Welcome guest author and blogger Tara Chevrestt. I’ve been loving this ongoing discussion. Please read the back blogs she links before reading this to put everything into context.

This “I am Pissed” topic was started by an angry blogger. He’s a good guy and he makes some good points. The first post was http://alexiachronicles.blogspot.in/2012/07/i-am-blogger-and-i-am-pissed-1.html. An author posted a response: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/07/why-natalie-star-is-pissed.html#.UBhSLbRrOH8. And when the blogger part 2 rant went up  http://alexiachronicles.blogspot.in/2012/07/i-am-blogger-and-i-am-pissed-2.html, I decided I had a few things of my own to say.

Point one: Put out a good book. Readers want superb editing and cover art. I understand that to a point. I def say hire an editor. However, I’ve noticed a growing trend in the ebook industry. READERS DON’T WANT TO PAY FOR EBOOKS. Look at sites like Pixel of Ink. “Oh, thank you, POI! I’ve got so many free books, I haven’t needed to buy any in months!”

So, you want superb editing and you want to see top-of-the-line cover art, but you don’t want to pay for the book? Um, where the heck is that money coming from, to pay the editor and the cover artist? It has gotten to the point that being an author is no longer a profession, but a hobby, as we are paying money to do something we love, and no one is buying it.

And when did readers become professional editors? I’d also like to point out that if you see some not-so-good editing, take a moment to ask yourself one question. Is it self-published? If not, don’t blame the author. Publishers have final say in editing AND cover art. Please, quit blaming the author for that stuff when it is not self-published material. You’ll be surprised how much control the publisher has.

Also note, certain editorial rules change with publishing houses. I have one publisher that didn’t bat an eye at head hopping. I had one that didn’t permit it at all.

Point two: Readers want us to promote their blogs or at least our post on their blog. I do. Keep in mind, however, that most people are so wrapped up in themselves that if a post doesn’t have anything to do with them, they don’t bother to read it. I can post it five times in one day on Facebook and not a single soul will pay attention to it, hook or not. It comes down to luck. Unless it says, “FREE BOOK!!!!” or “LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX!!!” or God forbid, “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY!” most people don’t look twice. Not getting a lot of hits on your blog? Not my fault. I try.

Point three: Demanding Reviews. I don’t demand reviews. I ask nice, but my experience with bloggers…eh. I had a lady promise to read a book I sent her in a timely manner, about a month. Three months later, the book is off the market and that reader is reading 50 Shades of Grey. Like it doesn’t already have enough reviews? It really needs the extra help? *sigh* Moving on.

Point four: Book Pricing: Readers don’t want to pay a lot of money for a new author. Actually, I don’t blame you, and I have never priced a self-published work over 2.99. However, I’d like to point out here that if it’s NOT self-published, the publisher has final say on price. Author has no say at all. I’m starting to think we need to publicize our contracts so readers understand this stuff. Do I have some books that are too expensive? Yes, I do, but I can’t change it. Sorry.

Tasha comments… I disagree with both Tara and Ritesh on this one. If I think my book is worth it I see no reason not to charge up to 4.99 for my 1st book. But  I better have some short stories at 0.99 for my readers to get to know my writing style. And I better have a well written, well edited book. If indie authors continue to devalue our writing then readers will continue to think we should have our books available for free. My time is worth a lot. 

Point five: Wars. Nobody likes an author behaving badly. Authors should, indeed, know better than to leave comments on bad reviews or start a fight. But there are reviewers behaving badly, too. Has anyone thought to tell reviewers how to behave? I’m serious. Here’s an example of badly behaving reviewers.

-Reviewer goes to author. “I don’t have any money! The dental bills are killing me. I want to read all your books… I promise to promote you.” Author feels generous, supplies books, waits patiently. Jack squat happens. And gee, reviewer never bothers to read a book by that author, or even mark it to read, unless author hands it to them on a silver platter.

-Reviewer HATES Mookie Dookie’s books, has read five titles by Mookie Dookie and gave each one a one or two star rating. Why does the reviewer sit there and read Mookie Dookie’s sixth book? Why?? Life is too short.

-Reviewer says they read erotica, volunteers to read an erotic title. Bashes title, calling it porn. ???? Huh? Do not volunteer to read erotica if you are offended by such content. Reviewers need to study the different genres available nowadays before rushing off for free reads.

-Reviewer doesn’t like an ending, decides the post the shocking ending in their review, ruining the book for any potential readers, OR even in the Goodreads comments.

I’m sure I could come up with more, but I’m leaving it at that.

***

Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.

Tara also writes as Sonia Hightower. Sonia writes the racy stuff and argues that she was here first. She just wasn’t allowed to be unleashed until the last year.

While Tara and Sonia continue to fight over the laptop and debate who writes the next book, you can find buy links, blurbs, and other fun bits on their website: http://tarachevrestt.weebly.com/index.html or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Chevrestt-Sonia-Hightower/218383211513877.