Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.


I’m late! I’m late! lol Thank you for the TMST reminder Roberta

Question: Do you tag authors in your (overall) positive reviews? How do you feel about authors not acknowledging them or opting out?

Answer: In my very early days of reviewing (10 years ago!) I used to tag authors and they almost always loved reviews and understood the process – all publicity is good publicity – if you will. But book blogs and reviewing were not a big thing back then. There weren’t arc’s or competition and I was almost contacted directly by authors. It was very difficult to get your book out there – even Twitter wasn’t too big of a thing yet so yes, I often tagged authors with my reviews. I used to even reply to their initial email request with a link. I have never had any problems.

Fast forward and this is an enormous ecosystem now and everyone has differing opinions on everything.

I’m still very much Team Honest Review but I also understand that many authors don’t want to read them. Even if they are good. Sometimes our version of a good review has something that is actually hurtful to them.

For example – I might call a book fluffy. To me, that is a high complement (the highest! I love books that make me happy) and not at all indicative or contradictory of the book having nothing important to say or it’s emotional impact. Yet I’ve seen several authors very hurt by that description. Sometimes the story is based on their personal experiences that hurt to reveal and now you’re calling it fluffy. I stand by my view but I no longer tag authors because I also get how they might not want to read it even if, to me, it’s a compliment.

There are also a lot of authors who just can’t even get into reviews without it weighing on them in some way. Even if it’s good. They are on to the next book and need to be in a different head space. Or maybe having been burned by being tagged in negative reviews – have anxiety to ANY reviews so steer clear.

I can’t keep track of who wants what so I just don’t tag them anymore. If they care enough they can get alerts lol
I try to tag more for book mail, favorites lists and general promotion type posts now. Where I’m just cheer leading something I love. They can choose to read or share without worrying either way.
As for acknowledging reviews – IMHO, I think a simple thank you goes a long way. I don’t think publishers or authors understand how much time, energy and money go into this hobby that almost all of us do for free so yeah – it stings a little that no one seems to care anymore. I get especially salty if it’s for a blog tour. That requires a lot more effort and a time line and you could acknowledge it with a thank you or simple RT since the author purposely signed up for this. And since I’m already here griping lol - I hate when they only acknowledge the big guys and not the smaller bloggers. Again. I think they underestimate our effort and the power of word of mouth.

But, for the most part, I try not to get too worried about that. There are bloggers who don’t want to hear from authors in their space at all and its difficult for ALL of us to try to navigate who wants what so I just do my thing and don’t take it too personally.

What are your thoughts on tagging authors and them acknowledging reviews?