Stroppy and I can Rochambeau over who gets the Stark, and who gets the Beaumont.
Only if we include Spock and a Lizard.
In the interest of not making this wonderful announcement a downer, I 'm going to attempt to let others comment. Apologies for getting a bit worked up.
<----------Gives self a 10 minute time out.
Paul, congrats on what appears to be another highly anticipated project.
Regarding the limitation, is the specific reason to increase simply an effort to ensure long term financial sustainability as suggested up thread? If that's the case, raise the price on each of the 26 subsequent Lettered editions to accommodate changes in production costs.
If it is to ensure others get a chance to own a Lettered copy my guess is you'd likely need more than an additional 26 to accommodate what appears to be high demand. The cycle and discussion would continue with each new release regarding increasing limitation.
I'd keep at 26. There will likely never be enough made to accommodate every collector.
A few questions if 26 more are done... If there were to be a lottery, would it be open to anyone? Would the number of entrants be capped? I think it could get messy if 500 people sign up and only 26 are selected.
For the Dragon Rebound, I'd like to see Paul continue the cap at 26 Letters. Then maybe offer a limited numbered option of a couple hundred, the limited not necessarily having to be first printings to keep costs down.
I defer to Paul's vision of where he would like to see the Press go into the future though.
Are those in favor of 26 lettered, and no more, pleased or displeased that Paul is doing 26 lettered, 185 (+15) signed limited and several hundred deluxe editions of Misery?
The main difference there is Suntup Editions vs Dragon Rebound. Dragon Rebound should stick to 26, while Suntup Editions should have variable numbers per book.
With the initial EOTD Portfolio publication, SUNTUP established multiple tiers of limited editions to include both Lettered and #'d copies, each with different design characteristics and corresponding pricing tiers. With Misery, a like approach has been taken that is consistent with other publishers' approach to the production and corresponding release of Signed, Limited Editions.
From the onset, DRAGON REBOUND has been clear and established a Limitation of 26 Copies on the books it will produce. Again, to date, being consistent with that approach.
Doesn't bother me at all that SUNTUP is providing alternative limitations, and editions (#'d / Gift) as they are two separate publishing companies with established, successful portfolio models.
I have no problems with the number of misery (letttered, numbered, etc) since those are not rebound books - that is a "different press" or branch of his publishing arm. I for one would prefer only 26 lettered Dragon Rebound books. But maybe that is because I am one of the original 26. I like keeping those as separate from the Suntup press division and production numbers. If suntup is sustainable for Paul and allows him to get more of his books into peoples hands than that can allow for a low limitation on the rebound books. increasing the limitation of rebound books - opens a whole can of worms as detailed above (who gets in, how do you get in, what do you cap it at, etc.) and I am fortunate that I do not have to make those decisions. If I needed the increase in rebound numbers to help get other projects off the ground, for my own financial stability, etc then there might be reasons to add to those numbers.
Paul is the creative genius here....whatever he decides I support, and this comes from a guy kicking himself because he did not get in on the action from the beginning.
I agree, I'm in the same boat, and couldn't have said it better myself. [Well, maybe a little better].
I knew this would be like throwing the cat amongst the sparrows.
Much as I like that idea, it would double the production cost of each book. As these are rebounds, I think there is a ceiling on what is viable for people to pay.
I'm confident Paul will make the best decisions.
Thanks. To answer this question, if I were to increase the limitation it would be to allow more people to own the book. I am more interested in that than making more money off it. Profit has never been a motivator for me with DRE. I just love doing it and making people happy from buying these books. For Suntup, sure, profit is important because this is what I do full time, and I have to make a living. I've given everything I have and all of who I am to Suntup, and as long as I can keep doing it, I can keep doing what I love, and the collectors who buy the editions, can continue to get books that they will cherish. And of course, the small-business artisans who I support for these projects also benefit. It's a great win/win for everyone.
When IT hit the market, DRE was bombarded with people wanting in, and of course, many couldn't get in. Same old story of supply and demand. It's a situation with any limited book. So when I thought it through (for about two seconds), the only way to allow more people to enjoy the book would be to make 26 more.
But I would stop there. DRE is very different from Suntup. I would not consider doing a "numbered" edition for DRE. For me the lines are clear. If I'm publishing a book, then the typical three or two state deal makes sense. For me at least. For DRE, it's a lettered state and that's it. I would only consider increasing to 52. I know it would make 26 people very happy.
