Fresh Fiction Blog | Dianna Love | Save The Keeper Shelf!!

Every reader has a keeper shelf tucked somewhere. A place for those books too special to part with, many of which might be autographed and personalized.

But now e-readers are changing the face of the book industry. What will happen to the keeper shelf as there are fewer print books around? Several New York publishers are already moving from releasing mass-market (paperback) print editions to purely e-books. And it's not just about having something tangible to hold in your hands.

There's a bigger issue.

I've noticed a disturbing trend at signings these past couple years. As e-readers grew in popularity, fans who were buying more e-books started bringing their actual electronic reading devices to be signed. The problem with that is that at some point they would upgrade to a new e-reader and, after years of use, the signature would probably wear off.

Fans wanted to meet us--the authors-- and get their "books" signed, but they didn't have a physical book to bring in. Plus, many bookstores are now requiring readers to purchase a book at their store to attend a signing, and some are either preventing or limiting any backlist books readers would otherwise bring in. Fans carry in stacks of backlist books, and I'm always happy to sign those, but they now sometimes walk up shyly, apologizing for having bought some of my books as e-books. Then they might ask to have a piece of paper or a notebook signed.

Of course I don't mind signing those things, but what's distressing me is that some readers have said they feel uncomfortable going to signings now that they've bought an e-reader because they have nothing to be autographed. They sound embarrassed about not "buying a print book."

Apologizing, uncomfortable, embarrassed about buying a book in ANY form is terrible! Everyone who reads a book is a reader, regardless of the format. I believe in the future, we'll see even more changes in the way books are released. I love holding a print book in my hands, too, but electronic reading devices are a large part of our future.

E-fans should feel just as appreciated as any other reader! I think it's our job as authors to make sure of this.

That's where I got the idea to launch the Keeper Kase^TM program.

A few years ago, I started having glossy postcards created with the book cover on one side and a blurb on the back. I left a space for personalizing the card for readers. Fans loved it. But it still bothered me that their ‘keeper shelf" of signed books would soon be empty. As a reader myself, my keeper shelf has always been a cherished possession.

The Keeper Kase^TM program is really simple and FREE. Fans wanting a cover card - 4 x 6 with glossy cover on one side and blurb plus an area for signing on the back - can send an SASE to me or I'll have these cards when I'm meeting readers at events and signings. Details are at www.KeeperKase.com where fans will find a list of other authors who are also participating. There's a contest on the page too, so make sure to sign up for a chance to win a Keeper Kase^TM filled with a special mix of signed cover cards including Dianna's new series and Sherrilyn Kenyon's "signed" TIME UNTIME card.

I encourage all authors with e-books to think of ways to keep our readers feeling appreciated. Let's join together to save the keeper shelf!

Are you reading on an e-reader yet? A mixture of both e-books and print books? Do you have a keeper shelf at home? One commenter will win a copy of THE CURSE and a Keeper Kase^TM

I love hearing from readers - [email protected] - and hope you dust off your keeper shelf to hold your new Keeper Kase^TM filled with your favorite cover cards.

Comments

I got a Kobo e-reader for my birthday about a year ago but I rarely use it. I read mostly print books, I like being able to hold the book & turn the pages. I do not have a keeper case but it sounds like a great idea. I had wondered what people were doing about getting author signatures when they get the book as an e-book. Have a great day.
(Chelsea Knestrick 1:26am September 16, 2012)

I have a few books downloaded to my computer, but most of my books are print books. I hope that there are still printed books released well into my future.
(Ginger Hinson 1:28am September 16, 2012)

I have a kindle but sometimes buy paper. I keep all my kindle books I have read on a memory stick. I tell all the children in school that as long as you read it does not matter if it is on paper or computer, it's just important to read various genres.
(Barbara Hanson 5:18am September 16, 2012)

I have ebooks, but I don't have an actual e-reader yet.
Because of this I cannot read many ebooks unless I want to
sit at my computer all day. I want an e-reader, though, and
I love this idea!

