Welcome to Tuesday Book Chat.
This is where we encourage book lovers to answer our bookish question of the week. As we are a faith-based group the questions refer mainly to Christian fiction or non-fiction.
Today’s question is:
If you respond to an author’s newsletter, do you expect a response?
We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Please join in the conversation by commenting on this post or on the blog post shared in our Australasian Christian Writers Facebook Group. Remember to comment today on Tuesday Book Chat to enter the giveaway.
Let’s chat!
Simple answer yes. A well-known author I use to subscribe to use to ask questions that she wanted reader input to. I got so discourage when there was no response not even in the following newsletter. One time I can understand but when there is never a reply I no longer interact. Another author had a debut novel that I really enjoyed. I responded to the newsletter, and also via her website. But never heard from her. Ironically this particular author hasn’t put out another newsletter since her debut book.
Your turn.
I look forward to reading your comments here or at the FB group.
Comment on today’s post to enter the Tuesday Book Chat quarterly e-gift card giveaway sponsored by Narelle Atkins. Two winners per quarter, $10 US or $15 Aussie e-gift cards.
The winners can choose between an Amazon.com or Kobo USD $10 gift card, or an AUD $15 gift card from Amazon Australia, iBooks, Kobo, or Koorong.com.au.
It’s lovely when an author responds personally to your comment or question. I understand the feeling of discouragement, Jenny. I responded to an email a while back (it wasn’t an author, but writing related) and received no response. I told myself I shouldn’t care and that I was being a bit silly, but I felt discouraged anyway. Whereas, if someone takes the time to shoot me a one liner, (doesn’t have to be a huge), it can really boost my spirits.
I agree with you. When I send an email often via the website to say I love a book it’s nice to get a reply but not necessary as I know authors are busy. I feel a newsletter and even a blog post is different, they are reaching out to readers to try to build connections. When they ask questions but don’t respond it feels like those people who say they will do things to be seen to be good. Like the person at church who would say in front of people so it was heard oh I am going to visit your mother knowing full well they never will but the others all think Oh thats good hes visiting I don’t need to try to fit it in. In the meantime no one visited. I actually told one infront of others don’t say it if you don’t mean it. He bumble through a response but never did go. it would be better to not ask as if you will respond.
Just today I comment on a blog from a newsletter, yes I know she gives a couple of commenters a chance to get a free book but thats not why I comment. I won a choice of a book which I turned down due to already having her books. In this case there was no expectation of a reply and a reply made my day.
I always remember Gilbert Morris I wrote to him (snail mail) and never in my wildest dreams expected I would get a reply. I was on cloud nine when he wrote and then we have a few letter exchanges.
Your story of the person who said they’d do something but without the actual intention reminds me of Matthew 5:37 – to let your yes be yes and your no, no. If an author asks for feedback I agree it’s right to then respond to that feedback.
What a lovely thing to receive letters from Gilbert Morris. You would be on cloud nine. Did you keep the letters?
Yes I still have the letters and photos. he sent one of him and one with his daughter.