A Writer's Good Friend: Kindle Notes & Highlights

Recently, a number of writer friends have switched from the use of Kindles to the Nook or stated they are thinking of doing so. They've had different reasons for buying a new Nook. Always wanting to stay informed, I decided to do a little research about features and pros and cons to the different devices. No ereader is going to be perfect, but I know various things that are important to me.

It didn't take me long to know why I won't be making a switch from my Kindle to a Nook. At least not in the immediate feature: Notes and Highlights.

I learned that (a) the Nook has no backup of highlights and notes and some users have lost theirs during a software update and, more importantly, (b) the Nook has no way of copying the highlights and notes made to use elsewhere. The latter is what I consider the best feature of the Kindle, at least for writers.

In talking to a friend who was considering the switch, I mentioned this and discovered she had no idea that she could access all of her Kindle highlights. So I shared with her how to do it and how I used it. She was so excited, I thought maybe it was worth repeating in a blog post, so here goes:

Anytime I highlight or note something in a Kindle book, it can be found on my Kindle page on the Internet. I go to kindle.amazon.com and sign into my account. Then I select the "Your Highlights" link at the top of the page. (Note: All graphics in this post are linked to larger versions; just click on image to enlarge.)

Below are some of my highlights in a research book about the rough riders. When I am finished reading a research book, I can come to "My Highlights" in my web browser, then I can highlight my notes and highlights, go to Scrivener, and paste them into a research page. (They could be pasted into any program a person likes; Scrivener is what I use.)

Here is where I've pasted them on a page under Research in Scrivener:

So let's say I'm looking in Scrivener at the highlight from location 52 (see arrows above). It isn't giving me quite the info that I want, but I remember what I need is near this spot in my reading. So I click on that link to location 52. My Kindle for Mac app pops open on my MacBook to the Kindle book. Then I can look for the info I want in the book itself. Here is the Kindle app screen shot:

This feature is so valuable to me that I would never switch to another reader unless they provided the same kind.

Thus endeth the lesson.

~robin

Comments

[Annette]

I have a Kindle, plan later this year to buy a Kindle Fire. It has been a great investment.

[Susan Mason]

Hi Robin,

I'm thinking of buying a Kindle. Any advice on which one to get?

Thanks.

Sue

[Karen King]

Wow,Robin. I have a Kindle and didn't realize this. Thanks so much for sharing!!!!

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

Susan, I have the Kindle Keyboard and really like it. However, I got to play with my daughter's Kindle Touch ($99) and it is terrific. If I had to get a new one today, that's what I would buy. However, there is supposed to be a new Kindle out in July, so I would wait a bit. Also, I own an iPad so don't really want a Kindle Fire. But if you want to do more than just read, you might want a Fire. I love the e-ink technology of the regular Kindle. It allows you to read in bright sunshine, same as a printed book.

[Judy Miller]

Really appreciate this info. I've wanted to be able to access all those Kindle highlights in an easy manner--didn't realize I could. You've made me very happy!

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

People I know who have Kindle Fire's really love them.

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

You're welcome!

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

So glad it was helpful, Judy!

[Charlotte Carter]

Robin, I don't have an e-reader 'yet' but I still found the information about the rough riders very interesting. I'll mentally file away the info on joys of Kindle for the time I actually break down and buy one. Thanks for sharing.
Char....

[Hilarey Johnson]

Thanks, I had no idea!

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

I'm glad the info is helping other writers.

[Susan]

Thanks so much for posting this! I followed your directions and found my Highlights page. I am delighted! Thanks again.

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

Glad to help!

[Writing Training]

I recently bought a Kindle and was a bit clueless on how to view the pages I’ve highlighted. It’s a good thing I came across your post. Thank you for this!

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

So glad it was helpful and that you found it.