Fringe Fiction Unlimited discussion
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A question for Readers, Authors and Moderators
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Ah, I see the problem, and it's totally not your fault.Just to make sure it's clear, because I wouldn't want any misunderstanding. For the Pay It Forward challenge in this group, if we allowed others to post for the author, there would be no way to tell if the author is then reading three books, as per the rules of the challenge. It would just be too complicated.
In all fairness, this group was designed for indie authors who are doing everything themselves. I guess we simply didn't consider indie authors who happen to have their own publicist. And... where can I got one? lol
Personally, I would recommend starting a new topic devoted to your work for the author, so there's no confusion either way. General chat should be fine, it's fairly active. Also, for the rec folders, anyone can post anything, so you get free range there. But, again, that's just for this group. Other groups might feel differently.
As a reader, I would appreciate if there's a simple introduction. A disclaimer isn't needed. Something like, Hi, I'm Robin, a publicist for this author, etc, etc.
That's just my two cents. I'll happily wait to see what others say :)
Mod
Within the group you can recommend an author to us and start a discussion board but that's really all that's permitted promotional so the group won't be reduced to a vanity outlet.
I'm glad you're happy in the group Robin and have maximized your ability to promote another author here; however, offering a recommendation and see who takes interest is about the extent that's considered decent and acceptable.
I probably should also include the information that I have ZERO financial gain from anything I do. I am nothing more than a friend trying to help a friend.He IS an Indie author, doing everything himself except for me volunteering to help with online presence. He works 70+ hrs a week a his job, plus has two books in the works. There isn't enough hours in the day so I offered to help.
I appreciate your reply Lily. I really do want to do things correctly. As far as where can you get one? lol Simply ask a friend, shoot, ask me if I wasn't busy trying to help B.E. and writing my own books as well. lol
Damn, missed my opportunity, you're already taken lolI say, go with honesty. You're helping a friend and an indie author. Nothing more is needed. That's one disadvantage to the internet, anonymous. We don't know you, so give us the chance to get to know you. Because at first glance without further information, it did look like you're pretending to be the author, which I'm sure isn't your intention.
Disclaimer: when I say "you," I am referring to the royal you.As a writer, I expect authors to push their book. How else are they going to get people to hear about their book? I also don't subscribe to the "don't recommend your book for anything" state of mind that others do. After all, if a discussion or topic is right up your books alley, then recommend it. I actually think that puts MORE pressure on the book to do well as the author is stating their book to be good enough. Imagine the beating they'd take if readers hated it!
As a reader, if you're on Goodreads and going to boards that are designated for self promotion, then you can't get pissed when people self promotoe. Those types of readers probably won't give your book a fair shake anyway.
In regards to being chastised in this group, it seems to be fairly hit and miss. Sometimes discussions rage on for 6 months, and reading through all of them isn't going to happen. So someone will just think you're spamming if you're not up to snuff on the whole thread.
Then there's the "stay on topic" chop that comes out of nowhere when you don't really think your comment is off topic. This seems to be more up to the discretion of the mods as some segways are deemed valid and others aren't. It's best to not take those personal and just move on.
Thanks Courtney for clarifying. I admit, my emotions were on my sleeve with that subject because I had permission from the author to act on his behalf and was going to participate just as equally as any other participant. Just wasn't meant to be I suppose. I am still committed to reading the three I said I would and purchased them yesterday. Am I allowed to post the feedback or should I stay out of that as well? I'm following your lead so please teach what's best for this forum.
The on topic rule in this group is the only rule we want in order to avoid implosion, and it works fairly well. It's just stay on topic or start a new topic. Many members will start new topics on their own, some don't, for whatever reason. *shrugs*Robin, I hope you feel a little better now. A simple misunderstanding, no harm done. All members are encouraged to send private messages to the mods anytime. There's four of us now, we're at your service.
Robin wrote: "Thanks Courtney for clarifying. I admit, my emotions were on my sleeve with that subject because I had permission from the author to act on his behalf and was going to participate just as equally ..."Defintely allowed and you wouldn't be the first, I've done it :)
Nathan wrote: As a writer, I expect authors to push their book. How else are they going to get people to hear about their book?"
I wholeheartedly agree Nathan. Being brutally honest, since this is a General Chat thread, to put one's book out in front of fellow authors who would be far more critical (and often spiteful unfortunately) can be extremely stressful. I never anticipated this to be a cut throat business at all.
I am naive I suppose but to me, as long as there are stories in our heads to share, there will be enough readers to go around.
I wish the best of luck to you! I don't do review swaps or purchase trades of any kind, but if you'd like me to read yours and give an honest review, I'd be honored to support a fellow Indie.
Huggles
That's nice of you to promote for your friend! I think it makes perfect sense for a writer (or publicist) to bring up his/her book as a recommendation when it truly fits with what the reader is seeking. I would imagine it would only be off-putting if the recommendation were a cut and paste form thing and the book clearly didn't fit with what the reader was seeking.
In response to the original question, I'll post my 2 cents for the author question. No, I don't feel bad. I don't push my book on GR. I've posted it in appropriate places and I have no qualms about doing so. As long as you're following each individual group or forum's rules, you're on the right track and should disregard those feelings.It does however help to alleviate those feelings if you're a contributing member to that particular group. Post and run isn't always looked down upon, but you'll do better if you're an active member.
I think everything has been covered as far as mods and topics and all that technical crap goes. but to bring up to other readers and the like I think it's best to be as casual as possible and not businesslike trying to push an agenda. an example:do not: talking normal casual conversation and when offered a perfect moment to bring up the book don't go all business on them pulling out technical terms and business card and just shit like that lol that just turns me off. not saying that you do this, cuz I honestly don't know. But just something to keep in mind
a better way of doing it is saying, oh hey I have a friend whose an author and you may enjoy his book a bit. etc etc.
this isn't a rule but just something that gets me when people try to push their books on me. and it turns me off from it.
hope you and your author friend the best though :)
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. I am still feeling bad about the confusion yesterday when I listed a book in the Pay it Forward challenge. I made it abundantly clear that I was not the writer, didn't pretend to be. I deleted it after it was scorned. 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