Suntup Editions

[biomieg]

I agree. To be fair, the 'classic' lettered editions were never intended for sale so they didn't need to be different. But yeah, it is sort of strange to pay more for a lettered Cujo than for a numbered copy (same goes for Gunslinger and other limiteds from that era).

[Ari_Racing]

My two cents here:

I have my doubts regarding the extra contents of a lettered. More art, in my opinion, doesn't make a difference. TOP art makes a difference. As a matter of fact, somehow I started to grew tired of books with too many illustrations. There are books that I end up not even looking at all the illustrations. I'd preffer a lot less illustrations but from a top artist. And I have one example in mind: Robert McCammon's I Travel by Night/Last Train from Perdition. The books only have one extra plate, but these (and the covers) are from Michael Whelan. If the lettered edition would include two or three more plates from HIM, I'd really make an effort to buy it (and I'm not a lettered edition collector). We reached a point where there are just too many illustrations. Do buyers care about more? Or would it be the same if the book had 5 less illustrations? Last Tuesday I opened Cemetery Dance Salem's Lot's Artwork Porfolio, an item I LOVE. My amazement is bigger with each of David Pallumbo's pieces and I just skipped Glenn Chadbourne's ones, but then I saw one that I never saw before by accident when I was placing all again back in the folder. And do you know something? It was a really nice piece by Glenn Chadbourne. Why didn't I notice this piece before? Because I've seen so many illustrations by Glenn in the last ten-twelve years that I simply grew tired of his works and my brain just skips it. I really would love the publishers risk more when it comes to artists. Show something different! New artists! David Pallumbo is a great example: his pieces for Salem's Lot made the edition even MORE BEAUTIFUL!

I agree that the rest of the production values SHOULD make a difference, but in a balanced and smart way. What Paul imagined for Misery is one GREAT example. It's not only top materials: there's an original idea behind it, a syntony with the story (and it doesn't have to do with the story itself: The Regulators is not one of King's best novels (far from being one...), but the lettered edition (even the signed edition, in this case) has originality, harmony with the story, and is visually appealing to any book collector). But it has to have balance! If the edition has 50 different features all together without balance, harmony, well...most of those features will be lost.

As an alternative for the 26-52 copies, I'm not really sure about how much would a lettered book cost without King's signature, but I do know that, if the price is right, I'd definitively jump in for a lettered edition of Misery or The Regulators without King's signature. I know I'm probably the minority, but I also know I'm not the only one (after all, Dragonbound is not that far away from this idea). Maybe an unsigned lettered edition? Would that be something King won't complain (since he won't have to sign anything)? Would the 26-52 make a major difference in the collectors' point of view in unsigned editions?

[tippy4]

ARTIST EDITION SOLD OUT!

[TravelinJack]

Congrats Paul on selling out each edition!

[T-Dogz_AK47]

As an alternative for the 26-52 copies, I'm not really sure about how much would a lettered book cost without King's signature, but I do know that, if the price is right, I'd definitively jump in for a lettered edition of Misery or The Regulators without King's signature. I know I'm probably the minority, but I also know I'm not the only one (after all, Dragonbound is not that far away from this idea). Maybe an unsigned lettered edition? Would that be something King won't complain (since he won't have to sign anything)? Would the 26-52 make a major difference in the collectors' point of view in unsigned editions?

Having King's signature in a limited edition is not the driving force behind my collecting habits. For me, it's the book itself. A chance to own (and to enjoy reading) the most deluxe copy available of my most favourite books is what drives my collection.

As an example of this, I recently pre-ordered CD's Artist Lettered edition of The Stand. The fact that this edition is not signed by King, did not faze me. It's one of my favourite King books of all time, so having the chance to own a super deluxe copy of this with the extra production values attached to it, was a no brainer.

Would I purchase an unsigned Lettered edition of Misery if ever given the chance to do so? In a heartbeat and without any hesitation!!!

[Ari_Racing]

As an alternative for the 26-52 copies, I'm not really sure about how much would a lettered book cost without King's signature, but I do know that, if the price is right, I'd definitively jump in for a lettered edition of Misery or The Regulators without King's signature. I know I'm probably the minority, but I also know I'm not the only one (after all, Dragonbound is not that far away from this idea). Maybe an unsigned lettered edition? Would that be something King won't complain (since he won't have to sign anything)? Would the 26-52 make a major difference in the collectors' point of view in unsigned editions?

Having King's signature in a limited edition is not the driving force behind my collecting habits. For me, it's the book itself. A chance to own (and to enjoy reading) the most deluxe copy available of my most favourite books is what drives my collection.

As an example of this, I recently pre-ordered CD's Artist Lettered edition of The Stand. The fact that this edition is not signed by King, did not faze me. It's one of my favourite King books of all time, so having the chance to own a super deluxe copy of this with the extra production values attached to it, was a no brainer.

