There’s been a lot of brouhaha recently about authors self-promoting on the internet. If you go to the discussions section on Amazon, the thread about intrusive authors has garnered far more commentary than any other topic. Authors are everywhere these days: posting on websites, promoting their own books on Amazon, writing blogs.
I have mixed feelings about Ubiquitous Author Syndrome. I grew up in the days when the author was an elusive presence in black and white on the inner cover of the book jacket, the only information about the author’s life a brief three line bio. To a certain extent, that absence of the author gave me the freedom to evaluate books on their own merits, to enjoy the prose without the personality of the author– the non-authorial personality of the author– intruding. At the same time, I’ll admit that I did thrill whenever I saw an article by Elizabeth Peters or Jude Deveraux in Writer’s Digest or The Writer, going all fluttery at the prospect of getting the inner scoop on how they thought and wrote.
Then there’s author appearances on sites dedicated to other peoples’ books or books in general. Again, I’m torn. Most of us writers are readers first, so it’s the most natural thing in the world to be drawn to discussions of our favorite topic– romance novels in all their splendor and subgenres. As a reader, I do go to message boards in hopes of picking up book recommendations and can never resist sharing the names of my own favorite authors. But I do wonder whether having authors posting– even if they have their reader hats on– might seem intrusive or have a chilling effect on what otherwise might be frank discussions of both their works and those of others.
As you can see, I’m all in a muddle on this topic. What I want to know is how you feel about this phenomenon. Does it affect the way you read a book when you know too much about the author? Does it bother you when you see authors posting on Amazon or other sites designed for readers? Or do you think it’s nice to have authors around?
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It really does not bother me one way or the other.
by Pat L
on September 26th, 2007 at 6:39 am
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If I’m thinking about the author instead of the book in my hand, the book isn’t holding my attention the way it should. Otherwise, I think it’s nice to have the authors around, and I think they behave very appropriately, with the notable exceptions of the ones who appear to have gone crazy. Most authors won’t venture into a negatively toned discussion of their own work and tell everyone they’re big stupid meanies for failing to appreciate their genius.
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Authors are readers too, so it doesn’t bother me. I f the book is holding my attention, there is now way I am thinking about the author.
by Estella
on September 26th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
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Often times when I read a book, I want to know more about the author. As a chronic bookworm, it’s a completely new adventure to know more about the author. I love it when authors talk about their favorite authors because it tips the reader off on books that she will more than likely enjoy herself. Having the author around makes the book more believable and exciting.
by Whitney
on September 26th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
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I can’t separate an actor - his role against the type of person in real life that he seems to be. I have certain actors that I just won’t watch anymore. I guess maybe that would be the same with an author but honestly I haven’t heard any bad stories about any of them. I love hearing little tidbits about them and enjoy talking/blogging with them online. I’ve only had one case where in a chat room (which I don’t do any more) me, along with some others, were promised a book from an author. We kindly reminded her more than once (months between) and she had excuses which we believed until she finally just didn’t reply. I guess I want honesty above all else (in everyone really). All she had to say was she didn’t have any left if that was the case. All I can think of is that she wanted to look good in the busy chat room and figured no one else would ever know she didn’t follow through. Sadly as much as I enjoyed her books, I can’t bring myself to read any more of her books.
by catslady
on September 26th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
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I don’t mind authors being in chat lines and groups cause they are readers too most of them. But if they start acting badly or flaming. I wouldn’t like that but that goes for anyone not just authors.
by Pamk
on September 26th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
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Moderation is the key word. I like visiting the authors websites…you can pick & choose how much info you want to receive. I don’t do chat rooms ever. I like blogs..you remark when & if you want to.
I expect to see the authors highlight their new releases on their own sites and maybe as a guest blogger.
Again for me…moderation..small doses not a total barrage!
Contests are always appreciated with a free book or gift card for books being favorite prizes for me! Books are expensive if you do a lot of reading like I do.
by Laurie
on September 27th, 2007 at 5:10 am
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It doesn’t bug me much, but then it might be because I search and hit plenty of sites and blogs during the course of a day. LOL To me it’s still exciting to see authors and be able to talk to them even after all this time of surfing and reading. 
Sure, there is always such a thing as too much, but it’s just not something I ever felt I hit personally.
Lois
by Lois
on September 27th, 2007 at 11:38 am
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It doesn’t bother me at all, I love hearing what writers have to say. I think its interesting seeing what they like.
by Dena
on September 30th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
