Abstract: A computer-implemented method and data processing system for creating and distributing electronic books employs a database storing information for authenticating author users and customer users. The system interacts with a particular author user via a first networked computer system to generate data representing a handwritten signature of the particular author user. The signature data and associated time stamp data are integrated into an electronic book to produce a signed electronic book associated with the particular author, which is stored in the database along with related ownership information. The system interacts with a particular customer user via operation of a second networked computer system to initiate purchase of a signed electronic book. The ownership information stored in the database is updated to reflect purchase of the signed electronic book by the particular customer user and to enable distribution of the signed electronic book to the particular customer user.