AquarianDancer at gmail dot com
(Karin Anderson 7:44am September 16, 2012)

This book sounds great! Would love to win this!
(Nancy Gallagher 8:01am September 16, 2012)

I have many autographed books and have once gone as far as buying one over the net (author sadly deceased in 1970 but one of my favourites) so yes it does add to the personal value of the book.
I now read a small proportion of e-books which I read on PC. I do not have an e-reader. My husband and I figure we should each have a reader for holidays - one would be useless as we would still need to carry tons of books for the other person!
But the great thing about e-readers is that an author's whole backlist can be easily re-released whereas they would not have been able to persuade a publisher to do this in a print run.
(Clare O'Beara 8:05am September 16, 2012)

As a librarian, I have a large number of autographed hard copy books--they're keepers for me. I also have a Kindle.
(Catherine Lee 8:42am September 16, 2012)

I haven't got an e-reader yet but I'm looking forward to reading ebooks one day. I'll never stop reading print books, though. I can't imagine choosing to read a classic on an ereader rather than being able to hold the book in my hands and turn the pages.
(Michelle Donaldson 9:26am September 16, 2012)

I have and still but a mix of print and ebooks. My keeper shelf is more of several keeper bookcases. I have some autographed books but I also have a lot of older books that are out of print and not available in ebook.
(Sandy Giden 10:23am September 16, 2012)

I'm not an e-reader. I prefer holding the physical book. But most of my family has already moved to e-readers.
(Pam Howell 10:38am September 16, 2012)

I have an Ipad and definetly a keeper shelve on my bookcase.
(Heather Merlino 10:44am September 16, 2012)

I have a kindle which I love, but I read a lot of print books also.
(Wilma Frana 11:00am September 16, 2012)

I do only print. Part of it is that I enjoy having a book in my hands, but the other part is that I already spends many hours a day looking at a computer screen, and I'm not sure that it's wise to add my reading time to that scenario! And I don't have a Keeper-Shelf, I have a Keeper-Bookcase! =)
(Kathleen Conner 11:39am September 16, 2012)

I like reading print books,and I have a few books downloaded to my computer. I'm kinda interested in a kindle.
(Kathy Fowler 12:30pm September 16, 2012)

No e-reader yet so it's all print books for me..I do have a keeper shelf at home..Love your books..Thanks for the chance to win..
(Tina Myers 12:38pm September 16, 2012)

I love the feel of the book in my hands. I try to go to the
conventions when I can afford it. The kindle I have is used
on trips since I do not want to have my books ruined or
lost.
(Cindy Olp 12:50pm September 16, 2012)

I do not have a Kindle yet but think I will be purchasing one soon. I definitely have a keeper shelf
(Shirley Younger 12:50pm September 16, 2012)

I love my kindle, but I love my physical books as well. I am disappointed in the new signing rules for stores as well, that you have to purchase a book at the store that day. Because of this I was unable to go to a book signing yesterday that I was really looking forward too because we didn't have the extra money to buy books, and I had just bought/won those authors' new books and wanted to take those with me.
I have a very large keeper shelf actually, but I love the keeper kase idea. Right now, my autographed items like bookmarks are in a folder
(Alisa Jenkins 12:51pm September 16, 2012)

I don't have a e reader yet. I would love to try one though! Oh yes
I have a keeper shelf or better yet a drawer. I love my special
books. Thanks for the giveaway!
(Kim Cornwell 12:52pm September 16, 2012)

I have a few of the e-reader programs on my iPhone, but for my
Keepers.. I'll make the special effort to find the book, be it
paperback or hardback. It's too easy to me to stop reading an
eBook and not go back for ages, while a print copy is in my
hands and in front of my face until I'm ready to let go.
(Lori Howe 12:53pm September 16, 2012)

