I have been blogging for the past 8 months, and I am surprised at the rate at which my now dormant blog Ritesh Kala’s Book Reviews and my current blog home, Alexia's Chronicles has become known to authors. I have had some authors virtually steal my heart by how they've approached me for a book review, guest post, interview or blog tour, always gracious and understanding and not being pushy.
Having said that… there have been some that have royally pissed me off with their attitudes. Having talked to other bloggers, I now realize that this is not a problem which is faced by me only. So, I am going to vent a little. I hope all authors read this and take something away from it. I am definitely not ‘attacking’ authors as a whole, just positive criticism. This is going to be (at least) a three-part series, so be sure to come back! 
1. Read the review policy: This is the one I’ve heard every blogger crib about, and I do mean EVERY! With the rise of indie authors, the number of review requests we bloggers get has gone through the roof. I know you authors are busy, what with all the writing and editing, marketing and spending ‘quality’ time on Facebook, but we have a life and commitments too. So, the least an author can do is read through the review policy of a blog and follow the guidelines. If I like to read fantasy and SF, don’t send me requests for women’s literature. On my blog, I currently state that I am not taking any more review requests. This, authors would know if they took the time to read the bloody review policy. But, I’m amazed. I still get review requests by email.
~Alexia: This is a major pet peeve of mine. Why should we, as bloggers take the time to read a book as well as write a review when an author doesn’t take the time to read our review policy? It takes 5 minutes (not even) to read through our policy… it’s take us a good couple of hours to read a novel.
~Alexia: This is a major pet peeve of mine. Why should we, as bloggers take the time to read a book as well as write a review when an author doesn’t take the time to read our review policy? It takes 5 minutes (not even) to read through our policy… it’s take us a good couple of hours to read a novel.
2. Draft personal review requests: How many of you bloggers have received a review request starting with “Dear Blogger …”, say Aye! I really wonder how that is possible with my blog; my blog name and URL both contain my name. Hmmm … I really have no clue. I think they’re sending out mass emails to bloggers off a list generated by someone. Frankly, if the authors cannot take the time to visit my blog, read the review policy, take a look around, or even draft a personalized email, I definitely don’t have the 10-15 hours I will spend on reading their books. ~Alexia: Amen
Actual letter: "I came across your site via explain how you found the site and can see that you’re a fan of the fantasy books. ADD IN 2-3 sentences of personalization based on reading the blogger’s bio and taking a quick look around their site. And I’ve followed you on list sites you followed them on, so we can stay in touch that way now too. ...." ~Alexia: Kinda insulting… this is our passion, it’s what we love. Our parents gave us names – USE IT.
3. Don’t attach your books with the review request: Do I need to say more? Really? Assuming I will be interested in a book and will just accept it, even if it is in a genre I love is the fastest way to get me to reach for the Delete button. Just don’t do it. And, I recently heard of one author who sent out unsolicited Amazon gifts of his book to bloggers. I assume he has a ton of money he likes to throw away. In that case, why don’t you just send some my way? I could really use that new Kindle. ~Alexia: Oh, me too please ;)
4. Don’t assume your book is the best thing since sliced cheese: “Hi, I’d like to request a review for my book. It is in the fantasy genre and I see that you love books in this genre. I just know you are going to love my book. It is really great and has a terrific story with so many twists; your head might start spinning! As I know it is something you are really going to enjoy, when can I send you a copy and which format would you like it in?” This is what I got as a review request once, well not exactly this, but you get the picture. I may or may not have embellished it a little. There was a link to the book on Amazon in there too. No asking if I want it, just shove it down my throat, right? As I said, don’t assume your book is the best thing since sliced cheese.
5. Not giving out review copies: Wow, this one is a doozie, and something I will not forget for a long time. I had one author approach me to review his book, and I asked for a review copy, he just sent me a link to the book on Amazon. Wondering what was going on, I asked him if he would be sending me a review copy. This is when he tells me that he can’t send out digital review copies, as there is a possibility that the book will be pirated. What? Really? This is your first book and you are not J K Rowling. If you think bloggers are pirates, why do you approach them? Do you know I could very well pirate your book if I wanted to even if I bought it from Amazon? And, to top it all off, a couple months later, he was giving his book away for free in KDP Select. *shakes head* Of course, I took all this as a personal insult, and refused to review the book. Come to think of it, I think I let him off a little too nicely!
