Autographed Bookplates: Are We Famous Yet?

Pam Hillman Bookplate
(Actual plate wouldn't have a border)

by Pam Hillman

A few weeks ago the authors of The Homestead Brides Collection mailed bookplates round-robin style so that we could all sign them. The set is still making the rounds among the nine authors, but when we’re done, we’ll all have bookplates signed by all of us to either mail to someone or put in books at book signings.

I thought that was kind of cool, and I realized this is a topic that we hadn’t discussed in Seekerville. So here goes... :)

In its most basic form, autographed bookplates are labels signed by an author and mailed to readers when the reader owns a copy of the book, but distance prevents the author from signing the book for the reader face-to-face.

The Homestead Brides
bookplates making the rounds
to all nine authors.

Pros of Bookplates

Obviously, the nine authors in The Homestead Brides Collection are not all likely to ever be at a book signing together as a group. So, if you are part of a collection, having some bookplates signed by all the authors is a neat way to offer added value to your readers.

It's also a good idea to have your own personal bookplates on hand at book signings. When I asked the Seekers for examples or tips, Mary Connealy remembered being at a book signing with a man who ran out of books but offered signed bookplates to send home with his fans who didn’t get a copy of the book that day. Also, if someone forgets their book(s) at home, then a bookplate is the next best thing if they won't have the opportunity to see you again.

Julie Lessman's Daughters of Boston bookplate designed
for use with the four books in the series. Stunning!

Cons of Bookplates

I read one article where a reader spotted “signed by author” stickers in her local bookstore. Excited, she purchased the books and only discovered after she’d gotten home that the books weren’t actually signed but had bookplates in them. She was disappointed, and I can certainly understand why.

I’ll admit that I’m not one to write in books. I shudder when someone turns down the corner of a page. I go into convulsions when I see a book that’s been dropped in someone’s bath water (the ewww factor is only part of my revulsion).  So maybe I’m not the best advocate of signed bookplates. But I do like tastefully done bookplates (like Julie’s) and would very carefully adhere those to a beloved author’s book.

Julie Lessman's Personalized Bookplate
The Heart of San Francisco Series

I would caution to not ever adhere a signed bookplate to a book unless you are the owner of the book. That bookstore would have been much better served to offer the bookplates in conjunction with the books, but not actually stuck to the pages.

Along that line, VJ Books, a purveyor of signed bookplates, recommends, “A bookplate laid-in (simply placed, not using adhesive), enhancing the value of a collectible book, when a direct signature is either impractical or impossible. We do not recommend attaching these directly to a book. By gently laying them in the book you do not risk damage to a book, and should an opportunity arise where the book actually gets signed, the bookplate can be easily transferred to another title by the same author.”

Interestingly, the most expensive bookplate on VJ Books' site was one by Elmore Leonard (Justified) for $35.99. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a photo available of this prized bookplate.

Bookplate design by Pam Hillman
Suitable for Contemporary Romance or Women's Fiction

Types of bookplates

~ Bookplates can be very simple with just a small, elegant design in black and white, or very elaborate and in color.

~ They can be generic, or book/series specific like Julie's gorgeous examples.
~ Themed bookplates that match the author's style or genre could be fun and sometimes quirky.

~ Bookplates tend to be 3”x4” or 4” x 4”, but can be any size.

~ They can be on any color label with a border or with a faded edges so that it’s less noticeable where the bookplate ends and the book begins.

~ Even better, order or print bookplates on clear labels, and then the actual book page shows through.

Bookplate Design by Pam Hillman
Ideal for a Suspense Author :)

Should You or Shouldn’t You

I suppose having a large selection of bookplates isn’t really a big thing, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have some on hand if you plan to have a book signing. In addition, I've had people across the country ask how they can get a signed copy of one of my books, so a bookplate would be one option in that circumstance. Karen Kingsbury has a good example of how to offer signed books and/or bookplates to her fans.

So, what do you think? Do you like the idea of a bookplate? Would you stick one in a book, or simply put it between the pages? Or are they just not your cup of tea at all?

Bookplate Design by Pam Hillman
Simple, elegant, timeless design

The Homestead Brides: Promises of free land lured thousands to stake their claim to the vast American plains. They built make-do homes and put all they had into improving the land. Readers will enjoy nine adventures as God helps homesteaders find someone with whom to share the dream—the work—and the love.

To celebrate the release of The Homestead Brides Collection on February 1st, we’re giving away another copy TODAY! Let me know in the comments if you'd like to be in the drawing.

Also, since we’re talking bookplates, if you’d like a signed bookplate, go to www.pamhillman.com and send me a message along with your mailing address. Specify if you want one for The Homestead Brides Collection (signed by all the authors), or one for signed by me only. If you want it personalized, please specify that as well.