tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post7145708272106062101..comments2023-12-27T03:44:03.834+01:00Comments on Presenting Lenore: Book Bloggers Behaving Badly: Are YOU on an Author’s “Hate List”?Lenore Appelhanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664671644163369772noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-68186839125082974192010-08-05T02:42:06.382+02:002010-08-05T02:42:06.382+02:00Hopefully, this happens only with newer inexperien...Hopefully, this happens only with newer inexperienced bloggers and they learn from it and stop. I know we all make mistakes, but as long as we learn from them then we can warn others not follow our path.<br /><br />I'm still surprised about the hotel thing though...<br /><br />Great post Lenore!<br /><br />Anonymous, I understand what you mean, but I think bloggers who ask 'fun' questions like coffee and tea, are just trying to showcase your personality to their readers. It may seem lazy, but it's just a means to showcase you.Chottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14605095866387902624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-33855535695637126702010-04-18T18:23:39.999+02:002010-04-18T18:23:39.999+02:00Anonymous: I can hear your frustration...but I hav...Anonymous: I can hear your frustration...but I have to say, your comments put me off a bit because they seem so angry. You do know that book bloggers are not paid to interview you, review your book, etc... right? If you get coverage on a decent size blog with good traffic, that may boost your sales...No blogger HAS to take a book for review or interview an author. <br /><br />As a book blogger, I try to be courteous to all authors, publishers and publicists - including sending them links to any coverage I give the book on my blog. It takes a lot of time. Often I get a "thank you" but sometimes not. I have sent authors a link to a good review of their book on my blog and heard NOTHING back from them. I know authors are busy...but so are bloggers who often hold down full time jobs, are raising kids, etc... while maintaining an active blog.Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14332796775305098552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-49207197870388922442010-04-18T18:15:45.189+02:002010-04-18T18:15:45.189+02:00Oh, one more pet peeve: Unless you are a giant blo...Oh, one more pet peeve: Unless you are a giant blog, PLEASE have a single front door for author queries.<br /><br />Don't make me request and then track a review, interview, feature and chat each from four different 'coordinators' (especially if their names all start with the same first letter because I can't keep them straight) for your 200 follower blog. I'd do this for 'Dear Author' or whatever, but for a small blog, it IS a lot to manage with relatively little gain. Let me make one request and then offer me the coverage you think appropriate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-55816629248439120222010-04-18T18:11:47.701+02:002010-04-18T18:11:47.701+02:00Here's my exhaustive list of book blogger pet ...Here's my exhaustive list of book blogger pet peeves:<br /><br />1) Canned questions<br /><br />I just got through with the publicity push for my debut book (which is why I'm posting this anonymously), and going forward, I'm just not gonna do those lazy questions anymore:<br /><br />"So, tell us a little about your book? about your heroine? about your hero?" Please READ the press kit I sent you, or simply hit Google and you'll find the 50 other times I've answered these questions already.<br /><br />"How do you think of your characters? What's a day in your writing life like? Do you ever get writer's block? What's your favorite ice cream?" I bet you say this to all the girls. Actually, I KNOW you do, because all your other interviews have the same lazy questions.<br /><br />I invested a year and a half writing a heady book which easily lends itself to deeper discussion, two more years getting it sold, and a year waiting for it to hit shelves. The LEAST you could do is READ IT and ask me questions ACTUALLY RELEVANT TO THE BOOK. I honestly don't even care if you didn't like it or were puzzled by it -- I'm happy to talk with you about why. That makes for an interesting interview.<br /><br />Give me six deep questions that show an understanding of my work any day over 45 stupid questions about whether I prefer night or day or coffee or tea.<br /><br />Oh, I actually have one more pet peeve: "This book really made me think, was beautifully written and will stick with me for years to come. Three stars out of five."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-54126548194129411572010-04-17T18:21:27.731+02:002010-04-17T18:21:27.731+02:00I've been thinking about it some and there are...I've been thinking about it some and there are some great points in here but I think I would have missed out on some really great friendships if i'd worried too much about the rules of engagement.