The newest reader-driven trend in digital reading is the ability to utilize apps and platforms that allow the reader to interact with an online community of fellow readers while they enjoy a good book. Kobo’s Reading Life app, now the highest rated e-reading app in the iTunes store and enjoying the highest user ratings from any reading software, allows its readers to track their statistical reading data, as well as earn badges and awards for their reading habits that can be shared on Facebook and other social networking sites.

Copia is taking the social reading trend a step farther with author-annotated texts. Essentially, Copia readers have the option to open a side-margin with notes from other readers, including the authors of many of the titles in their catalog. The author can literally add notes and comments for his readers, even after publication, that contain tidbits of pertinent information such as what he was thinking when he wrote this scene or how this character was actually based on a specific person. This anecdotal information can enhance the reading experience by giving the readers insight into the thought behind the art.

And it’s not only authors who can manipulate the texts. Readers can also choose to allow comments and information from fellow readers. While to some this information may be superfluous content at best, readers can assign the comments into specifically labeled groups, basically forming virtual book clubs and lecture groups.

To preview this new feature, Copia is giving away a free author-annotated text today (through May 29) through its site entitled Miss Entropia and the Adam Bomb by George Rabasa. Click here to be taken to the site for download. Copia is also celebrating Bob Dylan’s birthday today (May 24) through June 5 with free downloads of Revolution in the Air: The Songs of Bob Dylan, 1957 to 1973, by Clinton Heylin. Click here for the site.