Dubbed “the American Tolkien” by Time magazine, George R. R. Martin has earned international acclaim for A Song of Ice and Fire, his monumental cycle of epic fantasy. Now the #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers the fifth book in this landmark series—A Dance with Dragons—wherein familiar faces and surprising new forces vie for a foothold in a fragmented empire. Presented by University Book Store.
Tickets are $35 (includes one copy of A Dance with Dragons); $40 for admission for two and one book, available July 12 at University Book Store locations. Tickets can be reserved by calling 206/545-4363. Please note: Autographed copies of books are available only after the event.
LEARN MORE:
www.bookstore.washington.edu
www.georgerrmartin.com
31 Comments
What about the folks who have already reserved books else where, not to mention already finished the book by the signing. I’m not about to buy two of the same hardcover books for my two seconds with a writer no matter how much I do enjoy his work. Have you considered selling tickets without the book, I see you have an two people one book for $40 option.
I was really confused, and this answered all my quseiotns.
Hi Mika–Thanks for your question. If you have reserved the book elsewhere, but haven’t paid for it yet, you might consider canceling that reservation. Then you can order the ticket through us. You’ll get the book and ticket on July 12 in plenty of time to read the book before the signing. Feel free to give me a call at 206.634.3400 if you’d like to chat about this more.
thanks–
Stesha
Oh heck yes. I’m sure Jesse will want to go to the Game of Thrones (A Dance with Dragons) book reading & signing, if for not other reason, to say, “You bastard! You made me wait so long!!!” I’m thrilled to go see him in person and get the book!
Noooo! This is the same night that Soundgarden (legendary Seattle band) is playing in Vancouver. The only night I can’t go.
Mika,
I’d try to pair up with someone who is already going and presto, you get in for $5 (though you wont get anything signed…)
I know it’s frustrating but before you get too upset think of the logistics and economics of it (you wouldn’t have any chance to meet the author at all if there wasn’t SOME money changing hands).
Personally, I’d find a way to get to one of his smaller ‘con appearances, where you get the chance to meet and talk with him for much longer time (sometimes even hours he’ll be around the fans). Of course you’ll have to get to where those are, but maybe it’ll be a good vacation spot?…
Check out the last paragraph of his entry on ‘signing tour’ for a good idea what I mean:
http://grrm.livejournal.com/
I do NOT understand why any author who adores his fans (as Martin seems to), would chose to use this as their venue. Every booksigning I’ve been to via UW Bookstore has made it blatantly obvious that (regardless of the author’s wishes) the fans do NOT matter. What a disappointment! :/
Hi Kari–I’m so sorry to hear that you’re disappointed. The majority of University Book Store’s events are free and open to the public. But when we host an author offsite (in order to accommodate a large crowd), we have to charge to offset the cost of production expenses (including venue rental, additional staff, etc.). Publishers bring authors to different cities based on the anticipated book sales at the event. By supporting the store hosting the event, you help ensure that the authors that you enjoy return to Seattle.
I appreciate your feedback. I would be happy to chat with you more if you would like to give me a call at 206.634.3400.
Sincerely,
Stesha Brandon
Manager of Public Relations and Events
University Book Store
Ah, well. I had wanted to attend this, but the requirement to buy a book just to get in puts it well out of reach. I’m mostly confused, because the UW Bookstore has done signings in the past where a book isn’t required, selling individual tickets for $5 or so.
Brett,
You are quite right. I’m going to hope to make it to a con he is at. That sounds a million times better in every way. Plus entrance for the day of a con wouldn’t be much more than the cost of getting in to the university bookstore to see him for my two seconds.
You need to say what he’s actually going to be doing there to make this worthwhile. $40 to look at him and get one copy of a book? No thanks. A one hour prepared talk about the series, this book, direction, etc? Okay!
As of now this is a no. Add some details about what we’ll be seeing/hearing, maybe.