<br />I try to use my own judgement regarding what someone's time constraints might be like but more importantly this is like any new relationship. When engaging with authors, publishers or other bloggers it is important that the level of contact be two way. The other party will engage as much as they are comfortable with and that is a really good guide of what is acceptable. So yeah some authors I talk to almost daily through one medium or another and have a relaxed friendly relationship with, others I have a polite formal relationship with. It's not because some are any less brilliant or lovely as people but because they get to set the boundaries.Adelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12876050775872445521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-77228833534717225792010-04-17T17:58:01.970+02:002010-04-17T17:58:01.970+02:00hahhaha Ok it's official i'm totally a sta...hahhaha Ok it's official i'm totally a stalker. I went from an interview with one of my fave authors to exchanging about 30 emails a day and sharing a twin room at world horror.<br />He sends me his WIPs to keep me placid. ;pAdelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12876050775872445521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-63807956554169911182010-04-16T19:34:25.531+02:002010-04-16T19:34:25.531+02:00Let's all write Neil and tell him we want to h...Let's all write Neil and tell him we want to have his babies! lol And then maybe asked for autographed copies of all of his works. <br /><br />I'm fairly new to book blogging so it was good to read this post. Thanks! Definitely going to keep on eye on your page! : DSonora Moonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15718892190785895215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-34067083306213164312010-04-15T01:35:18.959+02:002010-04-15T01:35:18.959+02:00So what you are saying is I can't email Neil G...So what you are saying is I can't email Neil Gaiman and ask him if I can have his babies? In web speak of course. My email was going to look similar to this:<br /><br />oMg neIl i wAnT To hAVE UR baBIEZ!1!1!<br /><br />:P LOL seriously I can't believe people do that.Pam Phohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14190817860987781775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-39804803757218607412010-04-13T04:40:01.553+02:002010-04-13T04:40:01.553+02:00ok, I just realized I have a third thing, so...
3...ok, I just realized I have a third thing, so...<br /><br />3. I tweet all of my posts. I might say something like Review of The Sandman: Dream Country by @neilhimself. (this is a bad example because so far I have loved everything by Neil Gaiman, but you get the idea...the point is, I put in the @twittername of the author rather than saying the author's name. That way--and really, I only do this if I know the author's twitter--if someone hadn't heard of the author, they can click on it and see who it is). And why would people retweet a link they hadn't read?J.T. Oldfieldhttp://bibliofreakblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-55966634392483916832010-04-13T04:35:51.631+02:002010-04-13T04:35:51.631+02:00This was a fantastic post! Though I do have a few...This was a fantastic post! Though I do have a few things to say:<br /><br />1. I often agree to do a guest post, interview, or giveaway before reading the book (but that's at the time that the book is pitched to me and I accept it). Especially if it's a give away I still do it, because for one thing, I often invite authors (or their various representatives) to send me an extra copy to give away on my blog, because then I can have an international give away, which most publishers won't do.<br /><br />2. Instead of sending an author a negative review, you should send it to the publisher (in the publicity department). Print publications send every review to the publisher, whether it's positive or negative. While this is a courtesy to the publisher, it's pretty much routine.J.T. Oldfieldhttp://bibliofreakblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-47296177817772591682010-04-12T03:08:59.142+02:002010-04-12T03:08:59.142+02:00Fantastic post! I am so grateful that I have never...Fantastic post! I am so grateful that I have never encountered the bloggers you wrote about and that all of my experiences have been positive. Even when I've gotten less-than-stellar reviews, I love getting the feedback, because there's at least a grain of truth in 99% of all reviews. Thankfully, I have a lot of experience sifting through feedback to glean the useful information (I actually just blogged about this very topic), and I even think the negative reviews are pretty funny, so I appreciate it when a blogger lets me know that they've reviewed my books, good or bad.<br /><br />I also welcome emails from bloggers, because usually they want to talk about things that really interest me, such as the process of writing or the themes in my books, such as overcoming fears. So if you want to tell an author how much their stories mean to you, I encourage you to email them. They might not have time to reply, but it certainly can't hurt, and it just might make their day.