Responding to Readers
by Elizabeth Spann Craig, @elizabethscraig
I think writers have a lot of understandable angst when it comes to responding to readers. We care a lot about what they have to say and we don't want to make a misstep.
And responding to readers is definitely tricky. Here are some different areas where you might run into reader comments and my thoughts on handling it.
Areas Where Readers Often Reach OutSocial Media: I get pinged on Facebook fairly regularly, less so on other sites. I try to respond as quickly as I can and apologize when a comment falls through the cracks. It's important not to write things that could be misconstrued on social media, so I'll re-read a post a few times before I send it.
Book Reviews/Book Bloggers: When book bloggers reach out to me to share a review, I always thank them and will usually share it with a comment on my social media. If they haven't reached out to me to share it, I don't comment on the review, but I may link to it on my book page, etc.
Emails: This is definitely my favorite way for readers to reach out. I can give more thoughtful answers and they're not shared on a public platform. I generally respond fastest here, too.
Reader Comments on Platforms like Wattpad: If a comment is directed to me, I always respond to it. Sometimes, though, the comments are directed to other readers or even just function sort of as marginalia on the site…for the reader's own records. If I think a comment from me might function as author intrusion, I leave it alone.
Short Reviews on Platforms like BookBub: BookBub pings me on these, and I'll “like” them as they come in, although I don't comment.
Reviews on Goodreads: I'm generally wary on this site since in the past it hasn't proven especially author-friendly. I do appreciate the reviews I get there, but I don't read them and definitely don't comment on them.
Customer Reviews on Amazon: Same rule applies here as on Goodreads. I do read my reviews on Amazon, since they can help inform direction for my books, but I never respond to reviews there. I do take my best reviews and copy-paste them into a folder on Evernote to brighten up tough writing days.
Writer Jody Hedlund made a good point about responding to readers:
“The more visible and relatable an author remains the better. Think about what happens when we’re closed off, silent, and unavailable on our social media sites. People might begin to think we’re stuck up, that we think we’re too good to talk to anyone but our closest circles of friends. Such an aura (even if it’s not true) could send out negative vibes and alienate our readers. Why take the risk? Why not remain humble, available, and responsive?
Yes, it takes some time. But, if we’re not prioritizing our interactions with readers on social media, then what’s the point of it all? Isn’t that why we’re on social media in the first place?”
I totally agree…as long as we're careful and professional while we're responding.
For me, this has been the safest approach to handling reviews and reader comments. But I'm curious to hear from you. How do you handle reviews and comments on retailers, book blogs, and social media?
Tips for responding to readers:
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