Someday, I hope to walk into a book store and see my own books on the shelves. I hope to stop by the front desk and see if they’d like to have me sign their stock.
From what I understand, there’s no ID check. They just figure, only the author would want to sign their own books. This always made me wonder, what if they did ask for proof that I am who I say I am in order to have me sign my books?
Especially for authors writing under pen names, I’ve often wondered what authors should do. Should they carry a copy of one of their book contracts showing that they wrote and own the copyright to their books when they attend functions like these? I can’t think of any other proof off the top of my head.
I also do a lot of travel for the day job and when travelling internationally have been asked some detailed questions. (Perhaps I look to be a shady personality) So let’s consider a hypothetical conversation:
Passport official: Reason for visit?Me: BusinessNature of the business? I’m doing a book signing (squee!)You’re an author? YesWhere will this book signing occur? Are you publicized as one of the authors signing?Well, I am, under my pen name…
Seems far fetched, I know. However, I have had this level of detailed questioning occur for the day job in which the last two questions were – what office is your client site and are you registered with their office as an expected guest. I doubt the passport official followed up to check, but they did ask to see if I started getting nervous.
My passport is up for renewal and I still travel internationally for my day job as well as on vacation. Someday I’d love to travel for author-related stuff. Do I list my pen name under the section “Are you know by other names?”
I doubt it’ll ever be a hugely important thing, but it’s still an interesting point to consider.
Hi PJ,
Loved the cartoon.
The only way I could prove who I am is to log onto my blog – or perhaps show them some emails – as I’m actually a little older than the boy in the avatar photo that I use on the web. I’m not going to sweat this question for a while though – the situation you describe is entirely hypothetical at the moment.
This is really interesting. I would have thought there would have been some sort of ID check for Author’s signing books. Have to say I agree this will never be hugely importaint in the big picute but it sure should be a big thing for bookstores. When I grab a signed copy I want it to be legit or not signed at all. I like the comic strip.
I could totally take that guy. LOL
Don’t know about the “prove you’re not randomly defacing these books” thing, but on passport or job application where they ask if you’re known by another name, yes, that is where the pen names go. Not just “maiden name” or “previous married name” or “I changed my name in court to “Trout Fishing In America Johnson” (Don’t remember the family name, but one person honest to gosh did change his name to “Trout Fishing In America”)are what they’re looking for. Just like the Estevez/Sheen boys.
I recall Michael McIntyre mentioning in a sketch how it annoyed him when a guard asked him for ID. It was his show, his face was on the poster and he still got asked for ID.
I think that a lot of people don’t ask authors for ID as with a lot of them its more the case of opening the book, looking at the authors section et voila. A photo. LOL
Also didn’t a shop in Australia call the police when a guy was picking up books, signing them and putting them back. Turns out it was Stephen King.
That’s an interesting point, PJ. There are a lot of writers out there with pen names or alternate versions of their own name and it can be difficult when you try to travel. I’ve always used my middle name (Danielle), but on legal papers I have my full name. When Carlos booked us on a cruise he used “Danielle” instead of my legal first name and they almost wouldn’t let me go on the cruise. I also have some accounts under my middle name and others under my first name and if I give the wrong one first, they always ask for extra checks to make sure I’m not lying, and that it really is my name! I can only imagine when you’re using a pen name.
I remember once Kelley Armstrong tweeted that in order to cross the border for a book tour, she was asked to list her book’s titles to prove she was a writer. As if!
*runs to sign random names into random books…..* lol
**follows behind Tammy snapping pics like paparazzi to create a buzz**
LOL, love the little comic. That’s an interesting point about needing ID’s. Maybe the author photo in the back of the book is enough?
Julie