<br /><br />Lastly, as a self-published author, I want to apologize on behalf of the other self-published authors out there who aren't "potty trained" yet in the etiquette of interacting with bloggers. Self-publishing is a growing and evolving field, and although it drives me a bit crazy that the bad apples are giving the rest of us a bad name, all I can <br />do is try to serve as an example to others. In fact, I think I feel a blog post coming on... :)Jacquelyn Wheelerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11330080808098351829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-27991897172733274612010-04-11T15:25:57.264+02:002010-04-11T15:25:57.264+02:00great post! I am sure much of this bad behavior i...great post! I am sure much of this bad behavior is done unwittingly (although some seems downright rude!) and its good to have a frank, honest discussion about decorum in book blogging!Booksnychttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11197753056299399065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-775049184510658612010-04-11T01:00:57.394+02:002010-04-11T01:00:57.394+02:00That is one fine and shocking list, Lenore. Kudos ...That is one fine and shocking list, Lenore. Kudos to you for putting it together.<br /><br />In general, I try to keep my blog more personal and conversational, so I've not encountered many of the problems you mention (*wipes forehead*), but I did make one small flub early on--I emailed an author about getting a copy of her book. In my defense, the book wasn't due out for <strong>*months*</strong> and it was one of those books that had me doing to peepee dance because I was so eager to read it. Luckily the author was super nice and forwarded my request to her publicist, so it all worked out in the end.<br /><br />Also, I have to agree with a couple comments about the author interviews if you <em>haven't</em> read an author's book. Sometimes a synopsis of the book is enough to pique my interest and make me want to learn more about the author. Granted, I haven't done many author interviews, but I could certainly come up with a number of interview questions from researching their career (and blog, if they have one).<br /><br />As far as negative reviews go, I do feel bad when a book doesn't live up to the hype or my expectations, but I would never rub it in an author's face. In fact, I go out of my way <strong>*not*</strong> to tell the author/publisher (unless they specifically email me and then I'll let them know the review was not flattering and ask if they still wish to see it).<br /><br />But on the flip side of the coin, I'd think that most authors could <em>benefit</em> from the negative commentary. It's a basic blueprint of what may have gone wrong in their story or plot or writing.<br /><br />When I write a negative review, I try not to be unduly harsh (and I won't criticize an author personally), but I call it like I see it and do my best to explain what went wrong and why, hoping that an author--should she happen upon it--would take those words (possibly cross-referenced with other negative reviews) and make her next book that much better.<br /><br />In any event, I do believe I shall print this post and use it as future reference. :DAnn-Kat (Today, I Read...)http://www.todayiread.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-35009631919404334722010-04-10T22:30:25.909+02:002010-04-10T22:30:25.909+02:00Great post! One thing I disagree with is the -- no...Great post! One thing I disagree with is the -- not interviewing an author if you've not read their book. I see no reason NOT to. In fact, if I have an interest in a book that is coming out or the publisher tells me that I should have an interest, I WANT to talk to the author--all the more reason to. I want to know why I SHOULD read the book. The author is the best resource in the world for why I should run out and pick that book up the day it comes out. The whole purpose of the interview (at least for the author) is to expose the book to as many potential readers as possible. If the interviewer has already read the book and is coming to the discussion as one with pre-knowledge of the book it almost takes the fun out of it for potential readers (the rest of the world). It is a missed marketing opportunity in my opinion. <br /><br />Other than that, great advice on both sides. I think most peolpe blogging about books are awesome, fun-loving, respeftul and appreciative people who love books! Sometimes, lines get blurred and without regulation or clearly defined rules things can go awry. <br /><br />Happy blogging-<br />Georgia McBrideAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-19033073066412046142010-04-10T21:01:52.688+02:002010-04-10T21:01:52.688+02:00This comment has been removed by the author.A.S. Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07885909085176901212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-47707053368949236612010-04-10T21:00:10.767+02:002010-04-10T21:00:10.767+02:00This comment has been removed by the author.A.S. Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07885909085176901212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-28481021539445631652010-04-10T20:35:30.408+02:002010-04-10T20:35:30.408+02:00I meant that it was sort of a slippery slope. If y...I meant that it was sort of a slippery slope. If you start by reading only positive reviews and ignoring the negative ones, it seems easy to go from there to the assumption that everyone loves your perfect writing and there's no need for an editor.