High-Velocity Collectibles for a Worthy Cause where Literature Meets Firepower
Welcome to Shot By Author—one of the most unique literary and charitable initiatives in the world.
New York Times bestselling thriller author John Gilstrap takes his high-stakes, explosive fiction from the page to the firing range. In this exclusive series, John takes an actual copy of one of his bestselling novels, heads to the range, and literally shoots the book with a firearm featured in that exact story.
The result? A one-of-a-kind piece of living history, marked by real battle damage, signed by the author, and delivered to one lucky collector.
100% of All Proceeds Benefit The Mission
Every dollar raised through these auctions goes directly to support The Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission, our Christ-centered ministry whose outreach is for those who need it most. Your bid doesn't just win a rare piece of memorabilia—it changes lives.
The Matchup: John pairs one of his acclaimed thriller titles with a firearm featured within its pages—whether it's a tactical sidearm, a long-range rifle, or a close-quarters shotgun.
The Range Session: John heads out to the range and places a single shot (or precise burst) directly through the book.
The Proof (Video): Every single range session is fully filmed. You’ll get to watch the high-definition footage of the exact shot that blasted through your collectible, proving its absolute authenticity.
The Signature & Certification: John hand-signs and dates the battle-tested copy, complete with notes on the firearm caliber, location, and date of the shot.
The 10-Day Auction: A brand new, one-of-a-kind shot book is listed every 10 days.
What the Winner Receives
When you win a Shot By Author auction, you don't just get a book—you get an ultimate conversation piece for your office, library, or gun room:
The Ballistically Altered Book: The actual copy struck by live ammunition.
Hand-Signed & Inscribed: Autographed by John Gilstrap, complete with firearm details.
Video Proof: Exclusive video footage documenting the precise shot and moment of impact.