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So AUTHORS, what do you think? Do you think this is too harsh? Do you believe avoiding these 'pitfalls' would help you in getting a better 'hit rate' with bloggers?
And BLOGGERS, tell me if you've had similar experiences. Also, what is your biggest pet peeve regarding how authors approach you with review requests? Leave a comment below, and I could add it to my ever expanding list. Of course I'll give you due credit to bringing it to my attention and will add a link to your blog to the posts.
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I haven't experienced anything like this yet, being on the blogging scene for less than a month or so, but I see why you would be pissed when these things happen to you. I'm shocked that an author actually asked you to review his book and then sends you a link to buy it!
ReplyDeleteHi Lyra and welcome to the crazy world of blogging. You are going to just love it here! I can assure you that you'll come across such behavior sooner of later, but just move past it. It is totally worth it. There are a few more things you'd be wise to know right up front, so I hope you follow along with the series!
DeleteWelcome Lyra! Please don't let these 'points' put you off, it doesn't happen too often anymore - I guess they realize when they see no reply :) The delete button is my best friend sometimes :)Happy blogging!
DeleteOh yes, please give your blog name so we can come visit and spread some blogger love!
I have had stuff like this. Recently I got an email from an author that practically ordered me to read their book. I think the whole email was 2 or 3 lines long in total. I was pretty shocked and refused.
ReplyDeleteOh! That one comes up in part two of the series! I've had that one too.
DeleteWow! Rude much?! When that happens to me I hit the delete button faster than they can say "PLEASE" :)
DeletePretty much an "Amen" to all of the above!!
ReplyDelete♥Isalys / Book Soulmates
Of course :)
DeleteI once got a request addressed to 'Dear Rosie'. There's nothing about any Rosie on my blog anywhere. Even my email address is emsreviewsbooks. I'd think that would suggest that my name is Ems! I also have gotten quite a few requests to review erotica lately, even though it's very clearly stated in my review policy that I do not read erotica and a request like that is an automatic NO.
ReplyDeleteMost of the time though, I get awesome requests from authors who have clearly read my policy and respect it. Those are the ones that get responses!
I once had a request on my old blog (Ritesh Kala's Book Reviews), addressed to a girl's name. And this was sent by a publicist. Now that is completely unprofessional, and just goes to show that even they are not immune to such 'mistakes'.
DeleteCheese and rice... that doesn't float my boat at all! Most of the time I also get fab requests! We love those! lol
DeleteOkay, Ritesh...and Alexia. I'm actually chuckling right now. Before you get angry at me...the reason I am chuckling is because when I was considering going the traditional route of publishing, these were the EXACT same complaints coming from literary agents.
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of all writers out there, I appologize for the rude, inconsiderate douchebags out there that are treating you like chattle. You don't deserve it, and I commend you for speaking out.
I just hope eventually you won't see this idiocy, but some people are simply lazy. I'm going to tweet this out because I think it should be known.
Thanks so much for your post!
Christie Rich
Thank you Christie for understanding. I suppose no one likes to be treated like chattle, agents included. lol
DeleteMe... angry at YOU... NEVER lol :) It's authors like you that keep me going! Thank you for being YOU :)
DeleteLove ya xx
All of the above drive me crazy... and I'd add in sending "follow up" emails. One guy started mailing me weekly and I just hadn't had chance to check out the sample! In the end I declined without reading just to get him off my back, so that isn't a good strategy to take with me.
ReplyDeleteI actually moved from giving my email address to giving a (google docs) form, so people can't just cut and paste, but have to answer specific questions. It has helped a lot :-)
Rachel, that is not a good strategy to take with anyone! This is something that will come up in part two of this series, a point about DEMANDING reviews.
DeleteOh google docs form! Fabulous idea!! I've also received follow up emails... like seriously, I have a life too, a job, a household, etc. give me a chance to get to everything...