Would I purchase an unsigned Lettered edition of Misery if ever given the chance to do so? In a heartbeat and without any hesitation!!!

Then I'm glad I'm not the only one

[jcmanske]

Paul conducted a fantastic and candid interview of the publisher of Charnel House, Joe Stefko. Like Paul, Joe publishes limited editions books which are works of art such as King's Lettered "The Regulators." You can find the interview here: https://suntup.press/interviews/joe-stefko/

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

Paul conducted a fantastic and candid interview of the publisher of Charnel House, Joe Stefko. Like Paul, Joe publishes limited editions books which are works of art such as King's Lettered "The Regulators." You can find the interview here: https://suntup.press/interviews/joe-stefko/

It was an awesome interview

[lotuz]

As an alternative for the 26-52 copies, I'm not really sure about how much would a lettered book cost without King's signature, but I do know that, if the price is right, I'd definitively jump in for a lettered edition of Misery or The Regulators without King's signature. I know I'm probably the minority, but I also know I'm not the only one (after all, Dragonbound is not that far away from this idea). Maybe an unsigned lettered edition? Would that be something King won't complain (since he won't have to sign anything)? Would the 26-52 make a major difference in the collectors' point of view in unsigned editions?

Having King's signature in a limited edition is not the driving force behind my collecting habits. For me, it's the book itself. A chance to own (and to enjoy reading) the most deluxe copy available of my most favourite books is what drives my collection.

Would I purchase an unsigned Lettered edition of Misery if ever given the chance to do so? In a heartbeat and without any hesitation!!!

Then I'm glad I'm not the only one

I'll third this.

My issue with the 26/52 is very superficial: I just don't see the need to use letters as a designation if you're going to do more or less than 26 copies. Just use Roman Numerals or something. But clearly that's not what the market is into, so I should just get used to it.

I am firmly with T-Dogz - what I really enjoy is the composition of the book. The signature is nice, sure, but it's definitely not what drives my collecting. For example, Canterbury Classics reprints works that are in the public domain and their average price is $20-30. Cheap books. But they have done some really pretty ones! Their H.P. Lovecraft compilation is on a stand on my bookshelf because it's cool-looking and well put together. Granted, at $20/book they are not going to have some of the other luxuries of nice books, like paper with a great texture, or marbled endpapers.



On the other end of the spectrum are Paul's books. The Dragon Rebound books are a great example of the bookbinder's art. All of the parts are just perfect, and the sum of the whole is much greater than its constituents. In fact, it was hearing about Dragon Rebound that caused me to make a major shift in my collection. I decided last summer (after having initially missed the boat on DR) that I so greatly enjoyed having quality books, as opposed to having many books, that I decided to start selling a chunk of my collection and dedicating the proceeds to procuring a smaller number of excellently-produced books. I do not regret my decision! And the lack of a signature in the DR books is not important to me at all.

I think there is a great argument to be made for making more copies of the deluxe books so that more people can enjoy them! Is the value eroded with twice as many copies around? Probably. But I don't collect as an investment and I fully expect my family to get ripped off when they sell my books after I die (because I'm sure not selling them while I'm alive unless something catastrophic happens, or my tastes change significantly). I've been wanted a lettered Regulators forever, and I would happily purchase one without the signature page. And I wish there were more copies so that it would be easier to find one! And in this vein I also find it distasteful when a collector sucks up multiple copies of the same lettered edition from the market, but that's a different rant...

All of that said, I of course respect the wishes of the author and publisher. If an author will only agree to a limited edition of 26, so be it. If a publisher wants to make a truly spectacular, but scarce, edition, so be it. I am just along for the ride

[swintek]

Agree. More beautiful books for everyone- no limitation. I think it's a real shame that only 26 people- with enough disposable income- will get to put that amazing deluxe edition of MISERY (and, a bunch of other incredible books as well) in their collections. Even more of a shame that many of that select group will not even READ that beautiful book- the whole point! It'll be locked away in an air-tight, no-light-can-penetrate vault until that person dies. Just never made sense to me as a true bibliophile. I know- lots of folks feel differently. It's cool.

Here's a wild idea: Why not make 500 copies (or, whatever the market dictates via the usual pre-order, pre-pay current system) of a signed "deluxe" best-it-can-be edition at $300-$500 a pop. Then offer an unsigned "gift" edition that looks like a great "numbered", say 1,000 copies (or, again, whatever the pre-orders dictate) @ $125-$150 ea.? Too.. socialistic?

[TravelinJack]

Just a thought, not sure if these last handful of posts (all very good and interesting) should be in a separate thread about various collectible editions. It’s a great topic and that way it doesn’t detract from Suntup focused discussions?

