2014 Image Expo - Guidelines for Sig Series submissions (by BeerThirty and Joel)

[Joel Elad]

Ok, folks, here is the deal: Similar to the 2013 Image Expo, attendees will have the option to submit their signed books for CGC Signature Series grading. However, because this is a media event with very tight signing times and per person limits, the rules work a little differently from a typical convention.

 

Unlike regular conventions, you will have to walk through all the books you want signed yourself and THEN hand them in for submission. (There is no option to hand them off or mail them to a facilitator as no one person will be allowed more signing slots than any other attendee.) You will have to fill out your own invoices, and if possible, use your own CGC dealer account. Each hour of the day, after the keynote, 1 or more creators signs in the upstairs area and there is usually a per-person limit of 3-5 books or less, depending on the line and time considerations. The more you can do BEFORE next Thursday, the better it will be for everyone.

 

**IMPORTANT UPDATE**: For those of you who want to get a Robert Kirkman signature on a CGC SS book at this event, the process has changed. Mr. Kirkman has requested that all books for him going for CGC SS be handled at a private signing after the event, but before the Amazing Arizona Con. There is also a $10 processing fee per book that needs to be paid, in cash, when the book is submitted. We CANNOT add this charge to your CGC bill. Unfortunately, he has an extremely limited signing appearance and last year, it went more than twice as long, so this step is being taken to help alleviate the pressure.

 

On a side note, because of the delay, you may consider having your non-Kirkman SS on a separate invoice if you are worried about timeliness because of the delay.

 

Now, here are the ground rules:

 

1. Please PM either myself or BeerThirty before next Thursday indicating that you are coming to submit books, and provide a rough estimate on the quantity you are going to bring. We HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY encourage you to prepare your invoice IN ADVANCE, and if you do so, include the invoice number with your PM.

 

2. Please consult the threads about window bagging your books and filling out a CGC invoice. We will NOT have window bags available to you but trust us when we say, your experience will go MUCH smoother if your books are window bagged. Make window bags and bring them for any Expo variants you think about buying and getting signed.

 

3. We have been granted the ability to host a small table to the left of the signing area, and we will be there from after the keynote address until at least 4 or 5 pm, depending on the signing schedule.

 

4. WE ARE REQUIRING THAT YOU SUBMIT AN INVOICE TO US by 12:30 pm on Thursday. We will have a limited quantity of blank CGC invoices in the morning if you need one or two, we plan on arriving at 9 am, staying downstairs until the end of the keynote and then moving upstairs, and will be there throughout the day. You can also fill out and print a CGC submission form through their website. We recommend that you list all books you are thinking of getting signed and submitted. You can cross off any entry that doesn't get signed, but we are trying to prevent people adding new line items throughout the day. On the Expo variants, you can leave the Quantity field blank at first and then fill it in when you close out your invoice but at least have the line item for it on your invoice if you think you're going to submit at least 1 copy.

 

5. Once your invoice is submitted, get in the first autograph session line that you need. Currently, it is expected that there is only one signing at a time, so you can simply line up for the next one once you are done with the current one.

 

6. Once you get your item signed, step over to our table and submit the book in a bag and board. We will try to have a few extras for emergencies, but we are counting on you all to be equipped with a bag and board for each comic. (for those of you planning to buy exclusives at the show, BRING EXTRA BAGS AND BOARDS.) On the back of each board, make sure you put your last name and invoice number. Once you are done, you will need to proceed downstairs and line up for the next signing. You will not be able to leave your bags or stay upstairs, and just like the airlines say, "you are asked to keep your belongings with you at all times." If you need to sprawl out to figure out which books to get signed, it is requested that you find an area downstairs or outside to do so, not in the normal flow of traffic. The upstairs area where the signings are held is a small space with no real furniture. We will have extremely limited space behind our small table and it is meant for submissions and our own bags. We will NOT be able to provide bag check or storage for anyone's stuff.