DeleteHi Ritesh, as I may have mentioned earlier, self-publishing is an oxymoron. As an author when do you approach and when do you step back. Its a delicate dance. Given a choice I would step back completely and just focus on my writing...it boils down to: Why do I, the author write in the first place? To be read or for fame? I suppose if one answers that question, the priorities fall into place. Well said Ritesh!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laxmi, but I don't think stepping back is an option for any author now, self or traditionally published. As long as they need to interact with people, being considerate is always a good idea.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYES! Oh my...All of them except #5 has happened to me. Sometimes constantly. I decided that if they are to go like that, especially not reading our reviews policies, i will just stop replying and accepting copies.
ReplyDeleteOne guy send his book, and we actually reviewed it. Even tweeted him about it. A week later he send me again an email to review it again? I mean wtf?
Also i really hate when they don't even put a summary of their books at the emails. I mean how difficult it to attach a link of Goodreads or Amazon or even their site? :S
I've had authors not responding or acknowledging a book review a lot of times, but sending another request after you've already reviewed the book? Now that is a new one!
DeleteNever heard of that happening before! Def hasn't happened to me, I'd track 'em down and MAKE them acknowledge my review, because dammit I put in a lot of hours and effort. *sighs* I'm getting worked up now... lol
DeleteWhen Ritesh and I are busy organizing guest posts and interviews and authors have 'booked' a date, but don't respond once we've sent the questions and what not, then Ritesh has to take over, more often than not, I get super upset and sometimes come across as rude-ish ;) lol
This past weekend, a friend suggested #3 to me as a way to get bloggers to review my book. I told her it would be a Bad Idea. (She's neither an author nor a book blogger.)
ReplyDeleteI would attribute #4 to being a clueless newbie -- similar to writing, "I'm perfect for this job!" in a cover letter to a prospective employer. Too much enthusiasm, not enough useful information. ;)
I agree Lynne. I'd rather have the authors ask me before sending me a book. All it takes is one more email!
DeleteROFL. I'm laughing only because every one your complaints are so ridiculous (for an author to be doing), that I can only wonder what they think they're doing. I never heard of mass mailing bloggers for reviews. Shoot, writers who lived before the digital age learned right off the bat to never spam editor and agents that way. The same would apply to reviewers. It's a real shame that the very people writers need are the ones they're so blatantly abusing. I'm glad these authors aren't on the majority.
ReplyDeleteHi T.C. believe me, it happens more often than you think. A new method now being used is to not address the blogger at all. Such emails begin with something similar to "Hi, ...".
DeleteAgreed T.C. :) Thanks for understanding!
DeleteRitesh and Alexia, rude people exist in every walk of life and as your post demonstrates, Indie Authors are not excluded from this. I would like to think they had enough common sense not to use these types of approaches, but obviously I am wrong. So, on behalf of all the moronic, douchebag, Indie Authors out there, I would like to apologize for their insulting behavior. As an Indie Author myself, I would like to thank the two of you and all the other wonderful bloggers out there who have helped us launch our books and propel us to some, however large or small it may be, degree of success. Without people such as yourselves many of us would find it much more difficult to spread the word of our books. Many thanks! xxoo
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne, it is because of authors like you and the many others I have come across who have been genuine and extremely nice that I continue blogging. Your kind words mean a lot!
DeleteWell said Ritesh!! Thank you :) I'll have an extra dry martini with many olives on you tonight :) xx
DeleteI'm an author, recently self-published, like, a week ago. I will be looking for review sites, and I am glad I was shown this. Not that I would ever do any of the above, and honestly, if authors are doing that to you? Feel free to call them douchebags :)
ReplyDeleteI understand the time required to read, edit, review, all that stuff. And the better a reviewer you are, the more people who want you to review their stuff etc.
I believe YOU are doing the author a favour by giving them exposure, so all power and reverence to you :)
Thank you Matthew for understanding. I have to say that few authors are like this, but as you will see over the series of three posts, a lot of authors fall for at least one of these. So, putting this out there should help both authors and bloggers. Thank you for stopping by, and hope to see you for the other two posts too.
DeleteThanks Matthew :) We aren't professional reviewers but we love reading and reviewing books, and if we really love a novel, we'll promote the poop out of it :) lol
DeleteThank you so much for this post Ritesh and Alexia! I'm a newbie to the book review scene and have not encountered any of the problems, yet. But, it's best to be warned and be prepared in case it does happen.
