Your Picture

I recently read a post where the blogger said you should show your face on the Internet. Unfortunately, I can't find the post, but she said when people leave comments or tweet her, she's more receptive to the smiling, friendly face than some random image.

I disagree with her. Of course, it's a lot easier when you're an attractive woman like she is. Maybe it's because I'm one of those people that hate taking pictures because I'm not very photogenic. I'll reluctantly take them with family, but I don't smile unless someone makes me laugh. I hate fake smiling. That's not to say I'm not a good looking guy. I am. I just don't see what the point of it is.

Unlike movies or television, people don't buy books based on what authors look like. That's just not how it works, at least with fiction. You can be the most attractive person in the world yet your characters and world are going to be vastly different from you. Since most people aren't going to meet or talk to you, you can't sell yourself to sell your book. Therefore, your book must sell itself.

I'm one of those people that believe that since you're a writer, that you should entice people with your words. It doesn't have to only be the sample in your work but also your blog posts, tweets, panels, or interviews.

I suppose having a nice, attractive picture of you, gets a person to look at your book a second longer. That counts for something for a physical book. However, in the digital age, it doesn't do much. Having worked in a bookstore, I've seen a ton of bad photos by bestselling authors too. As a reader, there's nothing more annoying than having the author's picture on the back and blurbs in the front, and having no idea what the book's about.

I also like having people off guard. People are prejudiced towards everything. By seeing what I look like, you'll THINK you'll have a notion of what my world or characters are supposed to look like. I've had people listen to my podcast then see my picture and say, "I thought you looked like such and such." I don't want to give any such notions.

Now, there's nothing wrong with having your picture out there. I do have it on my private Facebook page. Just remember it's going to be out there for EVERYONE to see. If you're going to have one, might as well get a professional to take it instead of you using your camera phone.

Marc Johnson