Are Readers Feeling Alienated at Book Signings?
by NYT Best Seller Dianna Love
With so many books going to electronic format, readers now have their favorite fix with the click of a button for every type of story from both debut authors and best sellers. But what’s happening to the book lover’s special keeper shelf of signed novels by favorite authors?
It’s empty, because E-Fans have nothing to ask an author to sign.
I’ve noticed a trend over the past two years: E-book readers who did attend signings often apologized for not buying the print edition. Some asked to have their e-reader device and/or covers signed. Other fans would slink up looking embarrassed, apologize for buying an electronic copy and ask to have a piece of paper autographed.
They actually apologized! I was appalled that ANY reader should feel the need to apologize for purchasing a book, regardless of the format. I instigated dialogue online with readers about this and discovered that E-fans often do feel alienated because many bookstores now require the reader to purchase the new release at their store in order to attend a signing, reading, or author event. That’s understandable since bookstores need to cover expenses, but E-Fans shouldn’t feel the pinch of being left out.
With the publishing industry in constant flux, there’s one thing that should never change, in my opinion. The reader is the most important part of our business. I’m a reader too, and I’m always looking for ways to do something special for my fans, because they deserve it.
I decided it was time to bring E-fans back to events where they can feel welcome whether they buy a book or not. For some time now, I’ve been printing glossy cover postcards of my books, signing them and giving these to all fans and this month I launched a special program called the Keeper Kase®, which offers E-fans a new way to collect autographed memorabilia from their favorite authors. Any reader, E-fan or those who enjoy print books, can visit www.KeeperKase.com to find out how to collect free signed cover cards and a list of other authors joining this program.
During my upcoming September book tour for my latest urban fantasy, THE CURSE, co-authored with #1 NYT bestseller Sherrilyn Kenyon, I’ll sign THE CURSE and any backlist books, plus free cover cards of my books. Details of my September 18-22nd tour are at www.AuthorDiannaLove.com
Meeting readers is my favorite part of being an author, after writing a story. I’m thankful for groups like Fresh Fiction who offer events all year where readers are welcome to spend time with authors in a relaxed atmosphere without restrictions.
Readers and Authors: What do you think of the Keeper Kase® program?
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