[firemonkey66]

There are 5 artist editions of Misery still available for issue price at Camelot Books if anyone is looking for one.
https://camelotbooks.com/books/detail/misery

[lotuz]

Just a thought, not sure if these last handful of posts (all very good and interesting) should be in a separate thread about various collectible editions. It’s a great topic and that way it doesn’t detract from Suntup focused discussions?

You are probably right

Paul conducted a fantastic and candid interview of the publisher of Charnel House, Joe Stefko. Like Paul, Joe publishes limited editions books which are works of art such as King's Lettered "The Regulators." You can find the interview here: https://suntup.press/interviews/joe-stefko/

To bring this back into focus, this is a really great interview!

I'd like to hear about the circumstances around this. It's actually pretty amazing that two of the best limited edition book craftsmen came together in the first place. Of course everyone here has heard of or seen the lettered "The Regulators", but many of Joe's other books are amazing pieces of art as well. Fully three of his lettered editions are on my Holy Grail list!

I think he has set a pretty high bar, one that Paul looks to clear very early with Suntup Editions... The comparisons between "Misery" and "The Regulators" are very apt, and Ari's comment is spot-on:

I agree that the rest of the production values SHOULD make a difference, but in a balanced and smart way. What Paul imagined for Misery is one GREAT example. It's not only top materials: there's an original idea behind it, a syntony with the story (and it doesn't have to do with the story itself: The Regulators is not one of King's best novels (far from being one...), but the lettered edition (even the signed edition, in this case) has originality, harmony with the story, and is visually appealing to any book collector).

While I very much appreciate the limited editions from the other small publishers, the amount of creativity that these two bookmakers put into their productions is really astounding. I would have liked to be a fly on the wall during that conversation!!

I think that Charnel House is underappreciated precisely because he prices out many book collectors, especially with the lettered editions (and he is very clear that his mission is not to make affordable books). IMO Suntup Editions will probably make more of a splash because (a) the collecting fan base for Stephen King is much larger than for Dean Koontz or Tim Powers, and (b) Suntup Editions has an Artist's Edition that falls in the lower price bracket.

[MikeDuke]

Having King's signature in a limited edition is not the driving force behind my collecting habits. For me, it's the book itself. A chance to own (and to enjoy reading) the most deluxe copy available of my most favourite books is what drives my collection.

As an example of this, I recently pre-ordered CD's Artist Lettered edition of The Stand. The fact that this edition is not signed by King, did not faze me. It's one of my favourite King books of all time, so having the chance to own a super deluxe copy of this with the extra production values attached to it, was a no brainer.

Would I purchase an unsigned Lettered edition of Misery if ever given the chance to do so? In a heartbeat and without any hesitation!!!

Is there a link to that or are they already sold out.

[MikeDuke]

I would have bought the artist ed, but I already spent a lot on books this year, plus I have a big one (for me) coming soon, so I had stop at some point. Hopefully there will be enough for me to get
the next one. Just to follow up on some themes. I would not buy a S\L of King's work just because it has his name in it. I have to enjoy the book. That is number one or it has to look special.

[webstar1000]

I would have bought the artist ed, but I already spent a lot on books this year, plus I have a big one (for me) coming soon, so I had stop at some point. Hopefully there will be enough for me to get
the next one. Just to follow up on some themes. I would not buy a S\L of King's work just because it has his name in it. I have to enjoy the book. That is number one or it has to look special.

You didn't like Misery? It is easily one of my favs. Top 5 for sure

[MikeDuke]

I would have bought the artist ed, but I already spent a lot on books this year, plus I have a big one (for me) coming soon, so I had stop at some point. Hopefully there will be enough for me to get
the next one. Just to follow up on some themes. I would not buy a S\L of King's work just because it has his name in it. I have to enjoy the book. That is number one or it has to look special.

You didn't like Misery? It is easily one of my favs. Top 5 for sure

I did not mean that. Misery is one of my favorite books. So much more detailed than the movie. I just meant that I would not buy a book that maybe was just OK just because it was signed. I also meant that I did not have enough money to buy even buy the gift ed of Misery. If I did have the money, one would be sitting on my shelf right now. Probably one that I liked, but it's not every ones favorite was Gerald's Game. But I doubt there would ever be a S\L of that. If there was, I would buy that if I could. TBH, I haven't read EVERY King book he has written. I have a certain ones that I read that are favorites that I would get. Then there are others that I have not read, but from what I have heard are really good so I would probably get one of those in a S\L version if it came out. That's all I meant. sorry for the confusion.

[frik]

Having King's signature in a limited edition is not the driving force behind my collecting habits. For me, it's the book itself. A chance to own (and to enjoy reading) the most deluxe copy available of my most favourite books is what drives my collection.

