WHAT THE READERS SEE

WHAT THE READERS SEE

It’s been a busy year for me full of writers’ conferences, readers’ and writers’ weeks, library talks and book promotions. Usually I attend such affairs as a writer, but this year I have been to three major reader-writer weeks as a reader and I learnt a lot.

It’s strange being on the other side of the table. No longer p.d.r. lindsay, the guest and writer of serious historical fiction, now I was an anonymous, grey haired, elderly woman, walking with a stick, eager to hear her favourite authors. It’s a shame those authors didn’t live up to my expectations, but I certainly learnt how not to treat the readers.

In defence of those best-selling authors I am aware of the lunatic fringe, the tedious fans, and the rude ones who don’t believe you have written their favourite book. You find them attending every book signing. I was just amazed that these authors hadn’t worked out methods of dealing with the difficult readers, nor had they worked out how to make contact with ordinary reader-fans. The 2 Best Sellers didn’t seem to be careful about what they said in front of readers either. When there are so many readers within earshot surely an author must be cautious. It’s bad enough that everything we write now goes online and becomes available to the whole world for eternity. At a book festival what we say to our readers will also fly around, first the group and then the internet. As the book market is overcrowded, and readers have difficulty finding one book among the millions, it pays to make a good impression.

At the first readers’ festival there were four authors I wanted to hear talk about their work. Two were international best sellers, two were ‘outstanding’ new authors with prize winning first or second novels. Their actual talks were all exceptional and they fielded questions well, but their book signings were awful. The two Best Sellers were scruffy in appearance, used tatty cheap biros to sign with, chatted to each other and not their readers, and sighed audibly when a limping old lady (me) hobbled into the queue. They did not connect with their readers in a positive way, and I did not buy their new books.

Mr Best Seller needed a haircut, wore a plain old T shirt- no amusing slogan for us to enjoy - and chatted away to Ms Best Seller all the time he signed books. Ms Best Seller also wore T shirt and casual trousers, again much creased and well worn, and her hair needed a wash. She looked so crumpled and unprofessional, didn’t answer polite questions and even had to borrow a pen to sign.

The Romance Writers association has wise words about presenting yourself to your readers as an author, summed up by one of my romance novelist friends as ‘have presence’ that is be noticeable in a good way. After hearing the spiteful comments from two authors about another author as they signed books at the second readers’ week I attended this year I would also add: ‘Guard your tongue.’

At the third reader’s week one young author, a new and promising ‘star’, had a table all to herself in a corner. She had a choice of different pens so that she could sign on the covers, inside pages or the CD jackets. She wore a bright tunic top, with a fashionable scarf and black leggings. She was visible and looked cheerful. She smiled and did not wave or make contact with other writers, but she did pay attention to each reader as she signed her books. I gave her ten out of ten for professionalism and solid good sense. Readers generally agreed that she was ‘nice’ and went to buy her books for her to sign.

Of course we writers are human beings, it is not easy dealing with readers when you have given a long talk and are tired and want a drink and a bit of peace, but readers matter. It’s word of mouth that sells the most books, it’s word of mouth which gives you, the author, a reputation. I strongly suggest that we Indie writers be scrupulous about our book signings and reader contacts. Invent yourself as ‘the author’, find appropriate clothes for your persona, and enjoy being ‘the author’. Be a bit of a personality – hats are useful for that - if you don’t like being smart and tidy, but be visible. Project warmth, be a people person and interested in your readers. Make sure you have good pens, I keep mine in an unusual pencil case, with spares. If you have to sit with other writers don’t chat to them. Make a private space for yourself and focus on your readers. And if you are dying for a drink you will surely find a reader-fan happy to bring you a cup of tea, coffee or even a glass of wine. Spend time, even though you are falling asleep, signing those books and smiling. Murmur meaningless platitudes to the rude or intrusive. “Really?” “How interesting?” “Annoying isn’t it?” “What a pity.” “How sad.” I have found useful as dampeners to the annoying. All said with a faint sweet smile as you reach for the next person’s book to sign.

So what did I learn being a reader? The key word, I think, for all authors to remember is respect. Think how much you need your readers, cherish them and treat them with respect, even those difficult ones.

p.d.r. lindsay