Introduction: The Importance of Supporting Authors at Readings and in Correspondence
As an author, you pour your heart into your work. You craft stories and ideas that you hope will resonate with readers. However, the path to publication can be tricky. One big challenge is the feedback from the literary community. Constructive criticism and engagement are invaluable, but some phrases can devastate an author’s confidence and creativity. These “horrors” can be off-hand remarks at a reading, scathing reviews, or misguided but well-meaning notes. So, what are the 7 horrors?
This article will explore the 7 worst things to say to an author. It will explain why you must choose your words carefully in the literary community. By knowing the power of our words, we can support authors. They need our encouragement to thrive. So, why not try to avoid the 7 horrors?
The Impact of Hurtful or Insensitive Comments on Authors
As an author, you know the vulnerability of sharing your work with the world. Your work is a piece of you. Every word, twist, and character. So, when readers criticize or ignore it, it feels like a personal attack.
Comments and feedback can greatly affect your creativity, motivation, and self-worth. Hurtful remarks can also hurt your confidence, making it harder to keep writing and to believe in your work’s value.
These “horrors” can kill the will to write in the worst cases. The sting of rejection and harsh feedback can be too much to bear. So, readers, authors, and the literary community should support authors and approach them with empathy.
The 7 Horrors: Unveiling the Worst Things to Say at a Reading or in Notes and Correspondence
Horror 1: “I could write a book too if I had the time”
This seemingly harmless comment is, in fact, very hurtful to an author. It is one of the most dismissive things you can say. It suggests that writing a book is easy. It implies that the author’s success is due to having time, not skill or hard work.
As an author, you know the effort it takes to bring a book to life. It takes countless hours, endless revisions, and a strong will. You face moments of self-doubt along the way. This statement undermines all that effort and can leave you feeling like your accomplishments are not truly valued.
Horror 2: “Your book is not as good as [insert famous author/book]”
Comparing an author’s work to that of a more acclaimed writer will likely undermine their confidence. It will make them question their creative vision. It’s natural to compare. But, if it suggests the author’s work is worse, it’s unkind. It can also stifle their artistic growth.
Instead of direct comparisons, focus on the author’s unique strengths. Then, suggest ways to improve or enhance the work. This approach will be much more constructive and encouraging.
Horror 3: “When will you write a real book?”
This statement is rude and dismissive. It also needs to show a better grasp of the creative process and of the many literary genres and styles. What is a “real” book is subjective. This comment implies the author’s work needs to be more valid and worthy of attention.
As an author, you pour your heart and soul into every project, regardless of its genre or format. Your novel, poetry, or creative nonfiction truly expresses your creativity. It deserves respect and appreciation.
Horror 4: “I found a typo on page 27”
It’s natural to want to point out errors in a book. But doing so in a way that feels like a personal attack can hurt the author. Typos and minor mistakes often result from editing and publishing. They do not harm the work’s quality or value.
Instead of calling out specific errors, consider a more supportive approach. If you feel strongly about the errors, contact the author or their publisher and offer to help refine the work. This approach may be more appreciated, helping the author improve their craft without feeling criticized.
Horror 5: “Your book is too expensive”
A book’s price often depends on factors beyond the author’s control. These include production costs, distribution, and the publishing industry’s realities. Readers may have their views on a fair price. However, commenting on a book’s cost can seem entitled and dismissive of the author’s work.
If you think a book is overpriced, please be more constructive. Maybe suggest ways for the author to make it more accessible to a wider audience. This will show you value the author’s work. You want to support their success, not just criticize their choices.
Horror 6: “I didn’t finish your book, it was boring”
As an author, you pour your heart into your work. You craft a story or explore an engaging and meaningful topic. When a reader calls your book “boring,” it stings. It’s a rejection of your creative vision and hard work.
Instead of a blunt, dismissive assessment, please give nuanced feedback. Focus on the specific parts of the book that didn’t resonate with you. This will help the author see what to improve. It will also acknowledge the value of their work.
Horror 7: “Can you give me a free copy of your book?”
As an author, your work is your creativity, resulting from many hours of effort. Readers want to access your work, but asking for a free copy can seem entitled and disrespectful of your craft’s value.
Try contacting them if you like an author’s work but can’t afford it. Politely explain your situation. Many authors will offer discounted or free copies to those in need. However, you should not expect them to do it as a matter of course.
The Impact of Supportive and Respectful Comments on Authors
The “horrors” we’ve explored contrast with the power of supportive, respectful comments. Empathy from readers, authors, and the literary community can transform authors. A genuine desire to uplift and encourage can help, too.
Positive feedback, critiques, and genuine appreciation can boost an author’s confidence. They can reignite their passion. Such encouragement inspires them to improve their writing. Such comments can also build community and camaraderie in the literary world. They make authors feel valued, respected, and free to take creative risks.
Tips for Providing Constructive Feedback and Encouragement to Authors
If you want to support the authors you enjoy, here are some tips:
- Offer Specific, Constructive Feedback: Avoid broad, subjective statements. Focus on the specific elements of the author’s work. Discuss what you found compelling, insightful, or in need of improvement. This approach will show you’ve engaged with the work. It will give the author valuable feedback.
- Highlight the Strengths: It’s important to give constructive criticism. But balance it with praise for the author’s strengths. Celebrate what makes their work unique. Please encourage them to keep developing their talents.
- Approach with Empathy: Your work reflects your creativity and worldview. Remember that as an author. Be empathetic when receiving feedback. Acknowledge the writer’s vulnerability and investment.
- Offer Encouragement and Support: Regardless of your views, please encourage the author. Tell them you value their efforts and believe in their continued growth and success as writers.
- Promote and Amplify: If you’re a fan of an author’s work, consider ways to help promote and amplify their voice. Please support them by sharing their books on social media, writing reviews, or attending events.
By following these tips and avoiding the “horrors,” you can help build a better literary community. Let’s choose our words wisely. They can deeply affect the authors we engage with. So, let’s use our voices to uplift and inspire.
The Power of Words and the Importance of Kindness in the Literary Community
As readers, fellow authors, and members of the literary community, we must be careful in our interactions with authors. The words we choose can either build up or tear down. Our feedback can have a lasting impact long after the initial exchange.
Let’s create a nurturing environment. We do this by knowing the “horrors” to avoid and giving only supportive, constructive feedback. It will foster creativity and collaboration. It will also celebrate the diverse voices that make the literary world vibrant and dynamic.
So, the next time you attend a reading, write a review, or contact an author, remember the power of your words. Kindness is important. Your support could ignite an author’s creativity and help them reach new heights in their writing.