Another question about contacting authors...

[Simcha Lazarus]

Would it be considered inappropriate for me to approach an author with a question for a blog post that I'm doing, if I didn't give the author's book a rave review?

I recently read a book that I gave a mediocre review to, though I did highlight some of the positive aspects of the book as well. And while I didn't love the book I would really like to contact the author, who seems like a very interesting person,  with some questions for a blog post that I'm putting together.


Would this be OK for me to do or would an author be likely to take offense?

[Skip O'Neal]

As long as you are honest about your intentions and quote them accurately should they agree, I don't see any problem here.


thereadingape.blogspot.com

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

I think it's all right. =) So I hope the author is a good sort, unlike some of the more onion-skinned ones I've been reading about on these forums.

I, too, can think of an author whom I'd love to meet in person, because she seems so funny and friendly on her blog and videos, but whose books I think are middling to really bad. =P Yet my situation is a little different from yours because I haven't left an electronic trail of reviews. (Hmmmm. This isn't helping, is it? LOL!)

Good luck contacting your author! I hope you get a good response. =)

[William Bentrim]

As an author who never got a mediocre review LOL, I love hearing from anyone who admits to having read one of my books. The only time I got disgusted with a review was someone who gave me a poor review when I knew they hadn't even seen the book since it wasn't in publication yet. I am still puzzled over that. Anyway, if you are willing to put your name on the cover, you are probably strong enough to weather the reviews. So I would suggest you ask your questions.

[Simcha Lazarus]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on the matter. I'm glad to know that you all think this would be an acceptable thing to do. And the author does seem like a rather nice person, so I'm hoping it will be fine.

Thanks again!

Simcha

[ben brown]

I think it would be fine, if I received a poor review, I would like the chance to respond.

Regards,

Ben

[Windy Hamilton]

Many writers build a shell up to handle criticism. If they don't do that, they won't get far. You have to accept criticism from editors, publishers, and whomever you ask to review your drafts. Because of this most writers are willing to talk to you, and you might be surprised to find may want a copy of your review if they don't already have one. (Whether it is good or bad).

I know that sometimes I have problems getting people to read my drafts for me because they are worried about hurting my feelings. Far from it I am craving the feedback so I can improve what I write. My goal is to get as many readers as possible and that doesn't happen if your work is not well written. We need the feedback.

http://littlefroglittlefrog.blogspot.com/