I first wrote this article a couple of years ago about ways to lose a reader. It came about due to chats with other readers. Its a good reminder for today as authors rely on readers. This post has been revised due to some of it being out dated.
This post first came about because of thinking when I was walking. It shows walking can be dangerous. I thought of ways to lose a reader. Below is the result of some of the thoughts. At a later date I hope to post about how authors go the extra mile for readers.
There have been some interesting discussions on different forums about why a reader may not want to read or buy a book by an author. One had an ongoing discussion about cussing in Christian books and then Seekerville had a blog post on social media and I could relate to both.
Language
Personally don’t like swearing in books and would prefer a warning. I have learnt when some Christian bookshops get complaints they will remove a book from the shelves. On a forum, I agreed with most people that swearing should not be in a Christian book sold at a Christian bookshop. I also talked with many non Christians and they were even more surprised that swearing would be in a Christian book.
I have read a couple of books where I have encountered bad language. Then I spent the rest of the book wondering when the next bomb would be dropped. It disappoints me to find swearing in books and is a reason I will may not buy future books from the author as I would be worried I would be seeing more swearing.
Social Media
The Seekerville post on social media was a positive post alerting authors to the dangers of social media. It also so serves as a warning. This made me remember times when I have read rants about readers by authors on public forums. From posts blaming readers for lack of sales, to being blamed for being uninformed about certain books. Readers have even been blasted for a review, or are disrespected for their opinion. One of the worst is reading a blog post calling readers ignorant.
Rants about readers not buying books or being uninformed, this will turn a reader of an author. Authors have a right to there opinions and some readers may be annoying. However, if you want to rant consider using a closed forum or writer’s group which is not open to readers. Readers are sensitive and if offended, we can easily find other author to support. Not all readers read all books most have favourite genres.
Reader Questions
When on social media if a reader asks a question or query about books they are looking for balanced answers. For example “how do you feel about edgy Christian books?” I am asking to get feedback to see what others are thinking. I have posted questions like this (different questions but still generic) and had an author go on the defensive. They then stated it’s their right to write what they like and if the reader doesn’t like it that’s their problem.
As a reader this is a turn off and having had it happen to myself I lost respect for the author. I did like her books, but do not wish to buy or read anymore at this stage. The question was not aimed at this author or any other authors and was aimed to readers. This is where a friend’s 24 hour rule works well. If something upsets you wait 24 hours, then if you still feel really strong about it, tactfully respond or send a private message. Remember unless they state the name of the book or author don’t assume it is aimed at you.
Turn Offs
Another social media turn off is constantly being asked to join author pages or groups. I have actually unjoined a several Facebook groups that are purely self promotion. Constant links to buy a book are a turn off, even the best book ever written, but I can guarantee I will never buy it or read it. I have left groups because of this and know other readers who have unfriended people on twitter for the same reason.
Reviews
Being abused for a review will upset reader and possibly lose a reader. One way is an author complaining about a 3 star review. Blaming a reader for not understanding the book is a sure way to upset a reader. In turn the reader will tell their friends and may even blog about it. In turn this leads to the potential to lose readers. From a poll at Goodreads a few years back most readers said they preferred authors did not comment on a review as it feels like big brother and they are being spied on. They feel they can’t give an honest review if the author is going to challenge what they say.
Red Herrings
This post doesn’t even cover things like red herrings. The annoying titbits in a book that leaves me wondering. One example is why did the cat go missing but then isn’t mentioned again. Now I have to know who stole it, is it ok, why did they do that to me. Don’t they know I cant sleep until you tell me the cat is alright. (If its not alright I don’t want to know). But that will be another post and hopefully by then I will know what happened to the cat. (Update still wondering about the cat).
Hi Jenny, Thanks for sharing and updating your helpful post from our blog archives. A lot of these points are commonsense and good manners, but in the heat of the moment authors can be tempted to fall into some of these traps. Now the pressure is on for authors to promote, promote, promote, I can see why some of these issues are an ongoing problem for readers. Authors aren’t perfect and will make mistakes. I’d hope that authors would apologise to their readers if they happen to find themselves in one of these situations.
So true and readers are forgiving and understand how pressure can get to an author. We understand about the promoting but sometimes it is over done. Having an author join every available FB or Goodreads group and never contribute except to keep plugging their book is a turn off especially if a reader asks for more information but because the author just posted the same post on all groups but never returns.
Hi Jenny,
A different sort of issue that turns readers off, to do with Social Media. I once quite enjoyed reading an author’s first novel and so on Social Media asked the question when the next one would be released. The author got super defensive and started giving all sorts of (personal) reasons for the delay. It took me quite aback. I think the author now has released a second book, but I haven’t pursued it. Not sure I could read another of their books due to the way they responded. I guess an author’s presence on Social Media needs to be well thought through, as you can injure yourself in many ways online.
Hi Cate that would be annoying. If you are asking when the next book is out it normally means you enjoyed the first book. I have told authors before I cant wait till the next book is released before but haven’t had the issue you had. I have had other questions or comments that have made me question the author. I know one big one is asking what is the genre of a book (its often when its listed under so many categories at amazon that I am so confused what it is actually, or the cover doesn’t match the blurb and I have been known to ask for clarification. ) I know some authors don’t like to label there book and will have several genres but to readers it really helps to know. I have read Women’s fiction before thinking it was a inspirational romance and been quite confused. (the publisher was at fault here)