Some authors just don't get it when it comes to reader relations. When you are chatting it up with your fans, you are your own publicist – and can be your own worst enemy if you don't handle interaction well.
I have seen some authors fall into the Bad Behavior category on numerous occasions. They:
- Apologize for not blogging regularly.
- Sell reader information to a third party.
- Sign readers up for your newsletter – without asking.
- Fail to follow through with a contest – or post the winner.
- Forget readers exist at multiple author book signings.
- Pitch so hard they forget to talk to readers about life.
- Refuse to autograph books because readers didn't buy it at the signing or because it is an older title.
- Pay zero attention to what readers say about their books and instead focus on autographing for the next person in line.
- Never respond to any Wall posts, e-mails, blog comments or Tweets from readers.
- Use profanity in social network public posts.
- Post inappropriate photographs to Web sites and social networks.
I want to pull two of these out for further explanation.
Forget readers exist at multiple author book signings.
At a major conference for readers, some women went to find their favorite romance author. They found her – with her nose buried in a book. There was little activity at her table – and with good reason. Instead of bothering her (since she was obviously too preoccupied to participate) they went around to other tables and discovered new readers who fit their tastes.
When you are at a signing, you had better put on your best public relations face and get to networking. Readers love to meet their favorite authors. They have grand ideas about what a great person you are. If you hide behind a book, or treat them with disrespect, their fan status immediately evaporates.
Not good at personal interaction but totally rock behind the online veil? No problem! Ask friends or family members who ARE great at interacting with people to join you. They can help pump up the crowd while you autograph. This also helps you relax, since the entire burden isn't on one person.
HOT TIP: It is easy to get into a rhythm if you have a busy signing. You need to move the customers in and out, yes, but don't forget to chat a bit with them along with way. Also be on the lookout for disabled folks who are unable to get through the crush of people to your table – and be sure to step away from the table to personally chat with them.
Never respond to any Wall posts, e-mails, blog comments or Tweets from readers.
No one expects you to respond to everything online. That would be impossible. But you MUST show some sort of interaction with fans and other authors via Tweets, ReTweets, comment responses, Wall posts and more. Please do NOT put the same comment on everyone fan's wall – that is lazy. Do not junk up their Inboxes with group requests, or button/badge/photo requests. It makes you look like a spammer.
Well, then, go buy someone else's book!
Totally insane, isn't it? Of course, the author could have bit a bit uncomfortable with the Q&A session and was hoping folks would wander off. That does happen sometimes. Authors just need to know how to handle those moments – and eventually get over them!
Thanks for commenting!
I'd like to add: Not answering questions at book signings. I went to a best selling (even before she became an Oprah pick) author's reading. There weren't many people there. (It happens – no biggy except apparently to her.) At the end of her talk, she said, "Well, I could answer questions, or we could just all get to browse books at this wonderful store."
All righty, then!
Can I admit I am guilty of Number 1 sometimes? LOL! I have four ongoing blogs, but really only time to update two of them. I've actually considered dumping one, but then I'll lose some stuff I might not want to.
The other item in your list that caught my eye is this: "Use profanity in social network public posts." I couldn't agree more. For some people this is the first impression they have of you, so do you really want them to have the impression that you're a potty mouth?
I follow a few celebrities on Twitter and one of them uses the worst language. It is a total turn off. What we do in our private correspondence and personal interactions is one thing, but can't our online conversations be clean?
Cheryl