I love the feel of a "real" book in my hands, so I doubt if I'll go to an e-reader. Even though these books take up a lot of space, the books that are signed by an Author, especially those that are personally signed to me, have so much meaning!! They are like children to me, and I keep them in a special area. In fact, I only show them to people I can trust, because I don't want anything to happen to them!! There are only 2 things that I truly cherish when it comes to print copies - my knitting books and my SIGNED copies of my books!! I appreciate the Authors who give us a choice of either/or when they do their contests, and since you spread the word about the cards for book signings, it would be nice if you could spread the word for contests as well.
(Peggy Roberson 12:54pm September 16, 2012)

I ordered the keeper case. But I have all my books ready to be signed for when you come to Bowling Green Ky on the 18th. Can't wait.
(Robin Priddy 1:01pm September 16, 2012)

An avid reader and an old fashioned gal that loves to hold a book in my hands. They are so pretty now i.e. ROSES that I have put it on display in a book holder and it is in our bedroom. Many friends have copied my idea with their pretty books. Had a Kindle as a gift but prefer reading the old fashioned way...in my hands.
Pat Pascale
(Patricia (Pat) Pascale 1:03pm September 16, 2012)

Like the idea of Keeper Kase. Don't get to many book signings. Not
available in my area very often. I have a Nook color and the Nook app on
my ipad, but I stll love PAPER books. Their batteries never go dead and
they don't break if you drop them. But, I am glad ebooks and print books
are both available. Hope it stays that way forever. Love browsing at my
local Barnes & Noble- my favorite store/local destination. So relaxing...
(Shari Santella 1:05pm September 16, 2012)

An avid book there is nothing more SPECIAL to me than to hold a book, especially a brand new one, in my hands. They are making the covers, and now, the inside front pages so lovely that I have several scattered around our bedroom in a book holder. Many of my friends have done the same. Had a Kindle but I like to read a book, the old fashioned way, in my hand.
Patricia Pascale
(Patricia (Pat) Pascale 1:15pm September 16, 2012)

I have an e-reader but I also love to read paperbacks. The e-reader is perfect for when I deploy with the military and cannot take books with me. I love both as long I have something in my hands to read!
(Laurie Emerson 1:18pm September 16, 2012)

Thanks for a very thoughtful post! While I have a Kindle and
love it, I still buy a lot of books in paper format. 1)
because while I love the Kindle, the prices are still a bit
high and if I'm going to buy full retail price, I'm gonna
get a paper book 2) I still the look, feel and experience of
reading a paper book and that won't change. My "Keeper"/TBR
bookshelves (yes, plural!) will always be full (also b/c I
love, love, love the half price bookstore). So I'm a mixed
bag b/c the Kindle allows me to try new authors b/c they are
cheap and buy favorites but I'm still always going to still
buy paper.
(Erin Fender 1:23pm September 16, 2012)

I am only buying ebooks, but I still have paperbooks that I plan to keep until they disintegrate. My library offers ebook downloads as well as regular books. The selection of regular books is MUCH better, so I still read primarily paper books from the library, but when I buy, it's ebooks because of the space issue.
(Anne Muller 1:24pm September 16, 2012)

I have a kindle but I love having print books. I have a keeper shelf with my favorite print books. The keeperkase sounds like great. That is the one reason I still buy regular books so I can get them signed.
(Emily Bowes 1:27pm September 16, 2012)

I have many ebooks but still prefer to have a printed book in my hand when
I read. I will never totally depart from printed books but the space savings
with ebooks is phenomenal!
(Beth Kaake 1:35pm September 16, 2012)

I do not have an e-reader and have never read an e-book. I love having a book in my hand and I read constantly, keeping a book started at all times. I definitely have books I can't bear o part with.
(Gladys Paradowski 1:41pm September 16, 2012)

Kindals certainly have their place, but I am still one who wants to hold a book in my hands. I do have a keeper shelf of autographed and "read again" books.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 1:48pm September 16, 2012)

I received a Kindle for Christmas last year and love it but still also love my print books, too.
(G. Bisbjerg 1:51pm September 16, 2012)

