"God punishes us for what we cannot imagine." - Stephen King, Duma Key
From her FAQ:
Is my signed book authentic?
Due to the very high demand for signed books by J.K. Rowling, these are now limited to selected charities and special circumstances. Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people out there, who are only too ready to step into the breach and exploit Harry Potter fans, so we would like to add a note of caution.
As there has been an unfortunate increase in the number of forged signatures over the last few years, books genuinely signed by J.K. Rowling since the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in 2007, including her new novel The Casual Vacancy, now carry a hologram of authenticity.
Any other item claiming authenticity, such as certificates, accompanying a signed book is not genuine or valid.
I thought that as well so I sent an email to mulholland books. We'll see if I get a response.
Publisher Authorized Author Signed Editions are common. Publishers produce signed editions by binding in an additional end sheet into a book that the author has signed. This extra end sheet will not be in the trade edition. In this title's case, a special 'signed edition' ISBN was created by the publisher to denote that this is an authentic signed edition, no hologram was added. The bound signature page, bound copyright page and stated 'signed edition' ISBN should serve as provenance. This title came in stock & was listed on Ebay October 19th (with pictures), the day prior to the October 20th release date. If you are concerned that a seller with 100% positive feedback could/would bind pages into a book, fake a signature, create an ISBN etc, all within 1 singe day and to have it pictured/listed on Ebay & shipping now, then there is no need to email me or to purchase this book. This is a very popular listing, many are very pleased that this signed edition was published, do not over think it just because its J.K. Rowling. I do apologize for the need to post this message. Thank You!
Wow - they really try to sell it as signed - and make it sound impossible that it was a forgery.
This was the description for those books.
The other problem I have with that listing is none of the pictures showed the back of the book - to see the isbn. The copyright page does show that there is a signed edition amongst the 4 different isbn. If you wanted to be authentic just show that picture too and you could be certain, plus no picture or mention of hologram.
A little odd since that seller sells a ton of s/l - from sub press, cd, etc.
People can buy whatever they want and be happy with it. I have one signed Rowling book with the hologram. Not a chance I would by a signed book by her without one. Can't imagine she would do one of those tipped in signed books. Just doesn't seem like her style. I guess only the publisher can tell us for sure.
Here's the reply from the eBay seller:
Dear cit1974,
These are the tipped-in Publisher copies. I work with publishers & distributors and spend a lot of time searching for up coming releases.
There was no hologram issued, which has thoroughly confused a lot of people.
I had a several people email me and accuse me of selling fakes. Now, how can I bind an extra page for the signature and also bind a copyright page that acknowledges that there is a signed edition with an ISBN in the 1st day of release and ship?
A few contacted the publisher & it was confirmed that no hologram was issued. Then they were buyers.
A lot of emails on this one, busy...bussy.
Best, Mike
I sent an email directly to the publisher so I'll see what they say. I'll try and call tomorrow.
I do hope it is real for those who buy. All just seems a little strange. You'd think that other places would have some for sale.
I got one just in case. If it's fake I'll return for full refund.
The seller is at risk of 25 negative feedback...
Since there is an ISBN for a signed edition it is most likely legit. Just odd nobody else is selling any right now
I think it's quite odd as well.
Did someone received official response from the publisher ?
I see the ISBN listed as a signed edition. Just odd that she would release these signed copies without the hologram. That goes against having it in the first place.
the copyright page looks similar to the one in my copy of the goldfinch - that B&N had last year. That signed edition does list a separate ISBN which matches the one on the DJ - for signed edition. I imagine that only the signed edition has the notation on the copyright page - otherwise how would you tell the difference/forgery? In that case maybe that copyright page would serve as the proof. I had called a local indie shop to see if they had any copies - they did not - and he said that the signed edition ISBN is NOT printed on the copyright page of the books in their shop
i am through searching - its been fruitless and I head back to work tomorrow. i will just wait for my copy to arrive and see if anyone else unearths anything or gets a reply from publisher. btw Mike still has copies on his amazon/alibris/ and website - at a slightly higher price than on eBay - but still there.
I'm done too. I'm not even a JK collector, so none of this really matters to me at all :-)
does it list a signed isbn in a regular gold finch printing?