ReplyDeleteHi Kyymm, it may just be a matter of time and so is good to be prepared. Just try and always give authors the benefit of the doubt atleast once. When I had just started blogging, I am sure I made a lot of mistakes in my interactions with authors, which I would not have, had I known about what to do.
DeleteRitesh is the master mind behind this post, I just helped with adding a few points and giving my "two cents" lol :)
DeleteRitesh master minds a number of things behind the scenes of the virtual blog tour I run also... He is just so smart sometimes it is scary.
DeleteHi, Ratesh and Alexia,
ReplyDeleteI self-published my first book over a year ago and absolutely agree with what you've posted. Prior to self-pubbing, I submitted to many agents, editors, and publishers, where very similar rules apply (know their names, do your research on the types of books they accept, etc.). The ONLY piece of your post I might want to add something to is #4. As authors, you get SO used to rejection, and one thing I've heard over and over again at conferences and workshops is that you really have to sell yourself and your book. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps some of the authors who've come across as thinking they're all that are just trying to be positive/hopeful? Kind of like when you send off a cover letter for a job and end your letter with, "I look forward to hearing from you soon." But I absolutely appreciate your point that there's a difference between being positive and being pushy. ;)
Thank you so much for taking the time to share these thoughts, and thanks for all of your help in supporting authors and our books!
I agree Jolene, it can be a bit murky and easy to misunderstand the authors' reasons. But quite a few times, it stands out clearly. Also, I think getting your book to the right bloggers is much more important than "selling" it well enough that every blogger will want to read it.
DeleteI just posted on my blog, '7 tips to writing a review'. One person commented saying she did a review for an author, gave her three stars - and the author got pissed and never spoke to her again! I would add (and maybe you'll cover this in future threads), authors should NEVER respond in a negative way. They should approach bloggers for an honest review, not a sure-fire 5 star rating!
ReplyDeleteTerra, I think each and every blogger who writes 3 star reviews must have gone through this. And yes, I will be covering this in a later post under the heading "Going to War". :-)
DeleteHey Terra, good to see you here :) We both read your post and had a mini discussion on it... you made very valid points and I'm trying to include your 'suggestions' in my future reviews! Thank you! I feel strongly about bashing an author in a review, if you didn't enjoy the novel then there's no need to be rude and rag on the author! wtf? Why would anyone do that?
DeleteI totally agree with not reading the policy. I only review indie authors and I still get requests from publishers. I'm also picky about what genre and STILL get requests from others. I set up a very specific way to request a review for a reason not just because I want to give an author a bad time. I want to spend my time reading and reviewing their books, not emailing back and forth explaining why I did it that way. Seriously? I'm over two years out on my reviews do you seriously think I have time to email-chat? Great blog. Can't wait to read the other two chapters.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, thanks for stopping by. I really don't think anything can stop the odd person who will not follow guidelines, and I still have to do a lot of back and forth while setting up guest posts and interviews. But that I like, coz it helps me to connect with the authors.
DeleteI have wracked my brain trying to figure a way to reach you, Sue. Sent an email to your suggested mail via Yahoo, but that wasn't right and it bounced. I also can find no 'policy' on your blog site. How can I connect with you?
DeleteBest,
Karleene Morrow
Alexia has kindly reviewed my first book for me after I asked her politely. The fact that she had been wanting to read it for ages made me happy, so I did give her a copy and simply said, "I really hope you enjoy it." I didn't demand that she review it for me and didn't demand that she read it right then and there. I was just really excited that she wanted to read my book, let alone review it for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd I was incredibly pleased with the review I did get. We talked about it for ages :P
As for the "no name" bit. That is incredibly rude. What if you were to turn around and say in the review, "this author" or "what's its name"? They wouldn't like that at all. So I completely agree with you on that on. You have a name, so use it.
Reading the review policy. I know it by heart because I read it everytime I visit this blog.
If authors, especially ones that are with a company and not publishing themselves, want a review, they need to ask nicely because whatever they say, however they act, it all goes back to the publisher and company and not only makes the author look like a complete fool, but makes the publisher and company look bad.
