Self Published Books

LoveHistory · Post by **LoveHistory** » Tue June 22nd, 2010, 10:51 pm

Well, I'd love to get a three star review on Amazon. And I save my scheming for my villains.

Margaret · Post by **Margaret** » Wed July 21st, 2010, 2:52 am

Just got this charming note from a self-published author:

I have seen the posting for my book and the information it contains is too brief to be of any use to anyone who wants to know what the book is about. Please remove it immediately.

Now, I don't go out of my way to find and list self-published novels - I added this one because the author contacted me and asked if he could send me a review copy. I declined the review copy, but thought it would be nice if I at least added a listing for his novel on my website. Guess not. It did have a link to the Amazon page for the novel - either he didn't notice, or the information there was too brief, as well.

Ariadne · Post by **Ariadne** » Wed July 21st, 2010, 3:23 am

That sounds like an author who's not interested in selling any books!

Michy · Post by **Michy** » Wed July 21st, 2010, 3:38 am

Yes, his response is strange; my thought is that "too little information" is still better than "no information!" My guess is that he's just peeved because you refused his review copy.

Oh, well, I guess if he wants to cut off his nose to spite his face then let him. Frees up space to mention someone else's book, instead.

Divia · Post by **Divia** » Wed July 21st, 2010, 10:38 am

he sounds full of himself. As in why didn't or couldn't you write a much longer summary of his most important novel.

I'd be happy with any mention of my book.

fljustice · Post by **fljustice** » Wed July 21st, 2010, 3:21 pm

[quote=""Divia""]
I'd be happy with any mention of my book.[/quote]

Ditto. Thanks for listing mine!

Margaret · Post by **Margaret** » Wed July 21st, 2010, 3:33 pm

What's really annoying is that I spent a lot of time searching for information about his book and wrote the best summary I was able to put together. All he sent was the first two paragraphs, no summary of what the book as a whole was about. The Amazon listing for his book gives several pages of background about Roman history before the birth of his main character, and then says essentially the same thing I put as the book description - the time period when this Roman soldier was born. If an author doesn't want his book listed, I wish he would tell me so before I spend a lot of time working on the listing.

I'm always happy to list a historical novel - if I don't get smacked for doing it!

I've noticed that the authors who are more likely to get published by a mainstream press (some of them after self-publishing) and get the most online buzz for their books are the ones who treat me like I'm doing them a favor (which I'm not - being as comprehensive as I can in my listings is good for my website). My guess is that these are the authors who pay attention to what people say about their work (before and after publication) and work the hardest to make their books clear, exciting and worthwhile for readers. That's just naturally going to be reflected in greater numbers of happy readers!

LoveHistory · Post by **LoveHistory** » Wed July 21st, 2010, 5:05 pm

Authors like that make it much harder for the rest of us.

Michy · Post by **Michy** » Wed July 21st, 2010, 5:19 pm

[quote=""Margaret""]
I've noticed that the authors who are more likely to get published by a mainstream press (some of them after self-publishing) and get the most online buzz for their books are the ones who treat me like I'm doing them a favor (which I'm not - being as comprehensive as I can in my listings is good for my website). My guess is that these are the authors who pay attention to what people say about their work (before and after publication) and work the hardest to make their books clear, exciting and worthwhile for readers. That's just naturally going to be reflected in greater numbers of happy readers![/quote]

Absolutely, and it just goes to show that more goes into being truly successful as an author than just having strong writing skills. There's no question that that is the most important thing, but having a good attitude and a willingness to accept (and act on) feedback is the difference between being an author whose books people (other than the author's mother and best friends) want to read, and just being an author.

Miss Moppet · Post by **Miss Moppet** » Wed July 21st, 2010, 7:01 pm

[quote=""Margaret""]Just got this charming note from a self-published author:

Now, I don't go out of my way to find and list self-published novels - I added this one because the author contacted me and asked if he could send me a review copy. I declined the review copy, but thought it would be nice if I at least added a listing for his novel on my website. Guess not. It did have a link to the Amazon page for the novel - either he didn't notice, or the information there was too brief, as well.[/quote]

Take it down fast, Margaret, before he gets a sale! What a wally.