Kindle Signing?

Technology is now infiltrating the world of author book signings. A recent New York Times article reported on a possible new trend: Kindle signings. People who have traded in their tangible books (in the name of being more green or in the name of being more cool) for this snazzy, new, hip electronic device, have all their favorite literature stored in one place. So what is a Kindle owner to do at a book signing? Apparently, you have the author sign your Kindle.

I think the idea is interesting. For me, getting an author's autograph is all about the experience. It is about having those few moments to connect with the writer. It is about having the chance to ask a question. It really isn't about what is being signed, so I have no problem with the idea of an author signing a Kindle.

I talked with other people and two camps emerged: the Kindle Signers Unite (KSU) and the Keep My Kindle Clean (KMKC) groups.

Mystery author Cricket McRae sides with the KMKC'ers,"If I had one, I wouldn't want anyone to sign it. It would be like having someone sign my laptop. Too weird."

Editor Chuck Sambuchino also agrees, "The autograph wouldn't be as original or as special."

Then there is the KSU group. Anne-Marie Nichols, a professional blogger, thinks the autograph would probably rub off. "Still, I'd love any sort of science fiction writer - especially the old school ones - to sign it, someone like Ursula Le Guin, Isaac Asimov,or Ray Bradbury since many of their stories predicted similar devices. Unfortunately, Asimov and Bradbury have passed but Ursula is still around and writing more than ever."

Ellen Javernick, author of the children's book, Birthday Pet, would have Patricia Cornwell sign it. "I can't put them down and they always remind me of my dad who was a pathologist before it was politically correct to be one."

It never occurred to literary agent Kristin Nelson to have authors sign her Kindle, but she likes the idea.."I would ask Neil Gaiman. He's just a wonderful writer on so many levels--adult, children's, fantasy. I'd also ask JK Rowling because she single-handedly reignited the whole children's field and really established children's publishing as a force to be reckoned with.There really is a before JK and after JK."

"For romance," she continued, "I've always been a big fan of Julia Quinn's--the perfect blend of light humor with emotional compelling historical romance (especially with the Bridgerton Series,). For literary, probably Marilynne Robinson. She's such a beautiful writer."

Children's author Gary Raham is kind of in the middle. "I do own one and I guess if I got one signed it would be by whatever guy invented the concept in the first place. The kindle is the plastic and polymer embodiment of his idea. I consider the Kindle a "book facilitator" rather than a "real" book, so still would rather have an author sign a pulp and glue version of their literary creation."

The whole idea is an interesting one. What are you thoughts about it?

Kerrie