Slight deviations from my ‘CLOSED’ status

If you follow my site or social media, you’ve likely noticed that I occasionally take small steps away from my “nothing work-related” vow.

Conventions: I attended a few shows last year, sticking to those relatively close and within the same time zone. This hasn’t yet led to long-distance or frequent travel—but baby steps. :-)

Signatures: On rare occasions, I’ve agreed to sign items here in Manila. On those occasions, the collector or company has shipped via FedEx International, following these steps:

• Use a FedEx shipping method that allows pre-paid return shipping.

• Insert three printed return labels and (for customs) three filled and printed commercial invoices, unfolded in a flat envelope inside the securely packed box before sealing.

• Once the package arrives, I unpack, sign, and repack using the same box and packing materials (to maintain consistent weight). Then, I schedule a FedEx pickup using the return labels and commercial invoices—no need to leave my condo.

Note that I’m unable to accommodate one-book-at-a-time requests. If you’re interested in pursuing this, email me with details. I’ll provide a ship-to address so that you can get a shipping price quote from FedEx. Note that for submissions numbering under 10 items, signatures are USD 30 each–10 items or more, USD 20 each. For graded books, let me know if you’re a facilitator, working with one, or would like to inquire about using a CGC facilitator here in the Philippines.

What’s Still Closed: My CLOSED status still applies to covers, interiors, commissions, remarks, long-distance convention travel, podcasts, and print or virtual interviews or events. And, a reminder that I don’t have any original art pages here, nor any sketches ‘just lying around.’ ;-)

— Mike (updated January 2025)