How do you address an author?

[Joseph]

When you are talking to an author in person, do you refer to them by first name or as Mrs. or Mr.? How about when communicating with one on social networking, like Facebook or here on Goodreads? Or if you send them a letter via email, or even snail mail? If you are talking to that great author Jane Doe, do you just call her Jane or do you use Mrs. Doe? Please share here.

[Ashley Marie]

I think it depends -- if they're on social media, I tend to just use their first name. I have an immense respect for all authors, but I reserve the Mr/Mrs/Ms for certain people. I think it's down to how approachable they are + the amount of respect I have for them and their work.

[Heidi]

As an author, I prefer you use my first name. Calling me Mrs. makes me feel old ;) But I think Ashley has a good point: Depending on what you are reaching out to them for may depend on what you use. For example, if someone were contacting me asking me to speak at an event and we had never met before, I would not be offended if they used Mrs. but if someone said "Mrs. Angell, I love the Clear Angel Chronicles!" on Facebook, it would feel weird because Facebook just isn't that formal!

[Erin]

I tend to go with Mr./Mrs./Ms in addressing them, unless/until they tell me otherwise. It's how I interact with everyone, so I'm not making special allowances for their profession.

As far as letters, I've exchanged letters periodically with Piers Anthony for almost 20 years now, and I still write to him as "Dear Mr. Anthony". I'm sure he wouldn't object if I used his first name, but it just feels more appropriate to me.

As others have said, Facebook or similar social media is a little different, so I'd probably use their first name.

[Outlaw]

Depends on how much I liked the book.

[Alannah]

I would start out with Mr., Mrs., or Ms. That, to me, is more respectful. If the author prefers to be addressed with their first name, then she/he can tell you so. I prefer to start out being respectful.

[Lára]

I usually use Mr./Ms. since I don´t know them and I adress all people I don´t know as such.

I prefer not to interact with authors at all, it makes me feel happier.