All details here. [...]
October 1st, 2008 at 4:09 am
What a brilliant idea I thought, quick call to Water Street Books…..
then I found out that it would cost $40 to ship a book to Scotland…..so in these credit crunch times I had to say no thank you.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:50 am
Update: called Water Street back. After some discussion they said that they would try and find an alternative method of shipping to try and keep the costs down. Now thats what I call service. Happy Days!!
October 10th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Hi, Joe. Missed the recent signing, unfortunately.
Any new appearances planned. Would really like a few signed copies for my collection and as holiday gifts.
October 13th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Hello Mr. Hill:
I am a newcomer to your audience, I just picked up “Heart Shaped Box” and since I missed out on this great offer from you, I hope you consider doing it again sometime.
Thanks much!
February 1st, 2009 at 2:40 am
Is there still a chance to get any signed books from Water Street Books? I will certainly call, but since I just joined your little group here, I missed the offer.
Joe, you ARE one decent guy to work with your readers so they can get signed copies of your books. I’ve been collecting your dad’s (unsigned) books for awhile now, and I was ALMOST able to afford a signed copy of one of his lesser-in-demand books! I have managed to collect a couple signed copies of your books, but now GUNPOWDER and LOVECRAFT (or the Locke & Key issues) are out of reach…already in the hundreds of dollars. I hope someday to be able to attend one of your signings. I hope you get out here to California one day!
January 6th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Hi Joe,
I’m so glad to finally find this website. I loved HEART SHAPED BOX and am really looking forward to your latest book HORNS. I should be finished with UNDER THE DOME long before your book is released, and can’t wait to read it! Would you by any chance be signing copies of HORNS once released?
Warmest regards! Dee