I have a weak spot for authors. The kind who take time to respond to a twitter comment or visit me here on my blog. The ones who aren't trying to pitch their books. Well, maybe they are in a way. But they don't mention their books--at least not at first. Their simple act of outreach makes me curious about them--and their books. Maybe it's intentional on their part. Maybe not.
What I do know is that it sparks my interest, and I've been known to seek out and buy the author's book. It may take me a while to read said book given how large my TBR collection is, but it is added to my personal library just the same. If it's a book I am not interested in reading myself, I keep it in mind for others.
Sometimes the attention and kindness an author shows other bloggers and readers has the same effect on me. However, a negative interaction can be a big turn off.
This is just another something I have to be grateful for since I began blogging. Not only am I influenced by other bloggers and their reading recommendations, but I have the opportunity to meet authors as well and check out their books.
Are you more motivated to read a book by a friendly author?
What I do know is that it sparks my interest, and I've been known to seek out and buy the author's book. It may take me a while to read said book given how large my TBR collection is, but it is added to my personal library just the same. If it's a book I am not interested in reading myself, I keep it in mind for others.
Sometimes the attention and kindness an author shows other bloggers and readers has the same effect on me. However, a negative interaction can be a big turn off.
This is just another something I have to be grateful for since I began blogging. Not only am I influenced by other bloggers and their reading recommendations, but I have the opportunity to meet authors as well and check out their books.
Are you more motivated to read a book by a friendly author?
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Most definitely! I made a commitment at the beginning of the year to accept review copies from only a few authors, but after meeting two authors online and through Twitter - not pitching their book, but commenting and chatting - I happily accepted review copies of their books. And, fortunately, I loved both of them.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Just recently I accepted an ARC from Wendy Wax, who, in the past, has actually purchased her own books and signed them and donated them for my ALL event. I have been taking a break from ARCs but I had to do her this favor because she was so nice!
ReplyDeleteI met a wonderful author through blogging and to date I've purchased everything he's ever released because I've come to know him more like a character. This reach extends past authors, though. I found my editor through reading articles on editors and reading the comments they left. A lot of them were really nasty comments! I chose her because she was tactful and light-hearted no matter what the articles said.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you said. I am more likely to buy an author's book if they have contacted me personally have reading a review on my blog too. I've also been known to be turned off by author's based on comments they have made that I've read.
ReplyDeleteOf course! After a while the friendly authors feel like old friends to me.
ReplyDeleteOh, absolutely! If they take the time to put themselves out there I like to return the favor.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! :)
ReplyDeleteYes and no. Obviously the attention is nice, but most of the time they expect something. I would rather discover the book on my own, read it and THEN chat with the author. I feel awkward about interacting with authors too much before reading the book; I think it sets up unrealistic expectations on both sides.
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on the author and their genuineness. I like interacting with authors, but I generally don't accept pitches directly from authors because then everything seems awkward (and most I have been pitched directly I have had issues with). It's just uncomfortable to say, "Thanks for the free book, but I didn't like it at all."
ReplyDeleteI love it when an author takes the time to send me a message or leaves a comment on my blog. I have tremendous respect for authors, and feel like when I get to speak with them that it's like rubbing elbows with a celebrity. I have been known to buy a book or two based on an author contact, and also to accept review copies from them. I never expected that when I began to review books that I would someday be chatting with their authors. A good interaction with an author just makes my day!
ReplyDeleteI definitely enjoy the opportunity to interact with authors that my blog gives me!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments! I found it interesting how many of you automatically thought of ARCs and review books. :-) I was actually thinking more along the lines of books I've bought on my own as a result of an author's friendliness. But, when I think about it, the holds true for review books as well.
ReplyDeleteI do understand what Marie is saying about unrealistic expectations and awkwardness that might creep in on either end if I don't like a book, like Alyce suggested. There is always that possibility.
I totally agree! Michelle Moran - she is awesome in the bloggy world, has a great internet presence, and I've collected all her books. Love her! Yet I've yet to get around to reading her!! She's just one of a ton of authors I love but haven't read yet.
ReplyDelete