As an example of this, I recently pre-ordered CD's Artist Lettered edition of The Stand. The fact that this edition is not signed by King, did not faze me. It's one of my favourite King books of all time, so having the chance to own a super deluxe copy of this with the extra production values attached to it, was a no brainer.

Would I purchase an unsigned Lettered edition of Misery if ever given the chance to do so? In a heartbeat and without any hesitation!!!

Is there a link to that or are they already sold out.

Not sold out yet, not even a general announcement yet, just offered to the CDCC members.
Stay tuned, an announcement will be coming.

Although....wait...I believe the lettered edition is sold out.
The others (gift and AE) not yet.

sk

[Br!an]

Having King's signature in a limited edition is not the driving force behind my collecting habits. For me, it's the book itself. A chance to own (and to enjoy reading) the most deluxe copy available of my most favourite books is what drives my collection.

As an example of this, I recently pre-ordered CD's Artist Lettered edition of The Stand. The fact that this edition is not signed by King, did not faze me. It's one of my favourite King books of all time, so having the chance to own a super deluxe copy of this with the extra production values attached to it, was a no brainer.

Would I purchase an unsigned Lettered edition of Misery if ever given the chance to do so? In a heartbeat and without any hesitation!!!

Is there a link to that or are they already sold out.

Not sold out yet, not even a general announcement yet, just offered to the CDCC members.
Stay tuned, an announcement will be coming.

Although....wait...I believe the lettered edition is sold out.
The others (gift and AE) not yet.

sk

It should not have been mentioned.

"You're receiving this email because you're a member of the Cemetery Dance Collectors Club 8. PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS INFORMATION OR LINK WITH ANYONE! DOING SO WILL AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO SEND THIS SORT OF ADVANCE NOTICE IN THE FUTURE."

[T-Dogz_AK47]

It was released to CDCC members... AND to those that had purchased the previous edition in a seperate pre order link.

That link closed a long time ago.

[Br!an]

And you were told not to mention it, or am I wrong?

[T-Dogz_AK47]

And you were told not to mention it, or am I wrong?

I think we both know that the pre-order window in question was held and closed over 2 months ago, and thus, my purchase was mentioned in passing whilst discussing a different topic. I did not provide details of a link or information about a current sale in my post, so this is not the transgression you are making it out to be.

Instead, you're making a meal out of a nothing burger and derailing this thread in the process.

[DoctorZaius]

I am pissed at myself over all this.

I had a lettered EOTD portfolio that I no longer needed. I had purchased a numbered one and a lettered one when they first went on sale at Suntup. When Paul was kind enough to later match my number to a newly purchased red numbered Philtrum Press edition of EOTD, I decided to let the lettered go. To be honest, I don't collect lettered editions - can't afford them long term. So, I reached out to a couple of dealers, and David ends up buying it for his own collection. I was glad to help a brother out! Then we both hear about the Misery edition, and how having the lettered EOTD will help secure the lettered Misery, I let Paul know that David has my copy. Low and behold David gets his rights to the lettered Misery - I want to emphasize, this is NOT the one he auctioned off on his website. Then I come to find out I could have made a $8000 profit? Ugh! That would have helped with my own collecting habits.

Let me be clear, I hold no ill will to David or Paul. They both provide great services to the collecting community. This is all my own angst. And I know that some of you will think it serves me right for trying to make a profit, but then that's how I have been able to expand my collection over the years. Enjoy your book David!

[AstroDad]

didn't realize it was up to the buyers to decide when it was ok to release info specifically asked not to by the publisher. live and learn.

[Randall Flagg]

I am pissed at myself over all this.

I had a lettered EOTD portfolio that I no longer needed. I had purchased a numbered one and a lettered one when they first went on sale at Suntup. When Paul was kind enough to later match my number to a newly purchased red numbered Philtrum Press edition of EOTD, I decided to let the lettered go. To be honest, I don't collect lettered editions - can't afford them long term. So, I reached out to a couple of dealers, and David ends up buying it for his own collection. I was glad to help a brother out! Then we both hear about the Misery edition, and how having the lettered EOTD will help secure the lettered Misery, I let Paul know that David has my copy. Low and behold David gets his rights to the lettered Misery - I want to emphasize, this is NOT the one he auctioned off on his website. Then I come to find out I could have made a $8000 profit? Ugh! That would have helped with my own collecting habits.

Let me be clear, I hold no ill will to David or Paul. They both provide great services to the collecting community. This is all my own angst. And I know that some of you will think it serves me right for trying to make a profit, but then that's how I have been able to expand my collection over the years. Enjoy your book David!

If you bear no ill will, the last sentence ending with an exclamation point seems odd.