There are a few reasons why I rarely accept self-published fiction titles at Pop Syndicate: Most are typically poorly edited, poorly written concepts that leave the reading side of my brain twitching for hours afterward. My reviewers refuse to try anymore because of some of the really, really bad ones we’ve received.

The main reason, however, is the overwhelmingly ugly, vicious and over-inflated egos that come along with the self-published book. I am shocked at some of the downright rude, obnoxious, toxic behavior I see from these authors.

Self-published fiction authors tend to want the world – for nothing. I’ve had them make demands that would put JLo to shame. Based on the quantity of emails I tend to receive from them, you’d think my entire life revolved around their one-day virtual book tour slot.

The thing is, it isn’t just one or two who need attitude adjustments; this is a pattern that remains consist, despite my hopes to the contrary. (Not every author, but enough to make it matter.)

Of course, the ones who make the most idiotic demands are the ones who are never on time with their virtual book tour interview questions or guest blog. (Apparently, deadlines only apply to me in their comfy little world.)

So it was with little surprise that Henry Baum of the Self Publishing Review community shared a link on Twitter to a review where relatives of the author took umbrage.

These spiteful people tossed insults and questioned the reviewer Carol Buchanan’s credibility – who has a PhD and wrote a really fair review. (Read the comments to see why I specifically mention PhD.) Baum checked the emails of the commenters and quickly discovered that they had the same last name as the author – and had used fake names for the public – something he shared with readers.

Of course, I could not let this slide. I had to leave my own two-cents – which, for the most part, was pretty tactful. (Aren’t you proud of me?)

After reading this, I thought it was time for a reminder to authors that sometimes, reviewers just aren’t that into you – for whatever reason.

If you have hot-headed relatives who want to duel anyone who doesn’t like your stuff, tie them to a chair until they understand that their attitude reflects poorly on YOU. It could cost you sales and future reviews at ANY blog. (ehm… Alice Hoffman.) If you, the author, are the culprit, go buy yourself a journal, a fancy pen and some chocolate and furiously scribble the death warrants of every reviewer who didn’t like your work – then burn the journal to exercise the revenge demons from your system.

If you are smart, once you get over the emotional toll of a bad review, you will sit down and seriously read what the reviewers had to say. Those that give examples from your work could provide valuable details that will make your next novel even better.

If you haven’t already, check out my Etiquette Week post, How to Respond to Bad Reviews for tips to avoid blunders like those at the Self Publishing Review.

NOTE: Not all self-published titles are stinkers. Not all self-published authors are egotists. Unfortunately, this is a continuing trend I see in self-published fiction authors. These authors make it difficult for the terrific writers who know how to network. If you know an author who is acting stupid, take them to task and set them straight on proper ways to deal with bad reviews.

A Vermont indie bookseller hopes to level the playing field with sites like Amazon with a new Espresso Book Machine.

The machine creates made-to-order titles for readers – while they stand there and wait just a few minutes for a terrific looking paperback novel.

The Boston Herald has a great article about the arrival of the expensive machine – and what it means for publishing.

Be sure to read Market My Novel's post, Books Like Coffee: Ordering Made Easy, for the pros and cons of the machine, plus a demonstration of how it works.

One of my biggest frustrations as a Virtual Book Tour hostess for Pop Syndicate's Book Addict is never knowing exactly how information will be sent.

Authors send documents in multiple e-mails, sometimes just hours before their tour. Some send part of their tour documents; some send none at all. All but a handful use such generic titles for their items, I have to open multiple downloads on my desktop to figure out which one belongs to whom.

Want to save your host some headaches? Follow these tips when sending your Virtual Book Tour items:

• Use your name in the title of every document, photo, book trailer or other item sent. Do not use a generic phrase, like Q&A or the blog's title. (Do you have any idea how many documents I receive titled "Pop Syndicate Questions?")
• Use a checklist to be sure you have all items needed for your tour. Different blogs have different requirements. Get them up front – not hours before your tour. It is easiest to create new folders for each site where you tour.
• Send all items in one e-mail. Resize photographs so you do not have to send them one at a time.
• When you send the documents, ask your host if they need anything else – and be available in case you – or your host – forgot something.
• Get your items to your host at least one week before your tour. Tours are tedious to plan and post. The more time hosts can work with your items, the better.
• If you have to cancel or postpone your tour, tell your host IMMEDIATELY. When possible, give them plenty of notice to find others for that slot. Better yet, find someone who can fill in and see if that is OK with the host. A good host will make exceptions for family emergencies and natural disasters – and they will appreciate your honesty.

These simple steps will have your host valuable time.