So here we go…

(No wind up here. Just the pitch!)

Since we have been on the topic of signatures, let’s talk signature vs. inscription.

John – Thanks for being a fan! ~ Favorite Author Name

That, my reading fiends, is an inscription.

So which is more valuable, usually? Just the signature or the inscription?

Think for just a second as to why an inscription would or wouldn’t be valuable outside the signature.

Does it enhance the signature?

Or doesn’t it?

OK, try this on for size…

Nora ~ Can you believe how famous we are? Random people write about us in their blogs on a regular basis. Isn’t that crazy? Your book The Search inspired me to write this book and I am touched that you are also a fan of mine. Keep writing the good write! Yours in Fiction, Stephen King

Does this totally made-up yet completely likely and realistically written inscription (nope) from Stephen King to Nora Roberts add to the value of the signature? Or take away value?

Inscriptions as a whole are less valuable than a plain signature. Unless the inscription contains something unique on its own. Making it one of a kind in a special way.

This next inscription would probably kick the value of a book up for most dead or super famous writers.

Hi Mom – Miss you! Here’s my next book. Check the inscription. Pet Spot’s spotty scruff for me. Love, Super Famous Author

Also what can kick up an inscription in value is if there is something historically significant in the inscription. Or a historical date (though very few inscriptions are dated).

John – My heart goes out to you and Mary after the bombing last week. It doesn’t feel like Christmas anymore. Here is my latest book. I’ve decided to enlist, take a break from writing. I might be training on the island in a couple months, maybe can see you then. But if not, sending my love to you both. ~ Any author’s name

The author may be no one famous with their plain signature normally having no value. But the text dates the inscription and with the detail provided, and a little research on the history of the author, could unequivocally tie the signature to a significant historical event. And that is very collectible to history buffs.

So, the first inscription?

Nope, no added value, and the inscription will actually take away from the value of the signature in most instances.

The other examples?

The rare and specific is what often gives things value in the collectible world. Even giving the often avoided inscriptions greater value. Sometimes even surpassing the value of their brother-in-pages the signature.

So, if you ever come across this in a Bible, smushed between a sea of broken spines and cloudy cellophane covered library books in an older bookstore’s bargain bin, even if you are not a collector, you might want to snag this and invest in the time to sell it.

Jesus – Keep up the good work. I’m proud of you, son. All my love, God