So yes, you do have a right to be annoyed by what has happened, or is still happening. And it's within your right to vent it all out.
I know I sure would!
haha yes we did talk about it for ages... I will totally book bully you for the rest :)
DeleteI have to say that if an author that I speak to often (and you all know who you are) asks me to review their 2nd/3rd novel and not ask as stated in the review policy that is totally fine by me... only because I know them and we have built a 'relationship/friendship' over time!
After I published my first book in May, I went looking for sites that reviewed books...after all, that's what everyone says to do. After visiting more than a dozen sites that clearly stated, they either had a back-log of books to read or weren't currently accepting new books, I realised that the review sites were overloaded. They didn't have time to read my book; I asked a few people who did still accept, but realised it was a long shot.
ReplyDeleteSeeing the demand for reviews, I began reviewing books on my site. I didn't advertise because I hand-pick all my books I read and review. I post only once a month (I'm a slow reader), but I hope that I can help a few writers a year get a little exposure. Since I just started, I haven't received any requests, and reading this post makes me wonder what world I've entered. I also started author interviews on my site, so I imagine as it grows I'll 'meet' a few of these rude, unrealistic people you described. Fortunately, my delete button is fairly quick. I've no time for these types of people.
The lack of courtesy these days can be quite shocking. We can only hope things will improve and not grow worse as time passes.
Diane, don't get me wrong, most authors I interact with are just plain awesome! But even they can stumble on a point or two of what I will be discussing over this series. I just think that authors should keep these points at the back of their minds when talking to book bloggers, and in many cases in general too.
DeleteI love the Internet, but lament the fact that it can be so impersonal. It's too easy to forget that people reside at the other end of that stream of electrons. Your examples are funny and sad at the same time and I can only imagine if these authors are being so lazy and inconsiderate in their attempts at promotion, what can we expect from the quality of their writing?
ReplyDeleteRant away! The more posts like this there are out there, the bigger chance we'll have of stopping this sort of unthinking behavior.
Thanks Alan for understanding. I think the personal nature of social media is what I like best. People tend to forget the 'social' aspect of it.
DeleteI admit, I have drafted review requests w/o personalization. Can't recall if it was because I wasn't sure of the name or not. I do remember I was contacting a couple bloggers at the time, so it might have been I saved the draft instead of rewriting it from scratch and forgetting details. I'll remember from now on to always put in the blogger's name.
ReplyDeleteI have a question too. Is it better to give a link to the book you wish reviewed or to include the book blurb in the email when requesting a review? I linked to the book's amazon page so the reviewer could read the blurb and know what my book was about, but if book reviewers would rather I copy the blurb into the email, I'll do that as well.
Patricia, it is always a good idea to do both. Quite a few bloggers also list what they want in a review request email, and you should follow it if you find something like this.
DeleteThanks. I'll keep that in mind. =)
DeleteBeing on both sides of this I can't agree more. I am an agent/publicist for Self-Published authors who "choose" self-publishing. With the flooded market everyone is trying to top each other.
ReplyDeleteWhen I write a request to someone, I have:
#1 visited the blog in question - made sure they are a match for my author. Why I ask would you not have done this as an author? Don't you want to make sure the person you are virtually handing your life blood and "baby" to will be a good parent for it?
#2 Followed that blog is every possible way known to man... of coarse I want to see the fruits of my labor, I want to see if it was a good match so I can learn from my mistakes or my authors. If they find something they didn't like I want to make sure that isn't something we should fix. At a publishing house there is a whole team of people to catch mistakes and still some slip by. With an Indie (or at least mine) we have 1 editor, 1 designer, and a few beta's (god bless them). some Indie's can't even afford that so don't you want to follow-up with the people who have read it?
#3 add them to a spreadsheet. Why would I want to double up on my work? Nope, not me. I add the date I contacted them, when the accepted or declined and if the latter the reason. That way I know whether or not the book just didn't interest them or if they are just busy at that particular time and maybe follow up in a few months.
