It: The 25th Anniversary Special Limited Edition - Collecting Discussion Thread

[Merlin1958]

Actually, Brad, we're all just regular people on this site with one exception: we are obsessed with collecting Stephen King to one degree or another.

John

Speak for yourself. Folks are always referring to me as "Special". LOL LOL LOL

[bdwyer19]

I need some advice here... I missed out on purchasing the S/L copy of IT back when it was available. Prices right now for a S/L copy are anywhere from $625-$900. It would be an awesome addition to my collection, but I'm not sure if I want to pay those prices. Do y'all think the prices might come down any, or is this looking like the second coming of The Stand S/L? I'd be happy with the Gift edition, but even happier with a traycased copy.

Thanks!!
-Brian

[jhanic]

My gut feel is that prices will probably stay in that range or even go up a little. The thing is that IT is one of the fan's favorites, so lots of people will be looking for copies. Also, it's a great production.

John

[Robert Fulman]

Any thoughts on how Betts was able to obtain 6 PC copies of the S/L? (I don't mean to imply anything other than my curiosity with that question.)

[Randall Flagg]

Any thoughts on how Betts was able to obtain 6 PC copies of the S/L? (I don't mean to imply anything other than my curiosity with that question.)

Betts is a bonafide bookseller and likely received a discount-just like Cemetery Dance would likely receive a discount from PS Publishing, Gauntlet, etc. Just my thoughts, and David would be the best to answer-if he chooses to do so.

[Lilja]

Here is a contest you might want to check out...
http://www.liljas-library.com/article.php?id=2875

Lilja

[Jimimck]

For anyone annoyed at themselves for missing out on the S/L IT, maybe you could consider an idea Merlin had a while back - get your Gift Edition remarqued. I know its not the same as a S/L, but it still makes the Gift edition just that more special....

[bdwyer19]

I do like my remarques! I agree that a remarqued gift edition would be a very good option.

[Brian James Freeman]

I can't speak on behalf of anyone else, but we don't ask what happens to the contributors' copies after they are shipped. I figure that's none of our business.

Brian

[Brian James Freeman]

Here is a contest you might want to check out...
http://www.liljas-library.com/article.php?id=2875

Lilja

I love that art from Glenn!

Brian

[wizardsrainbow]

Any thoughts on how Betts was able to obtain 6 PC copies of the S/L? (I don't mean to imply anything other than my curiosity with that question.)

Hi, I made some deals with contributors to this story for their personal copies. These individuals asked that I not share specifics of the transactions, but suffice it to say that I DID NOT receive any discounts on these PC copies...In fact, when I average it all out, my cost is north of $500 per book.

[Robert Fulman]

Very cool; thanks for the insight. I guess I imagined that contributors would want to hold on to these, but it makes sense that some don't have any interest in collecting books.

[Robert Fulman]

BTW, it appears that PS Publishing in the UK has 1 copy of the S/L at 395 pounds (about $600), if anyone is looking: http://www.pspublishing.co.uk/it-sig...ing-1184-p.asp

[Room 217 Caretaker]

Here is a contest you might want to check out...
http://www.liljas-library.com/article.php?id=2875

Lilja

I sent in my story last night

Mulleins

[Ben Mears]

I'm currently reading the limited edition of IT and had this thought: although a 25-year anniversary made for an obvious milestone it would have been kind of cool if this edition was released in 2012 which would have coincided with the 27-year cycle that IT was on in the book. Kind of inside but most of the people buying the limited would have understood.

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

although a 25-year anniversary made for an obvious milestone it would have been kind of cool if this edition was released in 2012 which would have coincided with the 27-year cycle that IT was on in the book.

You should have ordered the Lettered edition, it does not come out until 2012.

[georgiesarm]

I'm currently reading the limited edition of IT and had this thought: although a 25-year anniversary made for an obvious milestone it would have been kind of cool if this edition was released in 2012 which would have coincided with the 27-year cycle that IT was on in the book. Kind of inside but most of the people buying the limited would have understood.

Actually it was the perfect year, It returned after 26 years in 1984, and was presumably killed in 1985. 1985 + 26 = 2011

[Ben Mears]

I'm currently reading the limited edition of IT and had this thought: although a 25-year anniversary made for an obvious milestone it would have been kind of cool if this edition was released in 2012 which would have coincided with the 27-year cycle that IT was on in the book. Kind of inside but most of the people buying the limited would have understood.

Actually it was the perfect year, It returned after 26 years in 1984, and was presumably killed in 1985. 1985 + 26 = 2011

I get your drift although the cycle most frequently mentioned is 27 years. My point was more about the marketing of the book. For the hardcore fans that most lilkely make up the target audience it would have been more interesting to promote the book based on the return of IT, not the 25th anniversary of the publication date. Not a criticism, just an observation.

[DanHocker]

I'm currently reading the limited edition of IT and had this thought: although a 25-year anniversary made for an obvious milestone it would have been kind of cool if this edition was released in 2012 which would have coincided with the 27-year cycle that IT was on in the book. Kind of inside but most of the people buying the limited would have understood.

Actually it was the perfect year, It returned after 26 years in 1984, and was presumably killed in 1985. 1985 + 26 = 2011

I get your drift although the cycle most frequently mentioned is 27 years. My point was more about the marketing of the book. For the hardcore fans that most lilkely make up the target audience it would have been more interesting to promote the book based on the return of IT, not the 25th anniversary of the publication date. Not a criticism, just an observation.

I'd say typically only the higher end items (the stuff actually signed by King) are actually targeted to the more "hardcore" fans. The gift edition is more targeted at general fans, King fans, and the general populous. A lot of which probably wouldn't pick up on the cycle of IT. Just my personal opinion though. Generally speaking though these kinds of projects are proposed as "Anniversary" editions because it is a much easier thing to market to the masses. This helps to draw in the "Non-Collector" crowd. At least that's how I look at it.

