Twitter & The Author's Big Mistake

Perks · Dec 10, 2012

I thought I had a handle on the whole Author's Big Mistake thing - as in never engage your critics.

I'm steeled to punch a pillow instead of attempting to defend myself against what won't be liked about my book.

But when someone says something nice on Twitter, am I supposed to say something back? I mean, it's easy not to engage on book blogs and review sites. And I don't foresee a problem keeping my paws off the comments at Amazon and whatnot, but it's the '@' tag on Twitter that confuses me. If someone flags it for me to see, am I supposed to say something?

It's giving me the Miss Manners vapors.

Old Hack · Dec 10, 2012

I think it's fine for you to say something like, "sorry you didn't like my book but thank you for taking the time to read and review it", but don't be drawn into a discussion about what was wrong or right about it.

Anyway, this isn't going to be a problem for you because everyone's going to love your book.

Perks · Dec 10, 2012

Old Hack said:
I think it's fine for you to say something like, "sorry you didn't like my book but thank you for taking the time to read and review it", but don't be drawn into a discussion about what was wrong or right about it.

Anyway, this isn't going to be a problem for you because everyone's going to love your book.

No, actually somebody said something really nice on Twitter and tagged me in the tweet. Should I say thanks?

Plus, you are vewwy sweet.

Williebee · Dec 10, 2012

Nothing wrong with a short, simple "Thanks @(WHOMEVER)" reply.

Same thing you'd do on the street, you know, without the hugging.

justbishop · Dec 10, 2012

Williebee said:
Nothing wrong with a short, simple "Thanks @(WHOMEVER)" reply.

Same thing you'd do on the street, you know, without the hugging.

I dunno, I kinda like that Twitter opens the possibility of true, meaningful interaction with authors and actors and the like that I otherwise would likely never have the opportunity to speak with. I think the OP should engage in convo with someone making a positive comment, if a more in-depth reply is warranted.

Old Hack · Dec 10, 2012

Ah, I see.

Of course it's fine to acknowledge and thank someone who says something nice! You can retweet it too, so your followers get to read the nice tweet.

dolores haze · Dec 10, 2012

When someone @'s a nice review at me I usually thank them and retweet it.

Perks · Dec 10, 2012

Ah, this makes me feel better. It felt very rude not to say thanks.

Twitter & The Author's Big Mistake

Perks

delicate #!&@*#! flower

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

Perks

delicate #!&@*#! flower

Williebee

Capeless, wingless, & yet I fly.

justbishop

Proud Literary Sadist

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

dolores haze

international guttersnipe

Perks

delicate #!&@*#! flower