Blog Post: Authors, please stop complaining

Do a lot of authors actually do that?  I must admit I don't do a ton of social media so I might be unaware of all of this kind of thing.

I think it's a fair summary. Obviously it's not all authors, and I haven't personally seen any of the second two points, but I've come across more than enough of the first in both trad and self publishers to see why some readers are getting sick of it.

Overall, I think the blogger's point is that authors should feel free to do their marketing so long as they do it gracefully and don't harass the readers. Who can argue with that?

On social media these days, there seem to be more authors than readers.

I have seen some of this...saw it from an author I used to love, she/he complained quite openly on twitter about how her/his readers didn't buy the newest book right away, and even got mad that readers bought the ebook and not the print copy in the first week of sales.  Needless to say I stopped reading that author.

We all have to remember that even forums like this are public. 

Aw.  :-(  It would make me really sad to learn my fave authors were angry because I didn't buy their books the right way or time or review them properly.  I think as authors we all know a certain frustration at times with how difficult it can be to get reviewed or noticed, but I mean, I agree, it shouldn't become a guilt trip for readers.  Now I'm sad...

I agree it's fair. I'm a reader too, probably more a reader than a writer, but I started doing this because I love words, I love articulating things, and I freaking love telling stories. I want other people to love my stories.

And honestly, it's great if one can make a living doing this and I would fall down to the floor in shock if I were to ever hit a bestseller list--BUT if I can write something or send a message to someone and it makes them laugh or happy or evoke something, then it's worth it - don't care if they downloaded my book during a free day or even on a pirated site. I want people to get pleasure out of reading what I obviously have pleasure in writing.

I think it's absolutely normal to experience frustration, especially if we're not hitting goals that we've set for ourselves, but maybe that means that we need to work harder--not the readers.

Again, just my opinion.

SteveHarrison said:

On social media these days, there seem to be more authors than readers.

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Yep. And we thought it was bad when everyone was a critic. Now everyone is an author, and you can't find a critic to save your life!

It's hardly controversial. She's saying that some authors behave this way and (politely) suggesting that they shouldn't and explaining why they shouldn't. Seeing as some authors do engage in this behavior, it's hard to disagree with anything there. She doesn't generalize, she's not rude, she gives some good advice, and then she closes with this:

"Give me a good book to read and I’ll follow that author to the ends of the earth."

I read it but to be honest, I have never seen this. The "select few" must be very select indeed. For a "select few" authors to warrant a blog post of chastisement entitled "Authors, Please Stop Complaining" -- it's misleading. I got the impression this was so widespread in social media, that readers were complaining privately to the blogger, prompting the post. I haven't read the comments section so who knows? It could be.

I agree with the blog completely.  Even though I sold a lot of my books, reviews is something I never really get.  To me that is ok.  I just like the fact that someone took a chance on my work.

Hi,

Must admit I haven't come across many authors brow beating readers into writing reviews. That seems a trifle bizarre to me.

Cheers, Greg.

I beleive it was on kboards where an author asked if they should private message everyone who had their book in their want to read list. So yes some authors do behave in this way although in the kboards case I think the author was disuaded.

Oh, I've definitely seen authors who scold their readers for not doing... whatever. For not leaving reviews, for not pushing their book to a huge sales day at launch. Fortunately, it's not common, but it's those types of cranks who get noticed and stand out. That's in any field, BTW.  I've seen an author who went on an absolute rant because readers were asking her which order her series came in. She flipped out because it was listed on her website. Okay, I get her frustration but come on. These are your readers here. Get a VA if you don't want to deal with the little stuff.

Cherise Kelley said:

Yep. And we thought it was bad when everyone was a critic. Now everyone is an author, and you can't find a critic to save your life!

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Haha haha I love it. Just had to say that.

I see a lot of this type of complaining / ranting.  Ego, frustration, and/or a sense of entitlement can make one do funny things.

My mindset in such things is simple: once the transaction has been made (money for book) then all is square.  I've been paid, and they hopefully got what they feel is a fair product for their price.  They are under no obligation to do anything for me after that transaction is complete, and I try to make it a point not to be annoying about it. If I do ask for something (i.e. help in promoting a new book) then I try to make sure I'm giving something back in return. 

Can't disagree with her but I'll add that it's probably the negative and unprofessional commentary from authors that's sticking with her the most. It absolutely happens but I think its a miniscule minority of writer's who are genuinely whiney, entitled, bat-sh!t crazy (who's up for hunting down some bad reviewers, in person!!!) or otherwise BBA's.

Maybe she just needs to follow different authors on FB.   

doolittle03 said:

I read it but to be honest, I have never seen this. The "select few" must be very select indeed. For a "select few" authors to warrant a blog post of chastisement entitled "Authors, Please Stop Complaining" -- it's misleading. I got the impression this was so widespread in social media, that readers were complaining privately to the blogger, prompting the post. I haven't read the comments section so who knows? It could be.

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I agree. Her article makes it seem like a wide spread problem and I've yet to witness an author doing this.

I also disagree when she says authors should contact the reader and thank them, even saying a generic thank you. In the comments, some readers say they are fine with it and there was at least one who said, no, that was stalker-ish behavior, don't do it.

I err on the side of caution.

I think it's absolutely normal to experience frustration, especially if we're not hitting goals that we've set for ourselves, but maybe that means that we need to work harder--not the readers.

Again, just my opinion.

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I agree with you, delly_xo

A

The blog post was a fair and reasonable point made by a reader. Even if only a small percentage of authors are public brow-beating hissy-fitters, it's a black mark on writers in general. Case in point: the commenter who immediately pointed a finger at self-publishing (as if trad-pubbed authors would never stoop so low? Mother, please.) Yep, we indies will likely be the red-headed stepchildren of the publishing world for the foreseeable future. All the more reason to stay professional and gracious and keep writing our collective fannies off.