<br /><br />If authors get enough feedback from their editors etc. and aren't interested in reader reviews, great. But if they <i>do</i> care about reader reviews, then I think they should look at both the good and the bad.Zoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02592373990864946490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-29328158162527041292010-04-10T09:03:34.420+02:002010-04-10T09:03:34.420+02:00Horserider - Obviously, some authors are going to ...Horserider - Obviously, some authors are going to be ok with giving interviews before you read their book or before their book comes out. I guess the point is to ask politely and accept their answer politely, even if it is a no.<br /><br />Mindi - I agree that there are a lot of questions you can ask that have nothing to do with an author's actual book. And of course, if some one is doing a sneak preview or an interview about your cat or another author's work or, or, or...you get the picture. There are a ton of exceptions to this "rule".<br /><br />As far as ARCs go, that is certainly one way to handle it as an author, to tell requesters that you are putting them on a list to pass on to your publicist. That way you let them know it's up to your publicist who gets the limited copies and you don't have to feel so bad that you can't give one to everyone!Lenore Appelhanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16664671644163369772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-30666729318753807422010-04-10T08:56:24.227+02:002010-04-10T08:56:24.227+02:00Zoe - I've heard many cases of big authors not...Zoe - I've heard many cases of big authors not wanting anyone to edit them anymore. If they don't listen to editors, why listen to reviewers? Maybe if it drastically effects sales? I don't know.<br /><br />And it does take a lot of time to keep up with my blog - for sure! But as a book lover, it's very rewarding :)Lenore Appelhanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16664671644163369772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-57291567812268362762010-04-10T07:29:10.855+02:002010-04-10T07:29:10.855+02:00Lenore, this coupled with your "April Fool...Lenore, this coupled with your "April Fool's" post make a very interesting (and disturbing) picture of both sides. And from the look of all the comments, it looks like you've struck a chord.Heather Zundelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16621649337908358313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-58053596430667197002010-04-10T03:26:37.084+02:002010-04-10T03:26:37.084+02:00Whew! Fortunately, I don't think I'm guil...Whew! Fortunately, I don't think I'm guilty of any of those things. Except maybe not letting an author know I'm giving away his or her book. I'll have to remember that for next time--but only if I liked the book. Sometimes I giveaway books I didn't like. I'm sure the author wouldn't care then. Great list, Lenore.Literary Felinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079276242303738719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-75236495660984159512010-04-10T03:24:01.392+02:002010-04-10T03:24:01.392+02:00Answer to Confused: Speaking from my comics experi...Answer to Confused: Speaking from my comics experience but it should be the same: if I reach out to a site hoping they'll do me a favor like a review or whatever, i should expect to hook them up with a book. May come from the publisher or from me, but I owe them a book.Jason Hendersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05975124815574681097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-70475054340059200882010-04-10T02:59:25.639+02:002010-04-10T02:59:25.639+02:00That was great advice. Now I know what to do and ...That was great advice. Now I know what to do and what NOT to do. <br /><br />I haven't contacted an author yet, but hopefully soon.<br /><br />MelinaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-42259005624879935872010-04-10T00:06:24.177+02:002010-04-10T00:06:24.177+02:00Very, very interesting post! As a debut author, I...Very, very interesting post! As a debut author, I have to admit, <i>I</i> learned some things from this!<br /><br />For example, I've had quite a few ARC requests come to me personally. I just thought that was how it worked and that I am supposed to pass the request on to my publisher. I've never been told otherwise. Ha!<br /><br />Also, NO ONE has read my book yet, but I don't have a problem with people asking for interviews. I feel like there are more things we can discuss than <i>just</i> the particulars of the story. :-)Mindi Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09880240063993710879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987167496142681464.post-39201643720487103782010-04-09T23:43:17.947+02:002010-04-09T23:43:17.947+02:00Another great post!! Do people actually ask author...Another great post!! Do people actually ask author's to pay for travel expenses to meet them? I don't believe it!Stephaniehttp://stephanieswrittenword.comnoreply@blogger.com