Saturday, September 15, 2012

Support and Respect


I know first-hand how difficult the whole publishing/marketing process can be. Once you step out into the free fall world of marketing, you quickly realize that it’s most definitely a long term project. Some of it feels rather mundane, doing the same thing every day, without seeing the results. A lot of effort is put into blog tours, live guest appearances, organizing and strategizing as well as writing our next book. Time is short, and taking a break isn’t really an option, because we can be so quickly forgotten.

Supporting fellow authors is something I believe in.  Most of the authors I have come across willingly do so as well, creating quite a community. Because I know how much work goes into creating a book, I appreciate the support I receive from my fellow authors. However, this mutual support can sometimes put one’s moral convictions on the line.
playmge.com

Personally, I neither read nor write horror, thrillers, or explicit romance, so never mind erotica. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of meeting countless authors, some with whom I have become close to. Did their style of writing affect my choice? No, because I interact with the person, and I have made some amazing friends. So what’s the problem?

To be honest, and it’s not just because I write YA, I am not comfortable with their choice of genre. I am willing to support them by LIKEing their fb pages and joining their blogs, tweeting their good news and even posting on my ‘good news’ tab, but I become uncomfortable when it comes to promoting their work, having them on for a guest post or interview on my blog.

I was mortified the other day when a friend asked about me having LIKEd a particular author page…because I had been going down a list, clicking LIKE and never noticed that John Doe’s page was actually John Doe’s erotica page. Now I was torn, I didn’t want to UNLIKE his page, but I was not comfortable having it listed. Fortunately, it wasn’t my book page that had liked it, so my target audience is not subject to this. What did I do? I removed access to my LIKEs and preferences. So it’s a win/win situation. At least I hope so.

As an author, I can use all the support I can get and I definitely want to give it back. But I want to do it in a way that won’t make me uncomfortable, and won’t go against my personal values.  

There have been a few authors on my blog whose books I will never read. That does not mean I do not want to help give them a boost, or a little visibility from my corner of the world. Maybe I need to step out of my comfort zone, just a little, but I need to do it in a way that is respectful of my audience, and my personal values.

I will continue to support my fellow authors, join groups, tweet and share their news and events, but I do so with a little more attention, and a lot more intention. I want to see us all succeed, and I want to enjoy the celebration when it happens. Hope you will be there to join in as well.

6 comments:

  1. Hello, found your blog through Goodreads and I am now following.
    www.superspudtrilogy.blogspot.com
    I like your post about support and respect, and I understand your predicament when the genres don't match. I don't really feel comfortable following an erotica author on Twitter, but it's courtesy to follow back and show respect. Good luck with your marketing.

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  2. Excellent post, I couldn't agree more!

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  3. Excellent post. I very much want to promote fellow authors, but for me it's not the genre that gives me pause - it's the craft. I have a tough time recommending authors whose work is poorly edited, has major continuity problems, or in some other way is, in my opinion, not yet ready for publication. My readers trust me to be honest with them, and they trust me to be circumspect in my recommendations. I don't want to betray that trust.

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    1. I agree on that point as well, the whole process is more complicated than just genre. When I do work with an author I advise that they read my post on Blog Tour Etiquette, What's in a Review, and Reviews -Getting Your Stars, to let them know how I work.
      I want to help and support all those I can, and sometimes it poses a challenge, but I'm learning, and step by step my foundation, limits and guidelines will be firmly in place.

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  4. Good posting! I've had the same feelings, but haven't stated it as eloquently as you. Thanks!

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  5. Debbie,

    I understand your dilemma and you are walking a fine line. I'm sure whatever you do will be more than respectful. Your fist obligation is to yourself; the second to your readers. :-)

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