[jhanic]

Dan, i agree. Having a 27th Anniversary item just doesn't have the same appeal as a 25th Anniversary one.

John

[Ben Mears]

I'm currently reading the limited edition of IT and had this thought: although a 25-year anniversary made for an obvious milestone it would have been kind of cool if this edition was released in 2012 which would have coincided with the 27-year cycle that IT was on in the book. Kind of inside but most of the people buying the limited would have understood.

Actually it was the perfect year, It returned after 26 years in 1984, and was presumably killed in 1985. 1985 + 26 = 2011

I get your drift although the cycle most frequently mentioned is 27 years. My point was more about the marketing of the book. For the hardcore fans that most lilkely make up the target audience it would have been more interesting to promote the book based on the return of IT, not the 25th anniversary of the publication date. Not a criticism, just an observation.

I'd say typically only the higher end items (the stuff actually signed by King) are actually targeted to the more "hardcore" fans. The gift edition is more targeted at general fans, King fans, and the general populous. A lot of which probably wouldn't pick up on the cycle of IT. Just my personal opinion though. Generally speaking though these kinds of projects are proposed as "Anniversary" editions because it is a much easier thing to market to the masses. This helps to draw in the "Non-Collector" crowd. At least that's how I look at it.

I can't disagree with your position. You would know better who is buying CD books although at $125 I'm not sure how many non-collectors would make the purchase. Someone would have to like the book a heck of a lot to spend that kind of money and if so they would be familiar enough with the story to get the reference. I understand an anniversary is an obvious hook and as much as I like the design of the book the one thing I don't like is the inclusion of "The 25th Anniverary Special Edition" on the dust jacket and cover. It reminds me of when I see "Special Collector's Edition" on book covers or other items and for me it diminishes the overall impact. The fact that the book was published 25 years ago or 5 years ago wouldn't make me more or less likely to purchase. IT is recognized as one of SK's most important works and as such didn't need an anniversary to warrant special edition status. That's why I thought the IT cycle made for a more interesting/entertaining angle. "IT is back again or 27 years ago 5 friends returned..." or whatever. Again, not a criticism, just a different (and minority!) perspective.

[DanHocker]

I'm currently reading the limited edition of IT and had this thought: although a 25-year anniversary made for an obvious milestone it would have been kind of cool if this edition was released in 2012 which would have coincided with the 27-year cycle that IT was on in the book. Kind of inside but most of the people buying the limited would have understood.

Actually it was the perfect year, It returned after 26 years in 1984, and was presumably killed in 1985. 1985 + 26 = 2011

I get your drift although the cycle most frequently mentioned is 27 years. My point was more about the marketing of the book. For the hardcore fans that most lilkely make up the target audience it would have been more interesting to promote the book based on the return of IT, not the 25th anniversary of the publication date. Not a criticism, just an observation.

I'd say typically only the higher end items (the stuff actually signed by King) are actually targeted to the more "hardcore" fans. The gift edition is more targeted at general fans, King fans, and the general populous. A lot of which probably wouldn't pick up on the cycle of IT. Just my personal opinion though. Generally speaking though these kinds of projects are proposed as "Anniversary" editions because it is a much easier thing to market to the masses. This helps to draw in the "Non-Collector" crowd. At least that's how I look at it.

I can't disagree with your position. You would know better who is buying CD books although at $125 I'm not sure how many non-collectors would make the purchase. Someone would have to like the book a heck of a lot to spend that kind of money and if so they would be familiar enough with the story to get the reference. I understand an anniversary is an obvious hook and as much as I like the design of the book the one thing I don't like is the inclusion of "The 25th Anniverary Special Edition" on the dust jacket and cover. It reminds me of when I see "Special Collector's Edition" on book covers or other items and for me it diminishes the overall impact. The fact that the book was published 25 years ago or 5 years ago wouldn't make me more or less likely to purchase. IT is recognized as one of SK's most important works and as such didn't need an anniversary to warrant special edition status. That's why I thought the IT cycle made for a more interesting/entertaining angle. "IT is back again or 27 years ago 5 friends returned..." or whatever. Again, not a criticism, just a different (and minority!) perspective.

I totally understand where you're coming from. Though you'd probably be surprised at the number of customers who purchased the gift edition, who have never purchased anything else from us before. Granted that doesn't mean they aren't collectors, just reduces the likely hood a fair bit.

[texgunslinger]

I'm a little behind the times on this, but I would like to chime in and note again how awesome this book turned out. I was rearranging my shelves this past weekend and actually spent some time looking at this book. It is really one of the highlights of the collection, one I would put up against my Stand S/L in terms of quality, aesthetics, and heft. Cheers to the team at CD for some great execution on this one. I can't wait to see the Lettered edition when it arrives, although I guess I will need to spend some time reinforcing my bookshelves in the meantime!

[Brian James Freeman]

As a marketing geek, I just want to chime in and say I'm loving the 25th vs 27th discussion for a lot of reasons... not the least of which is that I had this conversation with myself several times about a year ago when we found out the book was happening. Of course, the terms of publication were outside of our control, so it wasn't a conversation I had with anyone else, but still...

Brian

[Brian James Freeman]

I'm a little behind the times on this, but I would like to chime in and note again how awesome this book turned out. I was rearranging my shelves this past weekend and actually spent some time looking at this book. It is really one of the highlights of the collection, one I would put up against my Stand S/L in terms of quality, aesthetics, and heft. Cheers to the team at CD for some great execution on this one. I can't wait to see the Lettered edition when it arrives, although I guess I will need to spend some time reinforcing my bookshelves in the meantime!

Thank you!

Brian