Upset Author
I've seen a few discussions about this already, but not my particular case. I'm hoping to get some advice from more experienced book bloggers.
I had an author email me. At first I thought she was being friendly, but then she asked me not to review any more of her books. In the same email she told me where I could find them on Amazon.
I'm new to this. I'm only reviewing books I've purchased, some of them years ago, a few of them recent. I wasn't expecting an author to say something like that. I'm trying hard not to be offended, but if this post is time stamped you'll see it's keeping me awake.
The review I wrote wasn't even a negative one!
What would you do?
Views: 16
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Enbrethiliel on -
+JMJ+
Hi, Colleen!
I think that was really inappropriate of the author. =( Even though your own review wasn't negative, less-than-flattering reviews are a part of every writer's life, and if she can't deal with them, then that's tough.
I once wrote very critically about an author I had stopped reading, and was surprised--and kind of amused, really--when he popped up in my combox to lecture me on the tone of my post. I understand that he felt attacked, but his reaction to it really made him fall several notches in my eyes. A couple of my regular readers told me through e-mail that they felt the same way after reading his comment. That sort of thing is just not classy.
Anyway, I'm not sure whether what I would do in your situation is applicable to you. I'd definitely stop reading the author's books--but that would mean I can't review then anymore, either, which seems to be what she wants! LOL! I think I'd blog about it, too. I'd withhold the author's name, but I'd say that someone I used to be a fan of wrote me an insulting letter, and that I won't be reading that person's books any longer or recommending them to anyone else. If authors can't handle mixed reviews, then they are in the wrong profession, etc. And then I'd send the link to that post to the author, in my reply to her e-mail!
-
Permalink Reply by Deb Thompson on -
Good advice Enbrethiliel!
Remember that you have the freedom to your opinion and you have the right to express that opinion. If the author doesn't like it---too bad!!! I would definately blog about the situation. withhold names if you must, but I'd be tempted to copy and paste the actual email (that's just me though--i can have a mean streak and I hate being told what to do-- lol)
Would you mind sharing the author name here or in a pm??? I'd be very interested in knowing who it is.
Don't loose any sleep over it......
-
Permalink Reply by Deb Thompson on
-
Really I am a nice person...at least I think so. UNLESS, you get me riled up and then all hell can break loose. Thankfully, it takes a lot to push me that far, mostly cause my give a damn is broken and I'm just too exhausted to bother :)
Wow...sounds like that reviewer has some serious time on their hands.
-
BloggerPermalink Reply by Linda on -
I would blog about it and send the author the link. And maybe tweet it. And then maybe facebook it ....you get the idea.
-
Permalink Reply by Enbrethiliel on
-
+JMJ+
Yeah, I wouldn't want that author to get any more publicity from me than necessary. I'd probably always withhold the author's identity when I discuss her online, but you can bet I'd tell all my real-world friends! LOL!
-
Permalink Reply by Colleen Ryan on -
Thanks ladies. I appreciate the feedback. This is why I joined bookblogs. :) I don't have a twitter or facebook account, and like RYCJ said, I don't know if I want to put more effort into this lady.
I already purchased one of her other books, and now I obviously won't review it on my site, but I doubt I'll even read the thing!
I woke up this morning feeling much better about it. I'm going to let the matter drop. My next question is...she asked me not to review her books, do I take down my original review?
-
Permalink Reply by Deb Thompson on
-
No! Leave it up. Why does it matter what she wants?? Do you get everything you want? I know I don't get everything I want. You wrote your honest opinion (right??) about the book. It's ok to share it! I'm dying to know...pls hint as to who the author is. I'm going to be so sad if its one of my favorites. If you don't want to share the name maybe you could point us in the right direction on your blog. Btw, stopped by your blog and I really liked it. Adding it to my reader :)
Glad you are feeling better this morning.
-
Permalink Reply by Colleen Ryan on
-
Thanks. It's just a freebie wordpress theme, but I like the colors. I haven't reviewed a whole lot of books, so you might be able to take an educated guess about the author's identity, but I won't post it here. I doubt it's a favorite of yours, as I hadn't heard of her until I stumbled across her book.
Yes, it was my honest opinion, and I really didn't think it was a bad review. I haven't posted any bad ones yet!
-
Permalink Reply by Enbrethiliel on
-
+JMJ+
I'll agree with Deb that if you feel happy with your review, you shouldn't have to take it down because someone didn't like it.
(Criticism of your writing or review style is one thing, but what the author was giving you was not feedback.)
On the other hand, if you'd rather not promote that author any longer, then taking the review down could be your way of closing the door on a bad experience, shaking the dust off your feet, etc.
It's really up to you, but I hope you won't let anyone steal your joy in your hobby! =)
-
Permalink Reply by pussreboots on -
It's your blog. If I had received that email I'd turn it into a post and tell that author publicly all the things wrong with such a stupid and childish request.
-
Permalink Reply by Colleen Ryan on
-
Thanks again everyone. I'll leave the review up, since she didn't specifically ask me to take it down. I guess I need to wear my brass panties from now on.
That sucks, those things chafe.
-
Permalink Reply by Simcha Lazarus on -
I would also get upset if this happened to me, though try not to let it bother you too much or to effect the way you review books in the future. I think if you already bought the book you should go ahead and read it and review it, you did spend your money on it after all, but mention in your review this interaction with the author and how it effected your opinion of the book. There is also the whole turn lemons into lemon juice aspect- you now have some great material for an interesting blog post.
Good luck!
Simcha
SFF Chat
© 2013 Created by Tricia.
Powered by