I don’t see why people are complaining. You can get the book the day it comes out and still go to this signing and not end up with an extra copy. Figure it out.
Assuming you’re paying about $16 for the book, a $35 event cost means the store is charging you $19 to stand in a long line, get an autograph, and maybe say one thing to the author. $20 for an autograph is what D-list celebrities typically charge at conventions so that’s not ridiculous. Having said that, I’m not bothering with this event because I’ll see him at Comic-Con.
Hi everyone–we’ve had some questions about the content for this event. My understanding is that Mr. Martin will be chatting for a bit and taking questions for a bit prior to the book signing portion of the evening. The different ticket includes admission to the event and a copy of his newest book, at a 20% discount.
Please feel free to give me a call or email me if you have other questions!
Best–
Stesha Brandon
Manager of Public Relations and Events
University Book Store
206.634.3400
steshab@uw.edu
I remember going to The Emerald City Comic-Con one year, and aside from being over-priced and over-crowded, it was poorly managed–they don’t clear the lecture hall between speakers, making it almost impossible to get in to see a specific one, even when you show up early. This smaller event sounds more appealing, and I don’t mind helping support our local booksellers.
Last question, I assume autographing is not included since you didn’t specify it Stesha. Do you know what the fee for that will be? Thanks
Hi Jeremy–thanks for your question. There is no additional fee to get your books signed. The ticket price includes admission to the event, which then will get you into the signing line. Full signing details here:
http://www.bookstore.washington.edu/events/events.taf?page=201107#GeorgeR.R.Martin
The ticket that came with my pre-order at the UW Bookstore is misprinted. It says that the Event is Saturday July 29, not Friday July 29. Will this ticket still be honored on the correct date of Friday July 29?
Hi Leslie–yes, we’ll honor your ticket. Just be sure to come on Friday
I have not yet picked up my copy of the book and ticket, as I live in Silverdale. Will I be able to will call at the event, or do I have to come to the store 1st. And, what time do the doors open at Great Hall?
Thanks!
Hi Jen–we will have a Will Call pick-up at the door. We’re opening the doors at 6pm, in order to make sure there’s plenty of time to get everyone into the hall.
thanks!
Stesha
Aaaaaaaad does anyone know if my misprinted ticket will be honored? Surely all the tickets had the same date on them? Yes?
Hi Leslie–yes, we’ll honor your ticket when you come on Friday
Thank you Stesha!
My wife and I are coming from Calgary, Alberta to this book signing. If we purchased the two tickets plus one book for $40, does that mean that we are still able to get 3 books signed each (6 in total)?
Hi Francis–each person in line may have up to three books signed, so you and your wife may each get three signed. Let me know if you have any other questions and see you tomorrow!
Stesha Brandon
University Book Store
206.634.3400
steshab@uw.edu
Should we prepare for spoilers from George or fan questions?
Hi Jon-George hasn’t let us know what he’s going to chat about (he’s been on the road since the book came out) but I’ll let him know about the spoiler concern. I bet others haven’t had a chance to read it either
Stesha
Hey,
The book is normally $35. This is a chance to meet one of the greatest American, living authors. Even if you don’t get something signed, you can still hear him in person. If you are a fan, you’re NOT going to complain about paying $35 for this wonderful chance. If you don’t like it, stay home. It’s a great opportunity and the price is nothing to complain about!
Do you think he would be willing to sign my kindle? I have all 5 books on it!
Thanks so much Stesha & U Bookstore for a fantastic event. I am the “recycled ticket” holder and I wanted to say again how much I appreciate how you guys handle customer service – with great enthusiasm, follow-through (the guy at the door was expecting me!) and understanding. You have a customer for life right here. I was very impressed by the questions that were asked by the fans, too. Great show, everyone!
Thanks for a great event! I really enjoyed it and, despite the big crowd, the venue and the discussion still felt personal. The autograph line was a little nutty, though, even with the A-D listing.
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