I have a couple autographed books but my favorite is really not signed at all.
Back when Stephen King accepted books for signing, I sent a battered copy of something with a letter asking him to sign it. I don’t remember which book but it had seen better days. I think the cover was taped on and as was my habit back then, there were likely many dog eared pages. By the time his camp got around to reading my letter, which seemed like years, I got a nice letter from his secretary saying they were no longer accepting books for signing although SK did appreciate my fandom (my words, not hers).
Much time went by, maybe years, when I received a large package from S. King, Bangor ME. My heart felt like it might beat right out of my chest when I was opening it. I was guessing it was a hardcover book but didnt know why I was getting it. I thought maybe someone bought me a gift and was joking around with the return address label.
Inside was a new copy of Black House with a loose slip of paper signed Stephen King. I felt like I won the lottery. I also saved the packaging with his return address and have all three pieces stored in a fire resistant box in my closet. Not even pictures of my children are protected that well. Note to self….buy some more fireproof boxes for scrapbooks.
I don't know if he sent it or if someone else did but I love that book and prize it above most others in my library.
Somehow, I think my life is better because of Stephen King.