I’m not going to name names here, because if I do, I’ll forget someone and feel horrible. But I wanted to say a brief word of thanks to all the publicists, publisher representatives and authors I’ve worked with on Book Tours or just reviews in return for books who are friendly, decent and nice to work with.
The last couple of weeks have not be entirely pleasant along those lines, with one notable exception (if you’ve paid attention to what I’ve said, you’ll know who that was) — but I’ve received a few emails this weekend that I have actually been happy to open. They served to remind me that this thing can be fun and rewarding (beyond the reading), and that there’s a lot of good people I’ve interacted with over the last couple of years.
Since I started taking requests for reviews/tours/etc. I’ve dealt with people who can write, people who can work with people, and those who aren’t so good at one or the other. Since I blog about books, I can put up with people who give me a good book and aren’t the easiest to work with; and it really bothers me that I can’t be nicer when there’s someone who is great to work with and is having me read a book that’s not all that well done. There’s little sweeter than someone who’s easy (even fun) to work with and is promoting a good book. I need to do a better job of acknowledging this after the posts are done.
So, if you’re reading this and you think you’re in that last category? Thanks a million.
writerlady
Sounds like you’re on the right track!
HCNewton
Thanks!
Robert Germaux
Regarding people who give you a hard time, HC, you just have to try to ignore them. You’re providing a valuable service to all of us indie authors, and every one of those authors should appreciate that. Here’s a bit of advice. When I took a break from writing my mysteries (one of which you reviewed, so, once again, thanks!) to pen a book of personal essays, Grammar Sex (And Other Stuff), one of those essays was titled “Good Hearts.” It was about my teaching career in a tough inner-city school, where, unfortunately, I dealt with a lot of people, both kids and adults, who were extremely difficult, but I also had many, many students who were simply wonderful. I ended that essay by saying that when I look back on my three decades in the classroom, I don’t think about the problem kids; instead, I choose to remember the kids with good hearts. So concentrate on the authors with the “good hearts,” and block out the others. Take care!
HCNewton
Am trying to — and the feedback (which I didn’t expect) on this post is helping!
(you probably know this, but you are definitely not one of the more difficult ones I referred to — and not just because your last tour was in July 🙂 )
Matt Cowper
Yup, there are pushy people, cliquish people, self-centered people, and people who think a three-star review is the equivalent of tossing their book in the dumpster. Since when is three stars a bad review? Sheesh – what, you want automatic five stars from everyone?
Just keep doin’ your thang, and let the [expletive] [expletives] stew in their own bile.
HCNewton
Thanks, Matt. ‘preciate the encouragement