Which author would you like to sign your favorite book?
Bookplates are a solution both for readers looking to mark their books and fans looking to have their books signed by their favorite authors but unable to attend an in-person signing. Proper etiquette and courtesy should be kept in mind, however, when requesting a bookplate.
Function
A bookplate is a small printed or decorative label used to mark ownership or hold a dedication to the purchaser of the book. They're commonly placed on the front inside cover or the title page--the locations book owners normally use to sign or mark a book as their own.
Requesting
Everyone has a favorite author, of course, but few get to meet that author in person. When readers cannot attend a signing, authors may allow readers to request bookplates from them directly. Usually, the fan must send a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) to the author.
Etiquette
After you've requested a bookplate or received notification that an author is willing to give you one, include instructions on how the plate should be signed. People making that request should avoid asking an author to sign the book to an anonymous or unnamed person. Some authors refuse to sign bookplates if they have the impression the person making the request plans to turn around and sell the book. Author Poppy Z. Brite, for example, specifically mentions not signing bookplates on her FAQ page, because they usually appear on eBay. If you'd like to give a bookplate to a friend or a relative, provide the author with that person's name before signing.
Contact
Authors often state on their official websites if they will sign books or bookplates, along with the procedure for requests, such as Ann McCaffrey's "Request a Bookplate" section. Some authors will not list this information, however, because of privacy concerns or a belief that a signature will be requested, then sold. If you can't find specific information on bookplates at the author's website, search for a contact email or snail-mail address to which you can send a request. Include a friendly greeting followed by a short message expressing your desire for a bookplate. A long message isn't necessary--your goal is to give the author your brief thoughts on his or her work, request a bookplate and end the message with a "thank you." A lengthy letter may delay your receipt of the bookplate.
Considerations
Ultimately, it is up to the author whether or not to send you a bookplate. You can also ask if you may send the book for the author to sign, if you're willing to pay for shipping both ways. Another option is to contact a local bookstore and ask if the store can order signed copies from the publisher or author, or request a book signing be held if the author lives nearby. Some publishers sell signed copies, as do some book authors directly from their websites. The one common rule to getting what you want is courtesy--ask questions, get answers, but always be polite.
