Upset Author

[Colleen Ryan]

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?

[Juju from Tales of Whimsy.com]

Whoa! Really? So not cool.

[Marty Shaw]

The author is obviously in the wrong profession if she's going around asking reviewers to not review her book(s). Either she can't stand less-than-glowing reviews or she doesn't understand the benefit of free advertising.

Don't lose sleep over it. She's definitely not worth it.

[Mary @ The Sweet Bookshelf]

I'd let the matter rest. Leave the review up. Go ahead and read and review the book you bought of this author's. Don't let them deter you.

Sometimes book blogging can be a cutthroat hobby, and it's really sad. This is something we all love, reading. It seems that other people think they can tell us what to write and not write on our blogs.

Keep your chin up. Don't share the author's name. It isn't classy. Dust off your feet and keep right on going! You're doing great!!

Mary
The Sweet Bookshelf

[Colleen Ryan]

An update to this saga...the author emailed me back, with an apology. Thank y'all again for your insight and comments.

[Lisa Almeda Sumner]

I have to admit, I would have been surprised by this. Actually, I am surprised when someone actually reads my blog. In a way it's flattering; after all, the author is acknowledging the power of your words. It might be hard to do, but unless you are really inclined to accede to this author's wishes, you should probably just ignore the whole thing. It is a blip on your radar screen!

[Lynda Coker]

As an author myself, I know that not everyone is going to like my work, that's a given. But when someone puts their valuable time into reading and reviewing my books, whether that review is glowing or not, I try and thank them for their opinion and time.

As a reviewer, I strive to give honest reviews, in the case of a less than glowing one, in the most tactful way I can. Authors need reviewers and should never try to stifle the voice of that reviewer.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!

[Jen Knox]

Don't let it get to you, Colleen. An author who can't take criticism won't last in the business anyway ~ keep reviewing books. Authors like me appreciate it. (I'm a reviewer, too, so I empathize on both fronts).

[Colleen Ryan]

Thank you all. I joined Book Blogs to learn more about blogging and books, I didn't expect this community of support. It really helps!

I've begun reviewing again, after taking a few days off. It was a little speed bump, but it won't stop me. It was very nice of her to apologize.

Which brings me to another question. How many of you allow comments on your review posts? I'm sure there's a way to turn that feature off in word press, but I've received some nice comments from authors and readers alike.

[WonderBunny]

I love comments and it is wonderful to have a comment from an author when they see my review. So I think comments are a good thing.

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

I also love comments! =) It really makes my day to get a discussion going through something I've written. Yes, I occasionally get negative feedback, but that's part of the territory, so I try to take it philosophically.

I'm often disappointed when I come across a blog with interesting reviews and no place to leave comments. (On the other hand, I started a thread around here about bloggers who don't reply to comments--so I don't know which is the "lesser evil": allowing comments but not replying or not allowing comments at all!)

[Mary Salvato]

that is strange. if you didnt write anything negative I cant understand why the author asked you not to review any more of their books. maybe they didnt like your review style (???) but that doesnt seem to be a very good reason to ask you not to review them. There are some strange people out there, I wouldn't bother myself with any more of this authors books, keep your head up and move on.

[Evelyn]

Before I read any of the other replies, I'm going to say what I think (I'm good at that). Then don't review, don't read, forget about the whole thing, it was NOTHING less than rude!

I'm sorry, Colleen! And then to tell you where to find them on Amazon?!? Is she nuts?!?

I think it's an honor that anyone would think to say any nice thing about anything I wrote. She was so lucky but she blew it! Tsk! Forget about it! It's not worth losing sleep over! Ever! If you had been nasty, that's one thing but, come on!

Ok, now I'll read the others. I was mad and had to spit that out. :)