what not to say to authors
If you’ve ever wondered what “A Day in the Life” of an Author can be like, this article sums it up pretty darn well:
(click on either portion of the article’s title to be taken to the full story)
What Not to Say to Authors
(And What to Say Instead)
Comments
12 Comments • Comments Feed
LeeAnn Pratt says:
Thank goodness I have never said any of these to any of the authors I speak to.To ask for a free book, in my mind is tacky, to assume authors are rich? stupid. To imply that writing is easy is just idiotic..I mean I talk to quite a few and I understand it is a difficult and tiring profession. How they come up with, then put to paper the amazing stories I am honored to read, I have no clue! I am in awe. Seriously! I’d love to be able to write a book.I write short stories but that is nothing and will go nowhere. Not enough talent so I just read and stalk those who do :smiley29 :smiley23 :smiley23 :smiley23
On February 5, 2015 at 4:24 pm
Heidi says:
Thank you, LeeAnn, you *get it*! :smiley28
You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve been asked how much $ I make…which I think is beyond rude. For one thing, it’s not nearly what anyone who asks that thinks; they all think authors make J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, & Danielle Steel money. SO NOT TRUE!!! :smiley21 For another, you would never ask anyone else that question; you’d never ask your doctor, garbage collector, postal worker how much they get paid. But with authors, it’s like we’re fair game. :smiley31
On February 5, 2015 at 7:20 pm
LeeAnn Pratt says:
Well unfortunately there are a lot of people who don’t use the good sense they were given.
On February 6, 2015 at 3:02 pm
Mary Kirkland says:
That was a good article. Thankfully I’ve never said any of those things.
On February 5, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Heidi says:
Whew. Mistress Heidi will allow you to live. :smiley6
On February 5, 2015 at 7:51 pm
Dee says:
I’ve never done any of those. Luckily.
On February 5, 2015 at 6:25 pm
Heidi says:
Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if you read this & realized that you had? :smiley21 Although I really think there’s a difference between asking a stupid question when you don’t *realize* it’s selfish…& asking some of these things when you’re really just being nibby. Believe it or not, we can tell the difference…
I’ve had people ask me something that really was none of their business, but I could *tell* they didn’t know they were out of bounds. And then I’ve been asked questions by people you know darn well don’t care that they’re being rude or intrusive. :smiley31
On February 5, 2015 at 7:54 pm
Ruth C. says:
Can’t believe people still say that stuff to authors. I read an article years ago as to how much an author makes per book through a publisher, and it was not much. You have to love what you do to get paid so little for it. :smiley5
On February 5, 2015 at 6:41 pm
Heidi says:
You should share that article with the world, Ruth! Most people honestly have no idea. :smiley7
On February 5, 2015 at 7:55 pm
Heidi says:
Just so you know, I have *never* had a true reader—& especially not a ROMANCE reader—every approach me with any of these types of questions! You are all very good girls. :smiley32
I really think it’s non-readers…or those who don’t consider reading a pastime, but something they maybe do once or twice a year…who believe it’s okay to ask questions like that of authors. The folks who have “real jobs” & honestly don’t understand the concept of anything outside the “norm.” :smiley7
On February 5, 2015 at 8:00 pm
Brooke C says:
Wow. :smiley18 I’m happy to say that nothing I’ve thought to ask an author was on that list. But, seriously, who would go up to a stranger and ask how much money they make, or if they’ll give you something for free. Much less implying that you’d be super amazing at their profession, if only you had so much extra time like they do. That kind of makes me sad about humanity.
:smiley8
On February 5, 2015 at 10:01 pm
Heidi says:
Me, too, Brooke! On the stunned & sad parts. :smiley18 :smiley10
It is shocking that some people have the nerve to do/say such things. And I don’t think it’s done very often to those in other professions—you know, doctors, lawyers, the Avon lady… :smiley14
I wonder about other creative professions. Are artists, cartoonists, singers, etc. asked how much they make or if they’ll give away a free canvas, album, whatever? :smiley16
On February 5, 2015 at 10:08 pm