I have been reading on an e-reader for 2 years now... more and more I turn to it, but I still love having a print book in hand. Being able to look and touch the story... seeing it on my bookshelves.
(Colleen Conklin 1:51pm September 16, 2012)

I have been reading on an e-reader but I still prefer to read print books. I have a keeper shelf at home. My keeper shelf are books that I really, really like and are memorable. I do have some autographed books.
(Kai Wong 2:18pm September 16, 2012)

I use both, and definitely have a keeper shelf, altho it's
more like a whole bookcase.
(Jackie Stieghorst 2:39pm September 16, 2012)

I have not moved to the ebook reading. There is something to be said for paper books. I feel the day is coming where I will have to accept technology, just not ready.
(MaryEllen Hanneman 3:06pm September 16, 2012)

I ONLY HAVE PRINT BOOKS. I DON'T HAVE A E-READER BUT LOVE TO
HAVE ONE TO READ E-BOOKS. I DON'T HAVE A KEEPER KASE THOUGH I
WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ONE. PICK ME. LOVE YOUR BOOKS.
(Shelly Caggiano 3:13pm September 16, 2012)

I have a Nook that I bought because I felt I was forced
to...by the publishers who are NOT printing books, i.e.
anthologies or because they go to HARDBACK or TRADE SIZED
first at a more expensive price. I am VERY price sensitive
as I have a "habit to support" (I am addicted to romance
books, lol). I prefer paper books to hold and read (and have
authors sign when I get lucky) but in today's publishing
world, in order to keep current with a series you HAVE to
have an ereader unfortunately. I read both but I prefer
paper EVERY TIME (OK off my soap box now)...
(Lenna Hendershott 3:15pm September 16, 2012)

I love my autographed copies of books. I love having my kindle but sometimes I just love the feel of a book in my hands.
(Cynthia St. Germain 3:22pm September 16, 2012)

I still prefer to read a paper book, but I do have the Kindle app on my Ipod and my computer. In e-format, I mostly read free downloads and borrowed e-books through the library. I have a large number (many shelves worth!) of keepers and an even larger number of TBR's currently. I also have a fair number of autographed books, and they are a particularly important part of my collection. I like the idea of the Keeper Kase and will feel much more comfortable with purchasing ebooks, knowing I will still have something I can get autographed in person by the author.
(Janie McGaugh 3:26pm September 16, 2012)

I have a Kindle but prefer to read on my iPad with the Kindle app. I find myself going through phases where it has to be a (real) book and other times the convenience of the e-format.

I am in the middle of a move right now so I have cursed the printed book a few times as I've realized how many I have and how heavy there are but there is just something comfortable about them.

The Keeper Kase sounds like an awesome idea for people that like the tangible memento.

Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 3:30pm September 16, 2012)

I read only print, have no intrest in a E-reader. I don't keep books, once read it is passed on to a friend to enjoy.
(Sheila True 4:18pm September 16, 2012)

I read only print books. I love to hold a book in my hands. I recently moved and didn't realize how many books I have until I started packing them. But I will not get rid of the keepers, as I read them over and over again.
(Rita Wray 4:36pm September 16, 2012)

I read both - real books and ebooks. Still prefer the real deal. ;) of
COURSE I have a keeper shelf - bookcase or two...
(Kelli Jo Calvert 5:10pm September 16, 2012)

I am not an e-reader...I love books!!! This sounds like a great book to read too.
(Bonnie Capuano 6:28pm September 16, 2012)

Dianna I love your stories but am one of the "old fashioned" types that like to hold a book in my hands. I don't have an e-reader yet or own any ebooks. I heartily agree with your view that reading in any format should be encouraged, and applaud your promotion of the Keeper Kase program to reach out to all your fans. Happy writing!
(Dana Wong 6:41pm September 16, 2012)

i would love to win your contest..sounds like a great idea...
(Kimberly Hoefs 7:01pm September 16, 2012)

I have a Kindle, and I love it; however, I still read real books at times too. I just love to read!
(Teresa Kerr 7:03pm September 16, 2012)