#4 Be gracious and kind. This should have been #1... but really respected peoples opinions people. Not all books are a match. I have a few reviewing pet peeves but we are all in this together there is no reason to get upset if someone didn't like your baby, not all kids are all that lovable, lol j/k (sorta)
Thanks Nicole, the only reason I can think of, for authors not doing this is the fact that all of this takes a lot of EFFORT. As I said in the post too, we bloggers too put in a lot of effort in reviewing the books we get. I spend hours writing a review to make sure that all the points I can think of, for liking a book are getting covered, that I am giving positive feedback to the author if I did not like something, and to see to it that I am not being to harsh. The last one I fret over endlessly.
DeleteI so agree, I agonize over my reviews. I research and post links, sometimes pictures. It takes me a long time to produce a great review. I stared in this as a passionate book lover and I always take way to much time. Especially with ones I love, authors have to understand that we only do it because we love it. NOT to get free stuff. They have no idea how much time it takes to run a blog and review, I spend thousands of dollars each year on books and countless hours perfecting my craft. Just like they do.
DeleteNot too harsh at all. I try to be as courteous and polite to bloggers and reviewers as possible and you would think it would be common sense to do so as you guys do authors a huge favour by essentially giving us free advertising. It's a business, something else authors fail to understand, and so you have to present yourself as a business person...aka PROFESSIONAL. The importance of that cannot be emphasized enough.
ReplyDeleteHi Lavinia, I can't believe some authors don't get this simple thing. They don't realize how much their behavior on social media can impact their image and sales.
DeleteI'm a Literary Publicist and have been working in social spaces for more years than I care to count. On each one of these points, I wholeheartedly agree. And, no, you're not being harsh calling out bad behavior. I would go as far as making and publishing a "Black List." It's nothing new, but it gets attention and those that grace the list learn very quickly to behave and treat bloggers with the respect they deserve.
ReplyDeleteLol, I agree, that would definitely teach them! A little harsh maybe, but it could be a useful tool against serial offenders.
DeleteI had one author email me asking me to buy her book (electronic version was _only_ $14) so that I could review it. I wrote back saying that I do not purchase review copies and that I would be prepared to review her book if she send me a free copy. I seem to have offended her - when we met at a convention recently, she was talking to a friend, I went up to say 'hi' and she gave me a filthy look.
ReplyDeleteI had another author send me a review copy (after asking; I agreed to review her book) then shortly after I received the book she went on twitter saying reviews were redundant and pointless. I decided not to enter into a redundant, pointless activity on her behalf.
I also have a policy of not reviewing or giving publicity to authors or publishers who have bullied me or been bitchy towards me personally and my work, both specifically and as a medium (e.g. you attack fanzines, I don't touch your work). This way I'm not seen to be submitting to bullying or, if I make negative comments about book design, for example, I'm not accused of bitchy retaliation.
At present I don't have a review policy up, but I need to keep polishing my website (the website is only 2.5 months old). The 'about' page still only has a placeholder (advert), with no other details. After reading this blog I think it's definitely time to work on that.
Hi, having an "About Us" page and a review policy are essential I think. They can save you a lot of trouble, both with sorting through requests you have no interest in, and with implementing a "rejection policy". So, I'd say, get to it as fast as possible!
DeleteAs an author I have not contacted anyone to ask them to review any of my books. I'm still pretty new to the game but I would think that what you are asking is not above and beyond here. I don't know what it would be like to be a book reviewer and just have people to overwhelm someone like that. So your gripes are legit and should I ever contact you about my books, I'll follow your guidelines.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicole. You should ask bloggers for reviews, most of them are terrific people, as long as you follow their guidelines. lol
DeleteI think I'm just going to repeat what everyone's already said here, but as an author, I just find it rude for others to assume anyone will want to read and review their books. I have several indie friends who have self published and have seen many of them say repeatedly to read review policies before sending in your book and to remember you are asking for an HONEST review when you do. Just because you think your book is the next NYT Best Seller doesn't mean they do. I think everything you have to say is enlightening. :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes. That is one thing most bloggers dislike .. a lot. We give honest reviews, not 5-star reviews. Authors need to remember that not every book is meant for everyone.
