A while back I saw something on Facebook that is worth mentioning. A bestselling author had posted a screen capture of a message she'd received from a reader and her reply to it. The reader said that because of the author's politicizing things in their stories, the reader would no longer be buying her books. The author's reply? Basically it amounted to 'tough shit, I don't write for readers'.
To be honest, I've let enough time go by on this that I don't remember the author's name. I only know that it was someone whose name was easily recognizable to anyone who hasn't lived in a cave for the past ten, twenty years.
Anyway, I suppose it's easy enough to say 'I don't care what readers think' when you're already a bestseller, a known name, who's made a boatload off the sales to readers you don't write for. :shrug: So what if a few people stop buying her books? Millions of others will keep her flush.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not disagreeing with her. I guess I don't write for readers either. If I sat here thinking about what stories were going to garner me the most sales, I probably wouldn't be writing what I'm writing. Or I'd be selling a hell of a lot more books than I am now. Of course, it would be easier if I had a Big Five (or is it Three now?) marketing department behind me, putting my name in front of millions of readers. But that'll never happen.
I guess I'm disagreeing with the way she went about addressing this. Making it public for one thing. Shaming the reader who disagreed with her politics in a format for the world to see. If I remember right, the reader's name was even on the post. Might've been just the first name as the author addressed her personally. Something along the lines of 'just so you know, B, I don't write for your approval'. Umm, not just no, but hell no. You don't DO that.
Like I said, I don't remember which author this was*. I remember thinking that I'd read something of hers and didn't like it, so I obviously wouldn't be inclined to read her again anyway, but this put a nail in the coffin. Publicly spitting in the face of a reader isn't good for sales, nor should it be.
Lord knows I've DNF'd enough books because the opinions and the philosophies woven into the stories rubbed me the wrong way. Of course, I would never contact the author. And I don't review those books. My opinions are not going to change theirs and one lost sale isn't going to either. Especially when the publishing industry is on-board with the ideas being espoused.
The person who shared what this author had posted thought the author's reply was most excellent. I don't remember who it was. Not a friend friend, not even an acquaintance really, but someone on my FB friend list who is no longer on my friend list. If she thought the author's response was a good thing, then what will her reactions be to someone like me? Buh-bye. Call it a preemptive strike. Removal of potential conflict. Whatever. I don't need that shit in my life right now.
Jus' sayin',
*If you've heard about this and know who the author is, don't say her name in comments or I won't let your comment through. I try to make this as anti 'personal attack' as possible. Which, I guess, is kinda what she should've done.
Wow.
ReplyDeleteMy rule for myself is to give a very subdued response to any reader who's upset by anything (and, of course, I try to make sure there's nothing upsetting in my books in the first place). I do think it's important to acknowledge the statement politely or else things could escalate. Something along the lines of "I'm so sorry to have made you upset. I never want to write anything to take a reader out of the story world." And then just let it go.
Completely ignoring it is also okay, but riskier, I think, in terms of trolling.
Striking back? Unh-unh!
I don't remember who the author was at the time but I totally agree with you on her response. And yeah, there are a whole boat-load of authors I don't support with my money anymore.
ReplyDeleteAs for NY publi8shers supporting authors? Yeah, they do. If that author is already a big name or it's a debut author they just spent 6-7 figures on acquiring the MS. Or, if the book is all about current agendas. Mid-list and new authors are left out of that particular pie unless they fit a certain...demographic. Tis the way of the world presently. Anyway...I won't get started on that rant.
As you know, I keep my politics private and if a book pisses me off, I DNF it and get my money back if I can. I'm getting more discriminating and using the library whenever possible. One, that supports the library in tough budget times, and two, I'm not out money or hassle on a book I don't finish and have to return. There's a reason I'm doing lots of rereading.
As for bad reviews or people who don't like what I write? I ignore them. They're entitled to their opinions and they can take their reading time and $$ elsewhere. I certainly do. Sometimes, the trolls just want recognition so they can escalate. If I don't respond, they can't escalate and then get bored and move on. The "cancel culture" is an insidious, cruel attack by spoiled brats who've never faced the real world. I blame their parents and Dr. Spock. LOLOL (Yes, there's a long story/rant there too.)
Anyway. I don't need that shit in my life ever. So...there ya go.
I agree with you. Calling out a reader is beyond tacky.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've read, the big 3/5 barely bother to promote their bestsellers (unless it's political or a tell-all). Certainly not midlist or new writers. It's NOT worth the hassle and expense of dealing with them!