 

7. FOR BOOKS THAT NEED MULTIPLE SIGNATURES: After the book gets the first signature, leave it in the window bag and bring it to us. Let us know that it's meant for multiple signatures (writing each creator's name on the backing board will be a GIGANTIC help, and having your name and invoice number is a REQUIREMENT) When you are in line again for the next signature, we will hand you the book in line when you get near the front of the line. Once again, after it gets signed, you submit it to us, and if necessary, repeat the process. After the last signature is gotten, we ask that you transfer the book from the window bag to a regular bag/board, which you can do at our table.

 

8. It is important that you come back to us before 4 pm, if possible, to close out your invoice as much as possible, meaning everything is filled out and ready to go before the last signing begins. That way, when you are done with the last signing, you hand over the books, we hand you your green receipt and you are on your way. This is necessary because we have to be out of the building by a certain time. While last year we processed the final invoices outside, we are NOT looking to repeat that this year.

 

9. MOST IMPORTANT: We are all invited guests to this event, which means we need any and all of the rules, guidelines, signing limits and processes set out by Image Comics. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY SUBMISSION BY SOMEONE WHO CAUSES A DISRUPTION OR EXHIBITS POOR CONDUCT AT THE EVENT. I really don't want to address you all like a bunch of children, but I have to say it: Pay attention to the Image staff, follow the signing limits, play nice with others.

 

COSTS:

 

PEOPLE WITHOUT THEIR OWN ACCOUNT:

 

The regular cost for a Modern age Signature Series book will be $28.00 plus the invoice fee and return shipping. Fast Track is an additional $10 per book. Also, if you want a Robert Kirkman signature on your book, add another $10 per book.

 

IF YOU DON'T SUBMIT AN INVOICE BY 12:30, OR FLOOD YOUR INVOICE WITH A TON OF NEW ADDITIONS, OR IGNORE EVERY SINGLE REQUEST WE'VE LISTED AND CHEW UP OUR TIME CAUSING EVERYONE ELSE TO LINE UP AND WAIT, the cost becomes $40.00 per book plus the invoice fee, return shipping, and the optional Fast Track and if applicable, Kirkman processing fee.

 

 

PEOPLE WITH THEIR OWN ACCOUNT:

 

PM us for the cost breakdowns (witness fees) that will need to be paid when you submit your book. Similar to above, your costs will go up too without a submitted invoice by 12:30 or any other problems listed.

 

I know this is a LOT to read but it truly is important to be prepared to make this event go smoothly. Prep your books, hand us an invoice, get in lines, hand off books when they're signed, close out your invoice by the end of the day. We want everyone to have a great time and we'd like to make sure we can provide this option for years to come. PM any questions you have or look for us Thursday at the event. See you there!

 

Joel Elad

[Colicab]

To bad there is no indication as to whom the "special surprise" guests are... That would be incredibly helpful .

[Joel Elad]

I completely understand.

 

Thanks for all the PMs so far, everyone! Even if you told me or Ryan in the past that you are coming, it would help if you PMed for our records. Like the joke goes:

 

"They say memory is the 2nd thing to go. I can't remember what the first thing is.

[.Troy]

Good luck Joel, this will be a great show!

[BeerThirty]

Hey everyone,

 

Joel and I are set up in the signing area. We have forms and a table. Look forward to seeing you all!

 

Ryan

[dscott]

[Joel Elad]

Thanks again everyone who came out and submitted books! Things went MUCH smoother this year and we were all packed up and left right after 6 pm with all invoices closed out and ready to go. As I mentioned, the private signing with Robert Kirkman will happen the week of January 20th and the books will be sent directly to CGC after that. (If your invoice didn't have any books for the private signing, it will be shipped to CGC shortly.) I don't think we had any disruptions or problems, so I can't wait to see how everyone's books turned out.

 

Huge props go to BeerThirty as my partner in crime for this one, as well as Stguchi, Felix and RockMyAmadeus who were very helpful throughout the day.

 

I think Image was happy with how things ran as well, so looking forward to seeing everyone again at the next Image Expo, whenever that may be...

 

Joel