An autograph with a personalized message from the author can turn a favorite book into a prized possession with special meaning.Signing a book as a gift with a note adds a personal touch to the gift and is a great way to commemorate a special occasion.Take care with your autograph and message as your signature will last as long as the book.
Step 1: You can come up with a legible author's signature.
If your signature is not legible or interesting, you should get a new one.You want people to be able to tell who signed the book.Your first and last names should be included in your signature.To find a style you like, look at some examples of calligraphy online or in a book of fonts.
Step 2: If you can do it without thinking, then practice your new signature.
You should be able to sign with your new signature quickly and consistently.Once you have the capital letters down, practice signing the whole signature over and over again.When it comes time to sign multiple books, you can do it quickly if you practice your signature.You can practice on a blank notepad.
Step 3: Blue or black ink is good for writing.
When you inevitably run out of ink, buy a few pens for when you are comfortable using them.A calligraphy pen or fine-tipped felt pen is a good option for book signing, but it is up to you.Make sure the ink on your pen dries quickly so that it doesn't smudge on the page of the book.
Step 4: There is a blank page opposite the title that you can sign your book on.
The most common places for an author to sign a book.The front cover is a less common place to sign.Where you sign the book is up to you.The only thing that matters is that the book is signed, not where the signature is located.
Step 5: You can use information you get from readers to write a message.
Double-check the spelling if you start with asking their name.If you have time to chat, you can give them more information such as what they liked about your book or who their favorite character was.Ask the reader if they want you to sign the book for them or someone else in case they give it as a gift.If you learned a reader is going into 7th grade next year, add a message wishing them luck and encourage them to keep reading.
Step 6: The book signing date and information should be included with your message.
Another way to personalize your autograph is to write that you enjoyed meeting the reader at the book signing and write the name of the event or location along with the date.The reader will always remember the moment when they open your book.The more personal your message is, the more special your book will be.
Step 7: To use a signature phrase, you have to create at least one.
If you don't have enough information to personalize a message, it's good to have something ready to go.You can still make your signature unique.You can say different things with your message such as "best wishes", "much appreciation" and "all the best".Having these phrases ready to go will help you save time if you ever do a large book signing event.
Step 8: Don't sign a book that is a first edition.
Unless you are associated with the production of the book, you shouldn't sign anything that may be valuable one day, as this will detract from the value.You could include a signed card with the book.If you are the author of the book, or someone closely associated such as an editor, feel free to sign it as this will increase the value and make your gift that much more special!If you don't know how to determine if a book is valuable, check the page with the publishing information to see what edition it is.First editions are the most valuable.One day, if the book is part of a special collection, it may be valuable.
Step 9: The front cover of the book has a blank page on it.
The blank piece of paper facing the title page is a common option.Make sure you have enough room for the amount you want to write.
Step 10: Your signature is needed to write a personal message.
You can personalize a message for the recipient if you think about the occasion of the gift.Personal thoughts and feelings should be included in your message.If you don't know what to write a personalized message for a baby shower or birthday, you can look online to see some examples.
Step 11: Write something on a piece of paper before you sign the book.
Make sure you practice your signature and message before you sign the book because you won't be able to change it easily.If you have to scratch something out because of a mistake when you sign the book, it won't be a pretty gift.
Step 12: You can use a good pen and sign the book with your message.
It is up to you whether to use a thin or thick pen, just be sure to choose something you are comfortable with and that will look nice.If you want to gift wrap the book, make sure the ink dries before you close it.A fine-tipped felt pen is a good option for book signing.An alternative to signing a book as a gift is to include an inscribed bookmark with it, that way they can use it and enjoy your message with future books they read!