Good one. But in all seriousness, this has come up before and you’re faced with making a decision as to whether to ask the author to re-sign a new sheet, or print a second signature sheet which includes the person/s absent from the first.
Although it’s done, having two sheets is not ideal. It’s something I try to avoid. An exception I was okay with was Misery. But again, I would rather have one sheet.
We have a book right now that has been in the works for a long time. The signature sheet was done and done early on. Almost a year later, some things had changed with the project. Not only did I want to now include three other individuals on the sheet in addition to the author, but we had to change the paper which was already named on the sheet. So what to do? Errata slip to cover the change in paper. Second signature sheet. Decisions, decisions.
Suffice to say, I’m waiting to see if the author will re-sign a new sheet! And this is something I never do and try to avoid at all costs. But every project is different. There are many variables in play when making these decisions. Ultimately you ask, what is the best decision for the good of the book.
Getting the signature sheets printed, signed and on hand early is good, and that has worked very well for me. But occasionally things happen as the project evolves. I’d still rather have the sheets on hand than risk delaying a book because of signatures.
You should see the stacks of signed sheets I have on hand at any given time. Maybe it’s the collector in me.