A question for Readers, Authors and Moderators

[Robin]

I need some feedback please from both sides. I am filling the role of publicisit/literary agent for a close friend. It's my task to promote books while he's busy writing new books. I have tried and prefer being very transparent, stating up front that I am not the author but am connected to him. I have tried simply offering my honest opinion of the book both good and bad points. I have tried to gather the opinions of the selected market, in this case sci fi readers, so that the author can know what readers liked, didn't like, want more/less of, etc. I seem to be getting my hand smacked far too often no matter which way I represent things. See questions below.

Readers-
When you post on forums or social media specifically asking for book recommendations, do you feel spammed if an author or publicist replies with their book as the suggestion?

Would you prefer to be told that the suggestion is being made by the author or representative? Does that affect your opinion negatively if it's stated?

Authors-
When you are doing online networking, marketing, or promotion, do you feel scorned or admonished by some forums if you mention your book? I swear, I think I have garlic breath in certain forums. lol

I am not aggressive with my marketing, I don't spam continuously. I make one post in the appropriate section of the forum I am on at the time and then I simply actively participate in other topic discussions because I truly enjoy reading and discussing things. (Hey, it's a chick thang, I can talk about anything..for hours. lol)

Moderators- *disclaimer* I like this group, this is not a rant, it's a question please. It wasn't this group that admonished me for not being the author but participating in the group. I made it abundantly clear that I was not the writer, didn't pretend to be. It seems that I don't fit in as a reader with an opinion nor as a delegated representative of the author. Any advice how to actively participate in groups and forums and be a valuable contributor?

Robin

Highway to the Stars: The Beginning

[Robin]

I have no financial interest though. Lol I am simply a friend who volunteered for the task of getting the name out. But thank you for calling my attention to that fact. I should include that information.

[A.L.]

OK - As a reader IF I had specifically asked for recommendations then I wouldn't mind an author mentioning his or her book. However a lot of people might find that to constitute spam. It does depend on the social media, and the rules of the group. It is hard to know when it is too much. I think if that is ALL you said in the reply then it might seem a lot worse.

"I could recommend Dune, Martian Chronicles, Outpassage and if I may mention it (insert name of book)" that way it softens the blow.

I'd say if you are mentioning a book acting as publicist you have to mention it. If I mention say Martian Chronicles then it is merely a suggestion - I have no link to the author and no interest in the book, other than it is on my shelf to read.

Would it affect my opinion - in my case probably not but I know many readers don't like author spam (or publicist spam.)

As an author - yes there are certain forums where mentioning one's book is not appropriate. I belong to several facebook and GR groups and a large number have very specific rules for what is and is not allowed, including in some cases no author spam at all. That is fine, there are plenty which do. Readers don't want to be inundated with ads for books. How would you feel on facebook if every post is selling something? Again check the rules of the social media group. There are always readers who don't like the promotion for one reason or another. I'd say don't make that ALL you do. Network, interact, hang out and discuss - don't just spam the BUY MY BOOK. Marketing is hard, getting the level right is hard, how much is too much? That is a learning curve. I'd say respect the readers and use discretion.

I think you can be an author/publicist and a reader but the two are separate, at least for me. On GR it is predominately a group for readers.

[Jim]

Self-promotion in Goodreads discussion groups should be limited to those threads specifically designated by the moderators to do so, and then, only once. If there are no promotional threads, don't promote.

I would advise authors to engage fellow group members in discussions as often as possible, but stick to the subject of the thread, not your personal agenda.

Members, who are impressed with a fellow member's knowledge, insight, and language skills displayed in posts, will eventually check out that person's profile and discover for themselves what they may have written and whether or not they may be interested in reading their work.

An adage often used in business: "Your work speaks for itself. Don't interrupt!"

[A.L.]

Yes, promo in the correct places and networking, discussing, and chatting are the key. I post more as reader than an author.

[Bruce]

What is promo? I notice that on introduction pages many authors say I'm so-and-so the author of such-and-such. When I'm not writing I do this and that. The end. Is that self promo?

[Jim]

Bruce wrote: "What is promo? I notice that on introduction pages many authors say I'm so-and-so the author of such-and-such. When I'm not writing I do this and that. The end. Is that self promo?"

Bruce,

Technically, yes. However, in the context of an introduction, which by its very nature, is intended to tell others who you are and some of your interests, I do not believe it could be considered inappropriate, as long as the reference is subtle. I'd suggest saving the details for the promotional page.