Beyond the Blurb | Book Blogger Interaction Etiquette

Okay, book bloggers!

You know I can’t offer author interaction tips without giving you some. I’ve witnessed several bloggers struggle with interacting with authors. So learning proper etiquette at whatever stage in your blogging career isn’t bad. You’re growing as a blogger. And I, too, am constantly learning in this ever-changing environment.

In my last Beyond the Blurb post, I discussed how authors should interact with us. For my next one, I want to provide tips to bloggers who may not know how to communicate with authors. Again, I’m not an expert. But I wish to give any advice that has helped me.

Set a Direct and Easy Review Policy to Protect Yourself and Authors

I’ve seen several authors attack bloggers over reviews. In order to prevent this situation from happening, write up a clear and easy-to-follow review policy. It’ll protect both parties. If you aren’t comfortable with working with independent authors, then state that. Work with publicists who should build a professional working relationship with you. And be sure to save all communications between you and the other person. You may need to use that for proof.

 

If Posting a Negative Review, Don’t Tag the Author

Would you like to read a negative reaction toward something you put your soul into? Probably not. Now, some authors don’t mind reading negatives reviews since they can learn from that criticism. However, others don’t want me to read them. So don’t tag them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or another social media platform.

 

Don’t Attack Authors for Ridiculous Reasons

I’m talking about pre-order incentives, the way a book/series ended, a book’s publication being pushed back, or anything else. You don’t know how much works goes into writing, producing, and publishing a book. The process can easily take years. Sometimes, publishers will offer pre-order contests that are out of the authors’ control. They don’t decide who does or doesn’t receive the prizes. And the way you interpret a book is out of the authors’ control as well. If you don’t like the book, walk away. Don’t criticize them.

 

Follow Authors but Don’t Expect Them to Interact with You

They more than likely have thousands of followers. So having another follower who wants their constant attention won’t sit well with them. If you have the chance to talk with them, remember that they’re human. And they may want to connect with you. So don’t miss out on that chance.

 

Don’t Use Threats as Jokes

They aren’t. Authors don’t appreciate them. I don’t. Any other blogger doesn’t. Why would you do that? How do you know if authors will interpret your words as a joke, not an actual threat? You don’t. And you may find yourself in legal trouble.

 

If Authors Comment on Your Posts, Interact with Them if You’re Okay with That

Not many authors will comment. So don’t expect they will. However, you may not feel comfortable with that. You can simply like the comment. You don’t need to comment back if you don’t want to.

 

So what do you think about these tips? What blogger etiquette do you follow? Are there others I haven’t listed?