What do readers owe authors?

[BeccaPrice]

I've been seeing a number of articles lately talking about what readers owe authors. I've seen this graphic (more at the link too) in FB, about what I as a reader owe my favorite (particularly indy) authors.

I do like to support favorite authors, but I dont tend to write reviews or publicize what I'm reading (unless, like "Mr. Penumbra", I'm totally enthralled by a book, but that's rare.).

Do I as a reader owe my favorite indy authors reviews? or FB comments (I don't tweet)? I can see the point, but I really hate writing reviews.

[ucfgrad93]

I don't think you OWE authors anything other than paying them what they charge for their work if you want to read it.

[shalym]

Originally Posted by ucfgrad93

I don't think you OWE authors anything other than paying them what they charge for their work if you want to read it.

I agree, and if an author said differently, that would be a reason not to buy or read anything from that author.

Shari

[GlenBarrington]

Originally Posted by BeccaPrice

I've been seeing a number of articles lately talking about what readers owe authors. I've seen this graphic (more at the link too) in FB, about what I as a reader owe my favorite (particularly indy) authors.

I do like to support favorite authors, but I dont tend to write reviews or publicize what I'm reading (unless, like "Mr. Penumbra", I'm totally enthralled by a book, but that's rare.).

Do I as a reader owe my favorite indy authors reviews? or FB comments (I don't tweet)? I can see the point, but I really hate writing reviews.

Courtesy, that's pretty much it. I like to gift them occasionally with a kind word about their work.

[samhy]

Originally Posted by ucfgrad93

I don't think you OWE authors anything other than paying them what they charge for their work if you want to read it.

I agree. A price is set, you paid it, everyone is good to go.

I would hate to feel that I *have* to do something else, but when I download a freebie, I like to leave a review/comment whether I liked it or not. Because, for me, the book was free in order to get better exposure (higher rank in the top downloads section, word of mouth...) and I want to fulfill my part of the "deal".
When I like an author, indie or not, I'll spread the word on what I'm reading, how I liked it and the like. If one's good at what one's doing, there's no need to request anything. The good words will spread organically.

[caleb72]

The only time I would talk about obligation is if you had entered into some agreement with the author to review or give feedback. I don't think purchasing a book or taking advantage of an Amazon freebie constitutes an agreement to review.

That's my take anyway.

As for author's responding to tweets asking to spread the word. I don't think there's anything wrong with that per se, but as a reader you shouldn't feel any sense of obligation. The author is just hoping to use any means possible to spread the word as they know full well how important word of mouth is - especially the indie authors. There's a reasonable risk to them if they go heavy handed or lay guilt trips. Instead of possibly getting the advantage of some good word of mouth, they could alienate the only fan they have.

[haydnfan]

It is not our job to do their marketing. It is the job of the publisher, which is one of the reasons that they are paid the big bucks. We owe authors absolutely nothing.

[danskmacabre]

Originally Posted by shalym

I agree, and if an author said differently, that would be a reason not to buy or read anything from that author.

Shari

+1 on this..
I owe the author nothing but the price of the book.

That doesn't mean I won't praise an author's book if I really like it on social media sites or whatever, but I won't do it through sort sort of obligation.

[theducks]

Owe? The contracted price for the work (usually the cover/advertised price).

Requesting false, positive reviews... Demanding Removal of Negative reviews (This does not mean a reviewer can't change their mind after an Author communication.)

What I may offer of my own free will, is my opinion, reading recommendation (I used to sometimes lend the paperback) to a friend who like similar type of work.

I don't even owe the author an obligation to finish reading the book.

[gweeks]

I don't OWE the author the purchase of the book even. If I choose not to buy it, it's within my rights. I'm not even obligated to buy it if I read it. Libraries, marketting promotions, gifts, etc. are all options that allow me to read it without buying it and without being obligated to buy it.

Greg

As others have expressed, I am not free advertising for an author. That is true online, and it is true in real life. When I do talk about specific books or specific authors, they tend to be established books and established authors. It is because those books and authors have some intrinsic value that will, and already have, spanned decades. I would rather comment on the social value of something and someone than boost their bottom line.

[fjtorres]

I'm in general agreement that I don't owe specific writers anything beyond the price of the book. I do offer up occasional recommendations as a favor to a *reader* who might enjoy a specific author or title.
I do offer writers, as a group, the courtesy of not supporting pirate sites and avoiding pirate content.

[teh603]

I'd say you only "owe" a writer the MSRP for their work.

That having been said, posting honest and constructive reviews of works is always a good idea.

[Catlady]

I owe the writer nothing. The writer owes me.

[mr ploppy]

I think "owe" is the wrong choice of words. It would be better if it said "How can you help your favourite writer?"

I'm not allowed to review books on Amazon any more, but it's not that daunting a thing to do. You don't need to write a massive essay, just say whether you liked it or not. You only need to type 20 words.