When I first heard of this I imagined a bunch of people standing in line with their Kindles/Nooks/iPads, waiting for some writer to do an approximate version of his signature with this index finger.But apparently e-book signing is slowly taking off, mostly because it’s cool, but also because the new technology requires it.
Even though e-book signing it’s still in its infancy, we have several options so far. First there’s Kindlegraph – you sign it with your Twitter account, then add your book’s ASIN and your set. Users log in and they request a Kindlegraph, at which point you’ll be notified and will have to write them a dedication or something. But there’s one big disadvantage to this: you have to use your mouse or computer track-pad or an iPhone’s screen – it’s quite jarring to get your signature right.
Then there’s Autography, which, from what I’ve read, has a patent for the particular technology employed in their e-book signing app. Unfortunately, I could just read all the marketing propaganda they have on their website because there is just an app for the iPad so far – and I don’t own an iPad. But the idea sounds nice – this technology they’re using apparently allows you to sign anywhere on the e-book – cover, interior, on the margins. You can send readers custom content, such as photos with the reader. It almost makes want to buy an iPad.
I’ve read that the Nook Color has an autographing function, but I don’t own one (yeah, I know, I don’t own anything), so I can’t say if it’s good or not, or if it’s even working.
Ooh, I hve an iPad, and a few people have said they would like a signed copy of my novel!
Didn't know you could autograph e-books…nice. Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking one of the posts
This is the first time I have heard of this but I guess it was bound to happen sometimes especially since everyone is so into reading books electronically now!
Well this is an interesting subject indeed. Surely the original point of having a signed book was to create a personalised physical object that can be kept and cherished? If digital signing really was to take off, programs could be invented that allow a name to be inserted into a generic template therefore every e-book could be signed to the owner. Will be interesting to see how this trend unfolds over the next few years!
Well, I'll definitely need to do some followup research on this eBook autographing thing. Sounds like it could come in handy.
Thanks for sharing this info! I wasn't aware of e-book signing capabilities so this is all good to know.
Thank you for the post! I did not know this!
So much for the personal touch….
Thanks! I wondered how this was going to work as we more and more toward digital publishing.
"Surely the original point of having a signed book was to create a personalised physical object that can be kept and cherished?"
Here, here! I can't imagine being giddy over having a signed kindlegraph as when I hold a signed, hardback, first edition.
[...] you digital authors and eReader owners out there and covers the latest twist in the eBook world: signing ebooks. (Click on the link to [...]
Thanks for posting. Lots of interesting comments here.
One might assume that poor writers might now be spared the pain of RSI from signing so many copies of their books… But it sounds like this could end up being replaced with RSI from working a computer mouse instead! ;-)
Have reblogged your post, BTW… Unfortunately, I have trouble with this facility at times, so I've had to do it 'manually'.
[...] Signing E-books! by Cristian Mihai [...]
Hmm interesting didn't know about this and not sure how I feel about it actually. Not that it matters because i don't have a kindle/nook or an iPad either lol. Am I lame for actually liking a real life tangle book with paper pages?
Love your posts.
Hi all. I'm the coFounder of Autography LLC. Actually, we don't let authors sign covers or margins – we insert a blank signature page into the ebook that can be customized with graphics (branding the author, series, or an event), and with a picture of the fan and author together that is then personalized. We helped several authors do this during Book Expo America this week. Fans can (if they wish) click a button to share the signature page with friends on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and MySpace. We had a great time supporting authors in our booth, their publisher's booths, and in the main Autograph Room at the Javit's Center in New York City.
Wow didn't know that was possible – very interesting indeed. I'm interested to see if this takes off the way collecting 'hard' autographs actually did.
Be sure and check our Facebook page for some of the signing fun from BEA.
http://www.facebook.com/Autography
Wow, this is really cool–I had no idea ebook signing was a thing! I do sort of feel that there's something unique and special about a pen-and-ink signature in a physical book, but on the other hand being able to add a picture or share the signature on social media is incredibly awesome. I think it might take some design work on ebooks themselves for this to reach its full potential, but I can see it really taking off.
I believe that the Sony eReader remains the only ebook reader that you can directly write with! Yes, it comes with a stylus pen and, with that, you can highlight, write and draw. It is the only ereader I own so I can say this from experience: it's cool. the highligting works alright but not always perfect, the writing and drawing is alright but not perfect. Lastly, if you're using one of these apps, you don't want to use your mouse to sign with, if you can help it. You want to eventually get a stylus and tablet that you attach to your computer. The brand that has perfected this technology is Wacom. But that's if you're serious about writing and drawing with your computer.
I've seen people bring sharpies to actually sign their kindles. This is such a better idea!
I didn't know this was even a thing. This is great but I'm sure they won't make anything compatible with my first edition Nook, BN only cares about the color version of their Nook.
First time I heard of this, interesting!
is there an option for the writer to autograph (with personalised message of course!) & email it to the writer (& insert it somewhere within the e-book)??
I got in on the ground floor with KINDLEGRAPH. It's a neat service and it actually works! I've had a number of requests–especially from foreign buyers.
I would hand you my moleskine and ask you for an autograph. I believe that there is no market for a first edition of a digital book… Something new will come, you will see.
Wow that is awesome :-) thanks for posting
Reblogged this on Kimberly McPherson's Blog and commented:
Way too cool! Thanks again Cristian! You rock my friend.
Much love,
Kimmy http://www.withoutalabel.me