Weep Signed Editions
Have you ever heard Conor McGregor's sister’s voice note? 'WHO THE FUUUUUUU… DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? THE NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECK!' That's the response I imagine/dread if I saw one of my books in the wild and offered to sign it.
It's the Irish fear of ever being seen to have caught notions. Another part of me thinks, 'sure my name's on the front cover and every second page. That's at least 350 Eoin Brady's, there's no need for another one.'
Now, I'm messing with the above. I understand why people like personalised editions. I recently gave away a signed copy of Manchán Magan's latest book. If you've heard the news of his passing, you'll understand why that stings a little. Though - controversial reveal here, I don't keep books. When I'm done, I give them away.
I've noticed some writers charge more for signed books. Which has me wondering if author signature ink is one of the most expensive liquids on the planet. You could make a fortune off one Bic pen (I won't be doing that).
On a serious note. When you order one of my books, at the moment it's printed and shipped through Amazon without my involvement. It made sense, and it still does with taxes and shipping. I would like to sell direct though. If you cut Amazon out, it's cheaper for everybody and more beneficial to the author per sale. Aside from the money aspect, I do like the idea of packing books with added, unnecessary tat like stickers and pins, bookmarks, melted wax seals… I see financial ruin ahead.
Wonder if I'd get in trouble with the post office for shipping parcels emblazoned with biohazard symbols, to keep with the post-apocalyptic spirit. We'll find out.
Another reason for not doing that right now is the quality of Amazon print isn't fantastic. It feels like a pulp paperback, which is fine, it has its place. It's a vehicle for the story, but I'd sooner ship books that have a long shelf life. My copies of Weep have curling covers and colour has worn from the edges. They look old… which I suppose… it takes me a while to release.
I have looked into sourcing a print run locally, but you're talking an investment of several thousand to have that stock sitting at home. Before doing that, I wanted to change the covers for the series. I'd also like to have a bit more content for each book like maps and art.
Right now the focus is on Man of Famine and then the release of Slack Jaw in audio. Then maybe these special editions for the Weep trilogy. So 2026. (If you're new here, it's customary for readers to raise an eyebrow and say 'sure buddy' whenever I set a date or deadline).