Oh, Kathryn, thanks for this! It can be nasty world out there in social media land where nobody has to say this stuff in person. In the little world of Canadian readers, writers and books as well, it seems to be all about some kind of lottery and I'm not even smart enough to figure out how to buy a ticket. We all need to know we're not alone out there. Posts like this one really help.
I'll never do the Goodreads/NetGalley thing again! The comments nearly slayed me. However, there were some very unique and hilarious reviews that were largely incoherently written but incredibly enthusiastic and they made up for the crushing ones.
That's the thing. I want my books to do okay, not because of me but because of the hard work and faith that others invest in me. I constantly used to tell my beloved Luciana Ricciutelli, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Inanna, that one day, I'd make her proud. She'd always reply with the same thing "Dearheart, I'm already proud of you." But I wanted to make her more proud and I still do.
I feel a responsibility to the characters and the book itself that they are well received in the world. I put them out there, I don't want them to be bullied. I want kids in the playground to like them and play nice.
I feel like the characters put themselves out on a limb for me, they made themselves vulnerable and I worry about them. I'm so extremely relieved when people don't hate the book.
I'm philosophical though – my books are odd. Sometimes people are in the mood for them and sometimes they aren't. Sometimes they don't read them but then later, they do.
I used to be a lot more hung about about scrutinizing every single comment and review and response. Now I like to think I have a thicker skin but I don't really. And I could probably quote every single negative review of every single book I've ever written – but I can't recall any of the good ones! Just the way we're wired, I guess.
As someone who works on the publicity side (trying to get attention for a book), I feel you so much about those big lists. And I have pretty cynical thoughts about some of them and how they're decided.
This is exactly right and important to articulate. Also, I didn't finish your book until I got to the end of reading it. I really loved it. Your beautiful collection of sonnets.
Who’s to say the reviewers opinions are superior? Listen to your fans! Your book transported me into your life experiences, and made me really stop to ponder the dire issues facing our planet. These, IMHO, are the cardinal signs of great literature.
I absolutely loved ANECDOTES and I feel like opinions about books only count if you’ve actually read the whole book. I also think NetGalley should not give any more books to people who write reviews that include a DNF qualifier. Finish the book or don’t leave a review. I also love you showing up for Book*hug and your husband and Malcolm! Mainly because I also feel the anxiety of self-publicity, it’s nice to think I’ll be doing it for someone else.
Thank you for this. My first novel was released during April 2020. I had signed with a small publisher who I would not recommend and who did nothing for me. I have feelings of shame and guilt about my book, yet I want to go on to write more books.
Hi Kathryn. Loved this post because your feelings are shared by many a writer. I've experienced them all. True and raw! When you state, "rarely get worked up about not being on an actual curated list of say 10, 20, or even 30 books. I mean, it’s all subjective," I couldn't help but think that it's not objective at all. I know that a well connected publicist, like the one I had at PRH, has a grteat deal of clout in getting that book on those lists. Don't kill yourself over it . . . it's a political decision and has very little to do with the quality of your work.
What a fun read Ms.M.– Doing Art is all about laying it out there. Reading your strategies for managing it all brought me closer to your book, and, made me realize why honouring writers matters.
Wow. way to get up again and carry on after taking some blows.
That would definitely be hard on me.
Seems like we need a thick skin in this industry ... but i don't know if i WANT a thick skin!
As an introvert, I appreciate the reframe on doing the promotional work.
Oh, Kathryn, thanks for this! It can be nasty world out there in social media land where nobody has to say this stuff in person. In the little world of Canadian readers, writers and books as well, it seems to be all about some kind of lottery and I'm not even smart enough to figure out how to buy a ticket. We all need to know we're not alone out there. Posts like this one really help.
Thanks Susan!!!! ❤️
I'll never do the Goodreads/NetGalley thing again! The comments nearly slayed me. However, there were some very unique and hilarious reviews that were largely incoherently written but incredibly enthusiastic and they made up for the crushing ones.
That's the thing. I want my books to do okay, not because of me but because of the hard work and faith that others invest in me. I constantly used to tell my beloved Luciana Ricciutelli, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Inanna, that one day, I'd make her proud. She'd always reply with the same thing "Dearheart, I'm already proud of you." But I wanted to make her more proud and I still do.
I feel a responsibility to the characters and the book itself that they are well received in the world. I put them out there, I don't want them to be bullied. I want kids in the playground to like them and play nice.
I feel like the characters put themselves out on a limb for me, they made themselves vulnerable and I worry about them. I'm so extremely relieved when people don't hate the book.
I'm philosophical though – my books are odd. Sometimes people are in the mood for them and sometimes they aren't. Sometimes they don't read them but then later, they do.
I used to be a lot more hung about about scrutinizing every single comment and review and response. Now I like to think I have a thicker skin but I don't really. And I could probably quote every single negative review of every single book I've ever written – but I can't recall any of the good ones! Just the way we're wired, I guess.
As someone who works on the publicity side (trying to get attention for a book), I feel you so much about those big lists. And I have pretty cynical thoughts about some of them and how they're decided.
This is exactly right and important to articulate. Also, I didn't finish your book until I got to the end of reading it. I really loved it. Your beautiful collection of sonnets.
Ha ha!!!!
Who’s to say the reviewers opinions are superior? Listen to your fans! Your book transported me into your life experiences, and made me really stop to ponder the dire issues facing our planet. These, IMHO, are the cardinal signs of great literature.
Ignore the haters!
Thanks Karena!!! xoxo
Who wants a Teflon coated ego??
Ouch. Thanks for sharing this. And making me feel guilty about all the stuff I always forget I'm supposed to do to promote books...
I absolutely loved ANECDOTES and I feel like opinions about books only count if you’ve actually read the whole book. I also think NetGalley should not give any more books to people who write reviews that include a DNF qualifier. Finish the book or don’t leave a review. I also love you showing up for Book*hug and your husband and Malcolm! Mainly because I also feel the anxiety of self-publicity, it’s nice to think I’ll be doing it for someone else.
you.are.awesome.
Thank you for this. My first novel was released during April 2020. I had signed with a small publisher who I would not recommend and who did nothing for me. I have feelings of shame and guilt about my book, yet I want to go on to write more books.
I’m so sorry to hear that! Yes, write more books!
Noted!!!!
Hi Kathryn. Loved this post because your feelings are shared by many a writer. I've experienced them all. True and raw! When you state, "rarely get worked up about not being on an actual curated list of say 10, 20, or even 30 books. I mean, it’s all subjective," I couldn't help but think that it's not objective at all. I know that a well connected publicist, like the one I had at PRH, has a grteat deal of clout in getting that book on those lists. Don't kill yourself over it . . . it's a political decision and has very little to do with the quality of your work.
What a fun read Ms.M.– Doing Art is all about laying it out there. Reading your strategies for managing it all brought me closer to your book, and, made me realize why honouring writers matters.
Thanks Robert!
How refreshing!