Here are a few things Jonathan says to remember.
"We're in the entertainment industry." Chose the personality you reveal on social media. You want the readers to remember you, not the title of one book. Stay out of politics and avoid religion. Use humor but keep your audience in mind as far as level of crudeness. Share personal stuff but not private stuff. Ask questions instead of just making statements. Don't say, 'I love this movie,' but rather ask for an opinion on the ending. And don't be a celebrity all day long. Talk about things other than writing or your books.
"Never respond to a negative review." Jonathan shared a personal story of making that mistake early in his career. It really is a no-win situation for the writer. In addition to that, never talk about rejections on social media. Only share your successes. Also use your social media to be a cheerleader for your genre. Here's what Elizabeth Spann Craig has to say bout responding to negative reviews.
"Remember this is a business when talking to agents or editors." This isn't about social media but about not making a fool of yourself to another professional. Jonathan pointed out how many writers make sport of the quality of writing in such series as Twilight or the Fifty Shades of Gray books. We claim our writing is nothing like that. Jonathan points out that any agent or editor would love nothing more than to contract a hit series like those books. We're talking major money like in the billions. Every agent wants to discover the new Twilight. Saying our work is nothing like that series only shows that we don't understand that writing is a business.
And now this picture because we all need a smile today. Have one of those at work?
Like many of you, I get most of my news online. When news worthy events are unfolding, Twitter can be the source of fast up-to-the-second reports. But it's really scary to see the viciousness expressed on Twitter. What is more disturbing? That people have such hateful thoughts or that they share their virulence for all to see? Let us all be kind in words and deeds.
Hot weather found us last week and we're expecting more of the same this week. I love this weather. Not sure if I'd feel that way if I didn't have my pool, but I do have it so I'm loving it. Ankle has healed enough that I'm back to walking but a ways from jogging yet. And I'm staying on flat surfaces and not setting any speed records. It still feels good to be exercising outside again. And it gives me an excuse to buy more music.
Do you agree with what Jonathan said about Twilight? Have you read some horror stories about authors responding to bad reviews? What would you like to see in vending machines?
25 comments:
Most interesting post to read Susan.
Have a good week.
Yvonne.
We need that vending machine at work.
Reveal personal no private. That I can do.
We don't have a pool, so I really do hate this heat...
Lots of important points covered here. Professionalism is key, regardless of the business.
Now that's a very cool vending machine!
Mayberry said it in a nutshell.
I think people find it too easy to act like morons when they know they're untouchable.
Great post, Susan! I especially liked the parts about readers remembering you, not just book titles and sharing personal, not private, information. Oh, and avoiding politics and religion.
Glad you're healing and enjoying your summer!
I think that was wise advice not to respond to bad reviews. Let them "fade away" so to speak and focus on the good reviews and other ways to promote one's self.
Glad to hear the ankle is healing up and you are able to get out and about and get some exercise in. We are tolerating the heat here (which I'm sure we will have into October) and you are right, the pool is definitely an advantage to take the "sting" out of the hot weather.
betty
Very true, ignore any hate. And yeah, people hate easy when they can hide behind the internet. Very true about Twilight and such too, you have to play the game sometimes.
I think it's sad that people have such hateful thoughts, which were probably there before the advent of social media. Where's the compassion? I still haven't figured out how to use twitter... :D
Great advice! "Stay out of politics and avoid religion." I steer clear of these. And it's funny you mentioned not to reply back to negative reviews, because I was just looking at an author's one and two star reviews yesterday and to each one he responded to them. A reviewer even called him out saying it's not good to respond to every negative review your books get.
I've read a few horror stories and plan to not respond to those negative reviews! So many disasters out there!!
Glad you're healing! I'm not a fan of the hot weather - but the pool would definitely help!
Hi Susan - if I liked whisky - I'd be happy .. but I can't stand the stuff! I did make vodka iced Christmas pudding once - it never set! The points above are so relevant ... good luck with the improvement and being able to get out and about a bit - cheers Hilary
Always be careful what you say online as it's there forever. No one wants to wind up on the site Writers Behaving Badly.
There are way too many people out there who need this advice. Thankfully, I haven't heard about any authors throwing review tantrums lately.
I've seen some horror stories happening with authors responding to bad reviews. They were always train wrecks that ruined the author's rep more than the review.
I also stay away from politics and religion -- as a matter of fact, I'm doing a lot of unfollowing these days because I don't like the tone, the lies, and the ranting attacks. That's a lot of wasted energy that could be spent on constructive projects to help make things better in this scary world.
Responding to negative reviews is also a waste of energy. And when I read for review, I only review what I like and want to recommend. Some books don't appeal to me but others may love them. I'm not into trashing another author's hard work.
And as for vending machines, I'd just like to see really good chocolates...like Belgian dark chocolate truffles. Yum!
I really heard what he had to say about steering clear of politics. I've done that, but some writer friends have not, and I'm shocked at what they're going on and on about. For me, politics and religion are matters of personal choice, and while I'm fine with a discussion about either, I'm not fine with an online tirade.
I struggle with the politics thing. I would never post anything political on my author page but it is really hard not to on my personal pages. I try to frame it within a larger concern for society but I'm not always successful at that.
As soon as a vending machine sells common sense, i think i know a lot of people who could line up for it! You've got a lot of common sense here in your suggestions, you can go find another line.
I think he spoke properly regarding Twilight. I actually thought the first chapter was well-written, though I've only read the first chapter. I don't believe that I've heard any such horror stories. A vending machine for stories would be cool. Perhaps just a tiny booklet for fifty cents.
Great advice. You know, there was only once I responded about a negative review on one of my books, because it was so flippin ridiculous (since it came from a man in his 50's and the book is VERY obviously written from teens or women). Had to stem the growing vitriol by pointing out that he wasn't the intended audience, and why did he pick up the book in the first place? Damage control worked. Surprise! But other than that, no, I've never responded to a negative review.
Hey, if a book like Twilight sells so well, then the author must have done something right. Learn from it, don't just put it down.
Now that Hostess in back from bankruptcy, what I want to see in a vending machine are Susy-Qs!
Reading is subjective and as writers we should remember this. Slanderous reviews have no place in the reading/writing world and should be ignored. A thought provoking post, Susan. Glad your on the road to recovery. Swimming is an excellent way to build up your strength again. Have fun!
Yeah, we don't respond to negative reviews, nor do we make it a habit to talk about politics or religion. I mean, who cares what we think about either? I don't really agree with Jonathan on the whole Twilight thing, though. I'm proud that our work isn't anything like Twilight, and just because Twilight's a billion dollar seller, that doesn't make it good. I'd rather write a well-written novel that makes very little than create a poorly-written bestseller in the name of the almighty dollar.
Writing is a business, sure. But it's also an art. And if you're only focusing on writing as a business and not as an art, then you have no business writing. Just our 2 cents.
I try to stay away from anything controversial. I think one thing many forget is that social media is FOREVER. Whatever you say stays for anyone to read so you need to be aware of what you put into the universe because it can negatively impact your business as an author
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