Author-Reader Etiquette
I am not an etiquette coach, instructor, or expert. I’m simply a girl who doesn’t like conflict and wants to give everyone the benefit of the doubt by thinking that they might simply not know better.
I’ve been reading online for… a minute. I’ll out myself by saying that I remember the days of interacting with writers on LiveJournal, Tumblr, and other forgotten corners of the internet. In the years (read: decades) since, I think I’ve learned a think or two about how to kindly and compassionately interact with authors and writers.
One of the most amazing aspects of indie fiction and fanfiction is the direct reader-writer relationship. You can quite literally DM you favorite writer gushing about their newest release. But with that lack of separation comes the potential for hurt feelings and miscommunication. So, let’s get into some of the dos and don’ts!
Do
If you loved something you read, kind and supportive comments, ratings, and reviews are always amazing! Feel free to review a book on your preferred platform(s).
Tell the author that you loved their work! Many writers LOVE receiving messages from readers. Keep in mind though that if you don’t know the author personally, their social media filters may direct your message into spam. Don’t take it personally if you don’t hear back!
If you didn’t love something that you read, you’re still welcome to share your thoughts and opinions on your preferred platform/social media.
If you feel that something you read did not contain appropriate triggers or was actively harmful toward readers, consider contacting the writer’s team. Lack of TWs or questionable content may be an instance of naivety rather than intentional malice.
Recommend books that you enjoyed or that you feel fit a prompt for readers seeking book recs!
Be polite when interacting with authors, regardless of your feelings about their writing. Your personal reading preferences don’t negate the time and effort that went into their book!
If you are reading in an alpha/beta reader role, do give constructive but polite feedback. In this case, it’s perfectly reasonable to point out issues to the author, but do so in a way that is professional and respectful.
If you are an ARC reader and believe that you have found an typo or missing TW/CW, it’s okay to contact the author or their team. ARC copies may not be finalized and may undergo minor changes prior to publishing.
Don’t
Don’t contact an author directly with negative feedback. If a book has already been published, your message to the author does nothing but make them feel bad.
Don’t tag an author in a negative review. See the point above.
Don’t complain/insult/negatively review an author’s book in their personal reader group. Most authors actively distance themselves from reviews but personally post within their reader groups. Reader groups exist for dedicated readers of authors. If you find that you don’t like that author’s books, consider whether their reader group is an appropriate place for you.
Don’t contact authors for refunds of purchased books, e-books, audiobooks, book boxes, etc. unless you purchased directly through their website. Order issues and refunds should be handled by the retailer (B&N, Amazon, Audible, etc.).
Don’t forget that authors and readers alike are individuals with lives, families, jobs, etc. Both readers and authors deserve privacy. No one owes anyone else information about their partner, sexuality, income, personal experience, mental health history, etc.
Don’t be afraid to use the “block” button.
Don’t message an author to complain about not receiving an ARC. This doesn’t do anything but make it even less likely that you’ll receive an ARC from them later on.
Don’t contact an author to bother them about their release timeline. They are likely writing as fast as they can. If they’re busy answering dozens of emails asking when the book will be ready, then they aren’t writing!
As an author, don’t use other authors’ platforms for your marketing without their permission.
Don’t leave comments asking authors for “PDFs” or “free links” of their books. Book piracy is already theft, you don’t need to be blatantly shameless.
In summary
We’re all doing the best we can. Be patient, compassionate, and polite.🖤
