I.O.U. From a Reader's Point of View

Dear Author,

When I left a past job, my ex-boss, as he did with many others who moved on to bigger and better things before me, claimed, "She owes me."

Odd, in looking back, I'm not sure why I owe him or the company anything. After working 65+ hours per week on average and keeping the business afloat and prosperous with my efforts, I'm not sure what I might owe. Perhaps I am to be eternally grateful that he gave me a job in the first place? Could it be that this magnanimous fellow feels he contributed to the work ethics I exhibit today?

I suppose there's no taking into account that I might have been underpaid, overworked, and that I had little life outside of work tasks, or that I worked numerous times to make a deadline when others left to go on picnics, watch baseball games, or because they couldn't handle the pressure of the work overload, Mr. She-Owes-Me included.

In the same way, as I read a book--for enjoyment, for escape, for entertainment--no where in the reading process do I OWE you, the author of that book, a review. I do not owe you a review nor do I owe you the purchase of your next book.

Quite prevalent nowadays, within the independent author realm, is that should I read your book, I am required, expected, and must leave a review...

Um, no.

If you as an author have met my reader needs, if I enjoy your book, if you provided a thrilling read, an emotionally stimulating read, etc., depending on genre, then I will gladly write a review.

As far as you addressing low-rated reviews, such as one- and two-star ratings, DON'T. By attempting to get readers to change their feedback, or to shame them, or engage them in some sort of conflict for sharing their PERSONAL opinion, you are revealing yourself as an author that expects an I.O.U. from his/her readers. Not only do you deign that you deserve a review, but only four- to five-star ones at that.

How arrogant and entitled is that?

Please be aware that neither I or any other reader owes you squat. We paid for your book. We read it. We may or might rate it and leave a review.

Just as it was your perogative to write the book, it is ours as to whether or not to review said book.

While you are awaiting your "well-earned" reviews, why not take classes, write more, seek a professional editor, etc., to become the author you long to be. Perhaps seek honest feedback regarding your covers, editing, book descriptions, etc., from authors and self-publishers in the know.

When we as readers can't tell what the book is about by looking at the cover, that's on you. When your description isn't clear or goes on forever, yep, that's also on you. When you expect massive sales when you only release a single book a year, that's also on you. So is poor editing and lack of marketing and promotion efforts. That's on YOU.

When you consider potential I.O.U.s, perhaps it is you that owes your potential readers the effort it takes to produce and present a professional, readable, enjoyable book.

So, Dear Author Sir or Ma'am, please be aware that the purchase and/or download of your book does not constitute a form of an I.O.U. As a reader, the only "owe" is that you as an author owe us respect as readers. Not review writers. Not someone who owes you something.

Please, be the writer you need to be, and I and others will be the readers we are. No I.O.U. issuance forthcoming.

Sincerely,

Ms. Reader

Author Meltdowns (What Not to Do!)

In 2009, an independent author confronted an established traditionally published veteran author in what has been termed a gunfight or a cat fight.

Then in March 2011, an independent author took on an online critic, spiraling her Amazon review from a 5.0 rating to 1.5, then to the writer removing the book from publication for review and further editing.

More recently, on a social media site, a third independent author has blasted her readers and posters telling them to get the bleep off her page (11/22/13 post).

While all or any of these writers might take the stance that they were putting forth their opinions, or they might have been misinterpreted, or their intent was not to attack or insult, the overall results have been the same for all three.

Each has done something I strive and am working to do, independently publish, and yet all three have successfully alienated readers.

In all cases, these very public meltdowns (at least considered to be so by most readers of their posts) did not help their careers as independent authors, further book sales, or encourage the reading of their books.

Since these instances all evolved from independent authors and as an independent author myself, I find these behaviors cringe worthy. It does not encourage confidence in readers of independent books nor add any positive reflection upon independent authors. Yes, these authors are human, they react in feeling, emotional ways. We all do. However, in my humble opinion, what is missing in each of these encounters is a solid level of professionalism and respect for potential readers.

"But it wasn't my intent" doesn't cut it. Perception is the major factor here, and those subjected to watching this sort of reaction play out, in their shock and, yes, even revulsion, don't consider or care about the writer's intent.

Appearances, online comments included, matter. Perception is paramount.

Intent, emotional backlash, vendettas, and hidden agendas do not have a place in the way an author presents their persona to the public.

Didn't they self published to sell books? Based on their actions and reactions, as a reader, would I buy these author's books?

One thing that I'm curious about, is that if self publishing elicits this behavior from them, why do they bother? Why not find another line of work and/or not do something that appears to make them so miserable, angry, or unprofessional, and show their negative selves in public, no less?

As a soon to be independently published author, I very much appreciate and value their efforts in paving the way and, sadly, their examples of what not to do.