November 21, 2025
Hello, BFFs!
Let’s talk about readers—the ones who binge your series in a weekend, come to signings, and ask, “When’s the next book coming out?” They would gladly wait in line for you, even if that means just connecting online.
For years, indie authors knew they needed to:
- Write the books.
- Try to get people to notice those books.
The ebook revolution gave us mailing lists, Facebook ads, direct sales, and many useful tools. But… the market has changed again. AI-generated content, a surge of releases, and shifting platforms mean that visibility alone isn’t enough.
The authors who succeed build real, human connections with their readers.
Meet Digital Ebook Signing
We’re excited to introduce digital ebook signing—a new BookFunnel feature that lets you sign ebooks for readers at in-person events, online launches, livestreams, book clubs, and more.
See it in action: Reader @ravishedbydarkness captured the moment at Reader Nation, receiving digitally signed books from @av.asher.author and @authoremmaalisyn delivered straight to her email: “Digital autographs are officially a thing 😍“
Readers get a personalized, digitally signed copy delivered to their inbox and BookFunnel library, complete with your signature and custom message or tip-in page.
You gain an easy way to:
- Connect with readers as a real person
- Create superfans who remember meeting you, not just your cover
- Grow your mailing list while you sign
Why Ebook Signing, and Why Now?
Readers live online. Authors are selling direct, running Kickstarters, hosting Patreons, streaming on TikTok and YouTube, and Zooming with readers worldwide. It’s exciting, but can feel overwhelming.
Digital ebook signing offers a simple way to connect through the noise. It changes “I saw your post” into “I watched you sign my book!”
This isn’t just about novelty. It’s about:
- Standing out in a crowded market
- Preparing for algorithm changes
- Deepening relationships with readers who will buy every book you write
You don’t need a million casual readers. You need a few hundred (or thousand) who feel connected to you.
How It Works
- Set up your signing event
- Choose which book(s) to sign
- Add optional custom tip-in images (art, special editions, bonus pages)
- Connect your email list to collect subscribers
- Collect reader info
- In-person: Readers type their name and email on your tablet or laptop
- Online: Send readers a special link to request a signed ebook
- Sign the book
- Use a tablet, touchscreen, or touchpad
- Write your name, initials, or a full message
- Adjust pen color and line thickness
- Sign your custom tip-in sheet which will be added to your epub or set it to replace a page or element in your book.
- BookFunnel delivers
- Readers get an email with their personalized, signed ebook
- The signed copy is added to their BookFunnel library
- They can read in the app, send to Kindle, or download
No extra uploads or manual file juggling. Just sign, send, and you’re done.
Ready to Start Signing?
Digital ebook signing is rolling out now and available on your BookFunnel dashboard on eligible plans.
👉 Read the full knowledge base guide here.
And keep an eye on our YouTube channel. We’ll be hosting a brand-new webinar in early December with a full walkthrough of ebook signing, pro tips, and live Q&A.
Where Can You Use Ebook Signing?
In-Person Events & Conventions
At Reader Nation, readers were thrilled they could get a digitally signed ebook without buying a physical copy.
Use ebook signing:
- At your booth or signing table
- Alongside signed paperbacks and hardcovers
- For readers who prefer digital, travel light, or already own the ebook
- As a bonus with print purchases
- With special event-only tip-in pages
Online Events, Livestreams, and Book Clubs
Don’t want to leave your house? Same tool, new context.
Use during:
- Virtual book clubs
- Patreon or membership hangouts
- Live Q&As on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok
- Launch parties or milestone celebrations
Readers submit their info through your signing link. Sign live on stream or later and follow up with a “Your signed book is ready!” email. Either way, you’ve created a memorable moment.
Giveaways, Contests, and Reader Rewards
Signed ebooks make great prizes—no shipping costs, customs forms, or lost packages.
Use them for:
- Newsletter subscriber rewards
- Reader group giveaways
- ARC team incentives
- Thank-you bonuses for engaged fans
It’s just as easy to deliver to 1 winner as 50.
Kickstarter, Patreon, and Direct Sales
Already using BookFunnel for direct sales? Digital signing slots right in:
- Add a “digitally signed edition” Kickstarter tier
- Offer signed ebooks as Patreon rewards
- Let readers buy signed ebooks from your store and sign in batches
Readers get a premium experience and you get a repeatable perk.
What About Mailing Lists?
When readers request a signed ebook, you can optionally collect their email. BookFunnel either adds them directly to your connected email service or stores them in a CSV for later import.
Your signing events become a way to:
- Grow your list
- Tag your most engaged readers
- Follow up with new releases or special offers
Start Connecting With Readers
Connecting with readers is no longer optional—it’s crucial for a successful author career in a changing industry. We built digital ebook signing to make that connection easier, more magical, and more enjoyable for you and your readers.
Until next time!