My daughter-in-law has lent me an e-reader to try but I still
like my "keeper" books. The Keeper Kase sounds like a great
idea. Thanks.
(Mary Hay 7:18pm September 16, 2012)

I enjoy reading both the physical book and on my kindle. Both make me happy. The keeper is a great idea and I hope it catches on fast. Thanks for the chance to win!
(Sally Hannoush 7:24pm September 16, 2012)

I read on both an ereader and on paper. There are some authors that are paper only and some that are ebook only. I have a complete set of Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, a copy of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Acheron and all of Jacqueline Carey's books on my keeper shelf.
(Jennifer Beyer 8:13pm September 16, 2012)

I have both a Kindle & a Fire but still read paper. Must admit I haven't read any of your books yet. Keeper shelf - OMG, try keeper shelves, boxes, stacks, etc.
(P Noda 8:30pm September 16, 2012)

i have arthitis so when my sister gave me a e-reader it was the best gift because sometimes my hands hurt too bad to hold a book. thanks for chance to win. jen
(Jennifer Beck 9:08pm September 16, 2012)

As much as I enjoy having my Nook, I still prefer print.
(Mary C 10:07pm September 16, 2012)

I have a Kindle, but still prefer hard copies.
(Mary Preston 10:25pm September 16, 2012)

I do not have a Kindle. I like print books. Book sounds great. Thanks for giving me a chance to win it.
(Linda Hall 11:29pm September 16, 2012)

I mostly read print books. And have no "keeper shelf". Maybe I should.
(Roxana Perez 3:56am September 17, 2012)

Sandy – A percentage of my e-books are formerly “not available” books I was
thrilled to get. I hope by this time next year authors everywhere will offer the
Keeper Kase Cards™ for these books.

Pam – I was definitely a hold out at first. And I never thought my 82 year old
MIL would read anything but a print book until I gave her a “touch” e-reader
and she loves it. So much easier for her to hold and take with her.

Heather – Well, now you can add a Keeper Kase™ to your keeper shelf as you
collect cards. ☺

Wilma – You’re like many of us who are still reading both – I get it and can
appreciate it! ☺

Kathleen – lol, yes, it’s the keeper bookshelf in my house too. And the keeper
area in the attic. I wish we knew there would always be print books, but NY is
not printing everything these days. They are moving to entire e-book only
divisions so grab those print books as soon as they come out in case there are
not second runs.

Kathy – I could never read on my computer. It feels like I’m still working to sit
here and read a book, but I do enjoy curling up with my e-reader and my
print books. I’m betting there will be a lot given as gifts this year.

Tina – Ah, thanks for the sweet note. Keep enjoying your keeper shelf and
just know that everyone is welcome to Keeper Kase Cards™, not just e-book
fans.

Cindy – I had someone tell me they didn’t take their books out of the house
for the same fear of losing them or getting damaged. Speaking of
conventions, I’ve signed a lot of e-readers, but those get upgraded so that
wasn’t solving the problem of giving the reader something to be signed.
Another reason behind what I did. ☺

Shirley – I was talking to someone the other day and mentioned the “keeper
shelf” and they gave me a strange look. I asked how many books they read a
year and the answer was “one…maybe two.” I asked if they had a place for
their fave books. No. That’s hard to ima
(Dianna Love 12:04pm September 17, 2012)

Shirley – I was talking to someone the other day and mentioned the “keeper
shelf” and they gave me a strange look. I asked how many books they read a
year and the answer was “one…maybe two.” I asked if they had a place for
their fave books. No. That’s hard to imagine. ☺

Alisa – You are the reader that I keep meeting who feels left out. I can’t stand
anyone feeling like they can’t come to an event. Makes me soooo unhappy. I
started carrying cards like this of books over the past couple years to give to
e-book fans and just sighed when I heard the new signing rules.

Kim – I love that – a keeper drawer. I bet you’ll enjoy the e-reader once
you get it. The blasted things are just too easy to use (dangerous to our bank
acct).

