Armchair BEA: Nurturing Relationships

Today’s BEA topic is all about giving tips to help others build a stronger blog. I’m not promising to have all the answers. Heck, I’ve only been blogging a year. This is just what has been working for *me* personally.

What do you struggle with when it comes to nurturing relationships between bloggers, publishers, and authors?
Since I’m a writer, I like to talk. A lot. Sometimes, I have to balance between what’s too much, and oftentimes, it becomes too little. I’m learning how to write less because of Twitter, though...! I’m more casual with other bloggers and more formal with authors and publishers because the relationship is more “professional.” It’s hard when there’s easy access via blogs and Twitter, though.

What do you wish someone had told you in the beginning?
To participate more in other activities. At the beginning of the year, I had maybe ten followers. Now I have over a hundred. I still can’t believe that many of you think I have something interesting to say! Hopefully I’ll continue to live up to your expectations... The more you participate in memes or by commenting and forming relationships with other bloggers, the more well-received your blog will be.

How would you like to be approached by a publisher or author who is pitching their book?
I do have a review policy. At times, I’ll get requests to read books that don’t fall into a genre I generally read. Sometimes, the books sound really good, but a lot of the times, I feel bad when I reject them. I like it when the pitch tells me what a book is ABOUT and not just blurbs about how great the book is. I always have to take an extra step and look it up on GoodReads or the author’s blog when this happens.

What are your best tips on working with publishers and authors?
Always walk a line that is both friendly and professional. Publishers and authors are people just like everyone else. Treat them well and you’ll be treated the same way in return. Try not to get starstruck. I’m always over the moon when an author I’ve admired grants me an interview, etc., but I don’t let the stars fall from my eyes when corresponding. Keep it professional, but also light, not stiff.

Who are some bloggers you feel nurture their relationships well?
Everyone I mentioned yesterday, really. I’ve formed relationships with all of the bloggers I featured yesterday because we comment on one another’s post and talk on Twitter or another Messenger program, etc. Find fellow bloggers you really enjoy, ones you click with, ones whose opinions you trust. These will be your best allies in the future.