Yesterday I got a note from a wanna-be writer. Coincidentally, one of my best cyber friends got one, too. Leann's note was from a young girl who had written TWO PAGES of her first book and wanted a LOT of advice on how to write and finish her book. After TWO PAGES. From her Facebook page, she appears to be a teenager. So ... Leann can be a bit more forgiving. (Although when she turned the girl down, she wasn't in the same mood.)
The one I got was a bit different. The woman jumped right in and said, "It appears that you are a successful author as well as a cat lover."
Well, I'm no Nora Roberts, but three times on the Times list, yeah, I'd say I'm doing okay. But that's not my beef.
Here was a person who apparently had a finished writing a book she wants to send to an agent. But ... that first sentence told me a lot. First, she never addressed me by name. Second, she's never read any of my work. Third, she wants me to give her the names of 10+ agents. Lastly, she didn't sign her note. I only know a woman wrote the note because her name is part of her email.
So, how does one handle these kinds of notes?
First, I'm always tempted to use the opportunity as a teaching moment. Only in this case, I'm irked enough that the note might be harsher than it needs to be. Starting out with something like "What were you thinking, turkey lips?" But then I'd be just as unprofessional as she is.
Nope, in this case I employed the delete key.
Here's another time I (and just about every author I know) will employ the delete key. It's a note that starts out: "Our school (library, disease-of-the-week, glee club, sanitation department) is having an auction fundraiser and we would love one (or more) of your signed books."
Nowhere in the note will the hopeful fundraiser mention my work or my name(s).
I used to be a sucker and send a book. Now? Nope.
It's not that I don't care about schools and libraries--I do, passionately. But I don't have hundreds of free books lying around the house. My publisher gives me a few and I do give them away, but anything else I have--I have to buy. Just because they're made of paper doesn't mean they grow on trees. I receive a couple of these notes EVERY week. There's no way I could afford to help them all. (And that postage mounts up, too.) And if these hopeful fundraisers can't even use my name, that means they've gotten my name from a list and are sending out blanket emails just hoping for a hit. A little like telemarketing. I'm not a big fan of telemarketing, either.
I give to charity. A lot. Every time I get a royalty check I send money to at least three charities. Yesterday I wrote out three and there's another on my list for today. I've already given money, and now that my royalties have come in for last year, I'm going to send some more to the Red Cross Japan Relief.)
I guess I should have written this for yesterday and Pet Peeve Thursday. Oops a day late.
What do you think of these kinds of notes and the motives behind them?
I give away a lot of books during Children's National Book Week in May. They are almost always autographed. But not once have I ever asked an author to give me one for free. I have approached authors over the internet for books when I couldn't get to a signing, but again, I always ask how I can purchase a signed copy. I don't have a budget for this so they come out of my pocket. My goal is to get kids excited about books and authors. That's my job as a librarian. I consider it my job to promote good writers. I get paid for doing that. Authors get paid for writing - and they get paid when people buy the books. I think it's horrible for people to assume that authors have tons of free books lying around or have the time to read manuscripts or help someone find an agent. Actually, I think it's rather insulting and I think you are very nice person for not blasting the offenders.
ReplyDeleteI'll be honest and admit that I have received several free ARCs because I do blog about books and post reviews in several different places. If they are children's books then after reviewing the book I also give those away as prizes - in an effort to help promote the books and the author. Give one kid a good book and then the whole school wants it. However, the ARCs I've received from mystery authors like you and some of the Cozy Chicks go right on my collectable shelf.
I'm rambling. Haven't had enough coffee this morning. And I guess I'm in shock at how thoughtless people can be.
I think hitting the delete key is just what I'd do if I were in your position.
I once had this situation with an acceptance letter to a college I applied to. I received the letter and was horrified by all of the formatting mistakes. I mean, shouldn't a college know how to create a business letter? I ended up correcting it in red pen and mailing it back with a note asking them to forget I ever applied and don't bother contacting me again. These days writing etiquette is going right out the window with over use of emoticons, texting codes, etc. It's very disappointing!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea where this idea came from but people believe that anyone who has had a book published is rich. Obviously they don't have a clue about most writers' lives and incomes.
ReplyDeleteThis is like the many, many people who call our house or my husband's small (one-man) business and want donations. They are rude when we say no. Like you, we can't donate to everything. Our extra dollars go to the Parkinson's Foundation and the COPD Foundation because we are victims of those diseases - nothing else because we don't have the money. I certainly would use the delete key if I were you.
I'm an unpublished author but would never ever send an unsolicited request like that to you or any other author, whether I read them or not. It speaks of downright laziness and disrespect in so many ways. Give me your agent list so I don't have to research my own? Even back in the day I knew better than that. Give me a tutorial on how to finish the next 300 pages of my work? There are so many websites out there, and local conferences to go to, that do that. Of course, the conferences cost time and money. Writing is a craft, not a hobby. You have to learn to do these things on your own for the most part. And then network...and edit...and network some more. To expect someone you've never met to hand you something on a silver platter (and that goes for raffle donations and speaking engagements as well) is either naive...or rude.
ReplyDeleteJMHO iof course, and I seem to be having a freaky writing Friday.
I too have become a bit, shall we say crass, when some one won't take 'no' as an answer. I just ask them "And how much should I deduct from my Church offerings to give to you?" Kinda makes them quiet and then I just hang up!! Don't let those people take advantage of you. Stick to your chosen gift giving places.
ReplyDeleteI won't comment on the donation part because after 20 years with a not-for-profit, I understand the need to solicit donations (although hopefully we handled it better than the examples above); but the request for writing assistance and/or referrals...just tacky. Doesn't anyone understand the meaning of good manners anymore?
ReplyDeleteI say most of those who write such requests are lucky you only hit the DELETE key. Thank heaven YOU, at least, have manners (along with your marvelous ability to write!). I congratulate you for your restraint.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love those pleas for help that aren't really pleas for help, they're just revelations of laziness . . . it might be forgivable if they'd at least read your work.
ReplyDelete