But then my writer friends started getting books published, and I wanted to buy their books, and the digital book was often cheaper. And besides, everyone else had an e-reader. So I said, “Maybe I’ll try one.”
My husband gave me an e-reader, and then I downloaded tons of books, because I could carry SO many books with me in one handy, little device. But up popped a glitch. How to get a friend to sign a digital book?
Lucky for authors (and fans of authors), Evan Jacobs was one step ahead of me. He came up with Authorgraph, a fun way to get a digital autograph.
It’s a pretty simple idea, and it’s a free service, too. If you’re an author, all you need to do is sign up with Authorgraph, and then add your books to the site. You can check out the Author FAQ page for all the details, but basically, adding a book is as easy as finding the ASIN number on your book. And yes, Evan explains exactly how to find the number.
Oh! And your book doesn’t even have to be a digital one. It can be hardcover or a paperback as well as an e-book. Plus, you can choose to use the script provided for your signature, or sign your name in your own, unique way.
For readers, it’s just as simple. Go to the site and find an author’s book, then request an inscription. You can even ask for a personal inscription. It's a nice way to let an author know you like their work.
And I think it’s worth the few minutes for authors to sign up. This past week, a non-local writer friend of mine mentioned (via social media) that she had joined the site. I have her first book in a trilogy, a paperback, with a personal inscription. Now, I’ll ask her to sign her second book for me on Authorgraph. I haven’t purchased it yet, but I can still get it signed because the authorgraph is a separate document.
I know it’s not quite the same as getting a book signed. But it’s a fun application for readers, and it might even help authors sell more books.
Because I’ll surely add my writer friend’s newest book to my TBB (To Be Bought) pile, now that I have her authorgraph. And I’ll get the e-book. Because as I said just the other day to my critique group, “You know I’m all for e-readers.”
~Cathy C. Hall
11 comments:
Brilliant idea! Thank you for sharing this, Miss Cathy C!
As a writer, and lover of books, this "problem" has been discussed with my friends many times. I'll definitely sign up for it because of your recommendation.
Oh-- what a fantastic idea!
That guy followed the saying about necessity being the mother of invention. Such a great idea. Thanks for the info.
You can sign up ANY book, too! I signed up Flashlight Memories (an anthology of essays about reading).
And I'm not gonna lie--I got a big kick out of someone asking me to sign their "copy." :-)
You are bottomless pit of resources, Cathy. Thanks. There is an e-book (Cupid's Quiver) coming out that I have a story in. Perhaps it is so simple, even I can sign up for this service.
This is really cool, Cathy. Thanks for the info!
Hi! This is Evan from Authorgraph.
Thanks so much for the great post about the service. I created Authorgraph because I also loved reading books on my e-reader but I missed being able to connect with authors at book readings/events.
I'm working on several great improvements to the service and I can't wait to show them to you. In the meantime, please let me know if there is anything I can do to make the service better for both authors and readers.
Well, there you go again. You are like the writer fairy, always leaving a gift. Thanks for this information.
This is a fabulous marketing idea for authors, and a great solution for readers! Thanks Cathy for the info!
And thanks Evan for stopping by. I'm wondering if you have any materials that help authors promote Authorgraph and allow their readers to know that the service is available?
This is awesome. Definitely checking it out!
Angela, once you sign in/up for Authorgraph, you can find the author tools. One is a widget, and I think it's available to put on blogs/websites or your Amazon page. Which reminds me--I need to slap that widget on my blog! ;-)
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