Yes, IF I did increase, it would be open to everyone. Except Ari though. I don't know about capping the entrants, because I think it would be more fair not to. I'd set a cut off date to enter. I don't believe there will be that many people who would sign up though.
I have no problems with the number of misery (letttered, numbered, etc) since those are not rebound books - that is a "different press" or branch of his publishing arm.
I'm off to bed. Thank you all for the spirited discussion, and your continued enthusiasm over what I do. I know I've said it before, but it's a big part of what fuels me.
Two things first off. One, I ask for forgiveness of my ignorance in this arena. FWIW, in my own "collecting rules", I have more or less completed my collection except for new works and have little interest in these new "anniversary" editions or rebounds. I figure I worked like hell to get a 1/1 edition so why now chase other, IMO redundant collectibles. Second, my hat is off to, Paul on these books and the Suntup publications for his excellent productions as well as his obvious passion. Dabbling in the re-bounds a bit for the HF I can appreciate the time, effort and commitment in bringing these things to market. Kudo's my friend.
So, having said all that I have a question. I assume that the rebound books being offered are 1/1 editions of various conditions. If that is so, then aren't a lot of 1/1 books that could be "True" 1/1 editions in peoples collections being eliminated in a way and converted to these collectibles? And isn't a rebound 1/1 less desirable/valuable than a true 1/1 edition in VG/FF/NF/etc condition? Assuming this to be the case then shouldn't some consideration be given to that aspect?
I'm not suggesting any form of judgement. Heck, I got my 1/1 UK/US editions or S/L of these titles that I want already, but it just seemed to me that in all the discussion regarding limitation size, etc. nothing was on the table regarding this aspect and its possible impact for other or newer collectors. Also, I am fully aware about the circumstance of "rescuing" a damaged true 1/1 edition that would be virtually worthless to a collector if say there was writing in it, a coffee spill, torn pages, etc. That is more or less what we did with the "Rebound" collectibles for the HF.
And again, Paul though I may not be buying everything you produce for my own eclectic reasons, I do know quality when I see it and man, you are doing some very inspired work with these labors of love!!!! Keep on keeping on, my friend!!!
Basically, if nothing else, I will appreciate whatever education I may get as a result of this post and that is the sole thrust of my questions.
As someone new to collecting books, I’m of the opinion that if these rebounds are 1/1’s then owning one would satisfy my goal of owning a 1/1 of that particular book. I would still seek out an “un-rebound” copy for my collection, but if that wasn’t possible, I’d be happy with the rebound. Also, fwiw from this humble newbie, these particular rebounds are more desirable to me than an “un-rebound” (ugh is that the right word?). I’m sure that could change in the future, but for now I’d gladly sacrifice my 1/1 EOTD for a DR EOTD.
26 Lettered AA-ZZ open to the general public via lottery. These books have no rights to the next book. This allows some people to at least own one copy of a DRE book to show off to others.
That's a good point Just because one edition might have more than the 26 doesn't mean every edition. Whatever works best for Paul is aces with me!
...I have a question. I assume that the rebound books being offered are 1/1 editions of various conditions. If that is so, then aren't a lot of 1/1 books that could be "True" 1/1 editions in peoples collections being eliminated in a way and converted to these collectibles? And isn't a rebound 1/1 less desirable/valuable than a true 1/1 edition in VG/FF/NF/etc condition? Assuming this to be the case then shouldn't some consideration be given to that aspect?
A very interesting and relevant question. How can a first edition be altered and still be considered a true first edition? I would think, but not assume, that the moment the binding or dust jacket is altered the book is no longer in its "as issued" state and thus no longer a true first edition. Would interest in Dragon Rebound editions be as fervent if a 2nd or 20th printing were used instead? I'm guessing yes. The main attractions (for me at least) are: 1) the incredible designs that Paul is creating and 2) the is being rebound. If 'Salem's Lot had been the first rebound project offered I would have tried to get a copy but the edition state itself would have had no impact on my decision to purchase. I have indicated as much to Paul as I believe Dragon Rebound books to be works of art and craftsmanship first and foremost.
I have to respectfully disagree. The starting point for ANY rebound has to be a first edition IMHO.