Have you ever met one? If you have, I bet you remember them, and the incident associated with them.
I saw one many years ago. Funny, it was at the very first writer’s convention I ever attended, you know, back when most of the roads were dirt and we traveled by horse and carriage.
She was a very fav author of mine. Top of my auto-buy list. I say I saw her, because I didn’t really meet her. We were both part of a group milling around the elevators, waiting for one to arrive. If you’ve ever been to a conference, you know the wait seems interminable.
Said author got tired of waiting, and of course by this point, other people with nothing to do were starting to ask for her autograph. She wasn’t rude to the people in question, but I happened to be close enough to hear a snarky comment she made to the woman who was with her, about having to stand there and ‘deal’ with ‘these people’. Needless to say, the two of them left in a huff. I think they must have taken the stairs.
I was so shocked and offended by her behavior, to this day, I’ve never read or purchased another book with her name on it. And no, I won’t tell you who it is, because believe me, she’s at such a level of success that it makes no difference whether I buy them or not.
The only reason I choose to bring this up, is because during the RT convention (which was fantastic btw) in Ohio recently, it seemed to be a common theme. While waiting in line for this or that, you tend to chat with your line-mates about whatever, or whoever crosses your path to pass the time.
One thing that came up over and over again, was that people would not, now, or ever, buy books from authors who were rude, snarky in person, or generally ill-mannered.
I have to confess, as an author, it made me think twice about my own behavior. Especially during those times when I thought it wouldn’t matter. Like waiting in line, holding the door for someone, answering a question for directions, or even waiting for the elevator. It once again reminded me that as a published author, I’m a professional, and people are watching.
Then I began to wonder if I wasn’t just becoming the teeniest bit paranoid.
What do you think? Does an author’s behavior in person affect whether or not you will buy their book?
Of course, it does!! I had the great fortune of attending the RT Convention in Houston a few years ago, and loved it!!! I have to say the majority of the authors were very nice to everyone!! There were a couple I noticed that never mingled, even for a second or two, with us readers!! I did not have any or see any rude situations, but I would not follow or buy from them if they were rude to me or someone else, especially at a convention or signing. I am sure it would not cause the author to loose much business, but it would make me feel better.
ReplyDeleteFor me it depends on how rude they are. If they don't get a door for me, I'm okay with that. If they're rushed while talking to me, I'm okay with that too. But if I overhear a rude comment about being asked to sign autographs for fans while waiting for an elevator...I'd probably think twice.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Sutton.
I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, especially because my own nervous anxiety can make it so hard for me to feel comfortable and interact with a crowd. I've had a lot of people, including ones who should really know better, jump to conclusions and mistake my being nervous for being standoffish. Writing is probably a very solitary thing for most of us, and even though we are expected to be "on" at events and such, I can totally understand how hard it might be for some. So if I wanted to read their books I would still buy from a rude author. But if they're a bigot, forget it. Never spending a dime on them again.
ReplyDeleteFor me if an author is rude yes it does affect how I look at them and their work. Being rude is not acceptable because people spend their hard earned cash and time to buy and read your work. Yes we all have bad days but who doesn't. So if an author is rude it puts a sour image on them.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Sutton! I've never met an author who was really rude, but it does make me think twice about my professional appearance when I see them behaving badly online in regards to reviews or anything for that matter. If they handle themselves poorly it does effect my opinion of them. Manners matter. Maybe I'm just old fashioned or maybe its a southern thing, but it takes so little effort to be kind and considerate to someone. Who knows what effect a 'Bless you' or 'Have a lovely day. Or a "Isn't he darling." to the mom in the line behind you trying to keep her terror of a two year old out of the M&M's on the shelf might have on their day? I guarantee, she'll smile back and remember how precious every second of life is and what you do with it counts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Judy. I agree, I doubt whether I buy a single book or not, will matter, but it does indeed make me feel better!
ReplyDeleteWell said, Chandra. I can understand people being in a hurry, but out-and-out rudeness, not so much.
ReplyDeleteHey Sonya, good to see you. I've been accused of being standoffish more than once. lol.
ReplyDeleteSavannah!! Great to see you. I totally agree, like it or not, an authors image is part of their branding.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brynna. Guess I'm old fashioned too. lol. And I'm the crazy person in line behind the little kid, trying to get their attention just for the entertainment value.
ReplyDeleteI had an incident with a famous author a couple of years ago at National. I had been sent by my RWA chapter president to get a book with this author's signature. She often presents so I hoped to go to one of her sessions, however, I was in the Goody Room where there were free copies of Rude Author's book. By cooincidence Rude Author walked into the Goody Room, so I grabbed a book and went up to her and asked her to sign it. She looked down her nose at me and said, "How did you find me?" She wasn't wearing her author name tag but I recognized her from her publicity photo. She was with another famous author who for some reason didn't wait for her while she was signing for me. Rude Author said to me, "Now you've made me lose... substitute other famous author's name here."
ReplyDeleteI never buy her books now.
Cathleen Ross
Rudeness is unacceptable. Whether by an author or an unemployed street person; rudeness is a sign of bad character. Yes, we all have our bad days. But there is a distinction between the two and most of the time you can tell the difference. If this happened to me, NO, I would never buy their books again. No one person is so high above the rest of us that they have the right to look down upon others as if we are their minions. To these people I nod my head, smile really hard, and then pity them. Living in a world of self absorbency must be a lonely and scary place when you don't even like yourself enough to see the beauty in the people around you.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the rant! People like this piss me off! LOL
Becc
Ah, rudeness. Nope, not acceptable. Being less than friendly because of nerves or a tough day -- OK. But not rude. At a library event I did, one of the librarians told us about a conference she did, and how this big name author spent some time complaining about readers and how they got on her nerves. Well. I may not be naming her here, but the librarian sure did, and she also told us she avoids ordering that author's books unless she has to, besides no longer being a fan.
ReplyDeleteAs hard as we work to attract readers and build a fanbase, I can't imagine alienating them by being a clod!
Thanks for stopping by Cathleen. Don't these people make you shake your head in wonder? I don't blame you. I wouldn't buy her books either.
ReplyDeleteBecc! Great to see you! They are indeed very, very sad people. Feel free to rant anytime. :)
ReplyDeleteHey there Piper! Unfortunately this author has shot her career in the foot and doesn't even know it. And you're right, readers rock!
ReplyDeleteI am a sane (for the most part - LOL) human, first and foremost, reader next. If you are going to come to a reader event, it is your duty to try and mingle with the readers. I am an ex shy person, I know it is hard to come out of that shell BUT in the long run, it will help you and allow the readers to get to know the person behind the words : )
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Joy. From one ex shy person to another. :) You are correct. It really helped me to come out of my shell, and most importantly, now I can meet and truly enjoy chatting with readers. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteThis is a good question. I don't think I would buy their book if they were rude.
ReplyDelete