There was a topic not too long ago on Romance Divas from a woman who was seriously annoyed by lack of author response to emails. Since the beginning of the year she's sent out 125 emails to authors telling them she enjoyed their book (mostly ebooks) and 23 have responded. She also went on to say that most authors were new authors and the one big name author's assistant responded, which she appreciated.
I was a little surprised by the percentage of lack of responses. As a fairly new author, I haven't gotten too much fan mail, but I respond to each letter that I do receive. Of course there's the chance that some stuff has gotten sent to junk and I missed it, but unless someone I don't know added an attachment, chances are, I've received and responded. In
fact, if I'm being really honest, I printed out and saved my first fan email :)
fact, if I'm being really honest, I printed out and saved my first fan email :)I'm on the fence about what's expected of authors though. I very rarely send fan mail but when I do, I definitely don't expect a response. The other day I sent a message via twitter to a new author regarding her release just mentioning I liked it and never heard anything back. Sure, it would be nice, but I think all authors are different in their approach to fans, etc.
Sherrilyn Kenyon loves her fans and it shows. On her website she's got links to various fan sites, fan loops, fan poetry, and on her myspace page she's got an album dedicated to Dark Hunter tattoos. It's so obvious that she truly appreciates her fans and it's not just for show. But, not all authors are like that. Many are introverts and I've heard fears from various authors that if they open up dialogue, it will never end. I've never had that problem, but I can see where it might happen.
So what's your take? As an author how do you feel about fan mail? As a reader, what are your expectations from authors?
8 comments:
My first story came out last month, so I haven't had a lot of experience with this.
However, I can't think of anyone I want to correspond with more than a fan of my writing.
When someone named Monica gave my story five stars and wrote a nice comment on the site, I was disappointed I couldn't track her down and thank her. And when another woman friended me and posted how much she enjoyed my story on my Facebook page, I couldn't wait to respond.
However, I'm not an introvert. I know some authors who write fabulous fiction, but have trouble communicating in real life. And as much as I want to interact with readers, I don't expect to interact with the creators/builders of all the other products I use and enjoy--clothing, cars, Rock Band, bottled water...so maybe we should cut the introverted authors some slack.
From a readers stand point -
I like to get a response of some sort.
I am not asking for long dialogue or anything but I do appreciate acknowledgment especially if I take the time to write the email
Even if its generic as one author does - auto response that states " I appreciate your email and I do read everyone. Unfortunately because of my schedule - writing, working and being Mom I don't always respond ...."
Even just a quick thanks and nothing else!
I am actually more likely to look up backlists because an author took the time to say thanks!
I love fan mail and I always respond, but sometimes emails get lost. I've found mystery emails in the spam folder. People tell me they've tried to contact me. It happens. Sometimes I set up separate email accounts and forget to check them, too.
I can't imagine not responding to a fan on purpose. Even big name authors like Nora can send an auto-thank you.
As a writer, I completely agree! If someone takes the time to write to me, I'm definitely responding, especially a fan :)
As a reader, I don't necessarily mind if I email someone and they don't respond, but if I'm on the fence when their next release comes out, I'm more likely to buy if they did email me back, ya know.
I'll put it to you simply this way, I would seriously think of putting them in my will if I got fan mail! (grin)
My first book doesn't come out until Friday, so I don't have much experience with this either. And I've never sent fan mail, the extent of my gushing is in comments on blogs. But it is nice if the author acknowledges it, even with just a thanks.
If and when I do get fan mail, I defintely plan to respond, but I don't think I'd like to get into a long back and forth dialogue with the person. That would be a big time drain.
I absolutely love receiving fanmail. It's the ultimate validation - someone took the time out of their busy life to tell me my book gave them pleasure. That's wonderful.
I always reply, but I have a draft response that I've saved. In it, I encourage people to join my newsgroup. Yes, it does take time, but it means the world to me.
I'm not ashamed to say I print out the good ones and file them. When I feel I can't write for toffee, I read them over. It helps.
If the correspondence looks like becoming lengthy, I'll gently and courteously disengage.
Denise
I love hearing from readers and respond to all my mail. If a reader doesn't hear back from me, it's because either their message or my reply didn't make it through. I try to respond quickly, though sometimes I can be a little late in answering. If someone takes the time out of their day to let me know how they feel about my work, I appreciate it and will answer.
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