Lori – I have friends who read on their phone and that amazes me, but it’s just
a sign of the times. I wonder what we’ll be reading 20 years from now?
Something in hologram form?

Peggy – I don’t think a non-reader can appreciate just how important our
books are to us, and especially the ones we’ve had signed. As for contests, I
have one going on that is easy at my Dianna Love Fan Page (Reader Lounge)
where you can win books and a KINDLE FIRE tablet. It’s the Belador Scavenger
Hunt (under Fun & Games).

Robin – I’m SO looking forward to meeting you in Bowling Green tomorrow!!
(getting ready for this booksigning tour on my motorcycle is part of why
things are a bit crazy here). See you then!

Patricia – That sounds like a wonderful idea. I am so not good with decorating
(which amazes people because of me being an artist, but there it is). Hang on
to that Kindle for the books that NY does not print, but I know what you
mean.

Shari – That’s been another upside to doing the Keeper Kase™ - I’ve had
letters and requests for cards from all over the country, and many cities on
the return addresses are in remote areas. It’s nice to be able to offer this for
readers who can’t
(Dianna Love 12:17pm September 17, 2012)

Marjorie – May we always have our beloved print books and those we love to
read again and again. ☺

G. Bisbjerg – I think the holidays is when the biggest wave of new recruits
come to e-readers. My MIL just loves hers. She was pedaling her stationary
bike for a bit each day (after recent knee replacement surgeries) and called to
tell me she was up to 5 miles a day because of the e-reader I gave her.

Colleen – I love being able to peruse my books on the shelves and hope to for
many years, but some new books I’ve only been able to get in e-book so now
I’m going to be looking through my Keeper Kase Cards™ to find an “old
friend.”

Kai – Years ago, I kept EVERYTHING, because I didn’t have any books of my
own growing up, then I slowly gave up some so I could have a keeper shelf
and not have to move out. ☺

Jackie – Here’s to keeper bookshelves! I love them. ☺

MaryEllen – I feel for you because I was sooo reluctant to move to e-books,
but I think the upside of the electronic phase is that people and kids are
reading more, which is good for all of us. ☺

Shelly – Good luck with getting picked (I don’t do the picking ). With so
many upgrades going on constantly, I think a lot of friends and family are
passing on their original e-readers, which is nice so that other people can “try
it out.” Maybe you’ll get one from somewhere soon.

Lenna – That’s okay about your soapbox – I totally understand. We begged
our publisher to move from trade to paperback with one series just to get the
price down. That was before e-books were taking off. We just (finally)
convinced them to lower the cost of the first two e-books in our Belador
series, which they agreed, but it doesn’t happen until Oct . But we’re
always asking. ☺

Cynthia – There’s nothing like holding a book. It just makes me happy to walk
through a library or book store and open a book. ☺

Janie – I’m glad the Keeper Kase™
(Dianna Love 1:58pm September 17, 2012)

First I love the idea of the cards! I have an ereader and have had one for a couple of years and I love it! But I have a lot of books that I always buy in paperback to keep on the shelf! I have certain series that I have all of them in paperback! I will always have a keeper shelf! I will never have a house without books! :)
(Stacy Wright 4:11pm September 17, 2012)

I do not have an e-reader (unsure if I want one yet or not).
I'm happy reading print books and holding them in my hands...even tho I know I've been missing out on getting many free downloads of new books offered by authors. I do not wish to read from the computer and would rather be curled up on the couch and cozy when I read a book. I do have more than one keeper shelf (several bookcase shelves), in fact. I keep certain complete series of favorite authors and my autographed books. I do love the Keeper Kase too! A house isn't a home without lots of good books in it to make it homey!
(Linda Luinstra 6:36pm September 17, 2012)

The Keeper Kase is a fantastic idea! As a writer, I love it... as a reader I love it! I'm very happy with my Kobo, but I miss the impact of full-color glossy cover art. I'm going to sign up at Keeper Kase right now!
(Roxanne Snopek 4:06pm September 18, 2012)

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