DeleteRitesh, thanks for this blog. I don't see it as a rant but as a lesson. I am a complete newbie to this. I learned a long time ago to laugh at my own mistakes and I am chuckling right now. I just recently finished my first book, got on Facebook and, through just sheer enthusiasm, sent messages everywhere. (I had just signed my book up for the KDP program and had it on a free promo and was all excited about the idea of people reading it.) I included a link to my book, because I had just found out that I could, and figured that would make it easier for them. You know, the blurb and the sample is all right there on Amazon. Never did I think that these poor people are probably getting a hundred messages a day and dealing with demanding and rude people. Just figured they love books and might want a free one and maybe if I was lucky they might like it and actually review it. It never occurred to me to find out if there was a submittal procedure. The book has been out a couple months now I have learned a lot. Today, even more. To think that in my enthusiasm I might have offended someone, anyone, gives me the shivers.
ReplyDeleteHi John, I do get these messages sometimes, and it does offend me if I don't really know the author. The best way to judge whether what you're doing is right, is to think if you'd like it if someone did it to you. If the answer to that is yes, you'l, more often than not, be in the clear.
DeleteHi Heidi. I don't really expect them to thank me, but I'd really like them to acknowledge that they've seen the review. Some don't go through the trouble of even doing that much!
ReplyDelete:) My side...
ReplyDeletehttp://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/07/why-natalie-star-is-pissed.html?showComment=1342986789996#c3938686018406085465
Thanks Natalie!
DeleteLoving the ongoing discussion. I'm reading all the back comments to get caught up. Can't believe I did not comment on this blog Ritesh. Forgive me?
DeleteI've been blogging since October and after reading the five complaints in this blog post I have to admit that I've been very lucky. The authors and publishers who have contacted me have been awesome. In my review requests all I ask for is a blurb and I get that or a link to the blurb (say on Amazon or Goodreads) which is fine.
ReplyDeleteMy name isn't on my blog so I do get a lot of 'Dear Voracious' or if they see me on Twitter 'Dear C.C.' I don't mind those at all because it means they have been to my blog or my Twitter account. I can't recall getting a 'Dear Blogger', but then my memory isn't what it used to be. :)
My one and only author complaint comes from Goodreads where an author friended me in the hopes I would review his book. I replied I would be happy to review his book if he would send a review copy. He said no. Um, ok. Bye.
I am not a greedy person. I did not start a book blog to get free books. I started a book blog because it seemed like a natural thing to do since I read so much. The free books just followed and I'm happy to read and review especially for indie authors. I like to think I'm helping someone realize their dream. My blog and all that entails (emails, reading, writing the reviews, posting, Twitter, FB, etc) take a lot of work and a lot of my time. I really don't think it's much to ask for a review copy. I don't share my copy with anyone except perhaps my husband if I think it's a book he'll enjoy.
So there's my opinion on these first five complaints. I'm off to read the next post. :)
I'm shocked at this behavior and a bit embarrassed to be an author. However I did pass kindergarten where I learned to work and play well with others. This is appalling, selfish behavior and stupid, to boot. Basic good manners can sure make one stand out in a crowd like the one you describe. I hope authors will get the hint and learn to be considerate, polite and think about someone besides themselves for a change.
ReplyDeleteGreat start to a series of post. I'm loving how polite and respectful the discussion has been.
ReplyDeleteRead your policy page. If everyone's policy were as clear as yours I think it would be easier for authors to know what to submit/not submit... if they read the full page.
Thanks for doing this Ritesh and Alexia. I'm loving it.
I have had a couple people approach me for reviews and then not offer me a copy of the book. In once case, I was interested in the book and bought it anyway, and now the author has been harassing me to review it for him! Seriously? If you wanted any sort of consideration to move the book up on my list, you should have sent me a copy... I had the same answer from the guy, too: "I don't want to send a copy as it might end up being pirated..." I wonder if it's the same guy? I did manage to pry a review copy of one of his books out of his hands, but he insisted that I delete it from my computer as soon as I had read it. Then when I commented about a lot of typos and such, he started harassing me to re-read the updated version of his book and tell him if he had fixed everything... Ummm... dude, I'm an editor, I get *paid* for doing that sort of thing. If you want me to edit your book, but hire me, right? *sigh*
ReplyDeleteBut most interactions I've had with authors has been terrific, honestly - I always remember that a couple bad apples doesn't spoil the whole bunch.
Off to read post #2!