The Impact of Unfollowed Opinions from Fellow Authors

When an author seeks the opinion of another author about their latest books, it’s a natural step towards improving one’s work and gaining valuable insights. However, what happens when the person asked never follows up on their promised opinion? Is it a reflection of the reader’s disinterest, or are there other factors at play?

Why Another Author Might Not Read Your Book

Various reasons can explain why another author might not read your book, despite being asked for an opinion. These reasons range from personal preferences to time constraints, or simply a lack of awareness:

Genre Preference: The other author may not be a fan of the genre or style your book falls under, making the read less appealing to them. Busyness: Writers, editors, and publishers often have tight schedules, leaving them with limited time to read books not directly related to their current projects. Lack of Awareness: Sometimes, an author might not be aware of the book’s existence or the request for feedback. Overload of Work: An author could be overwhelmed with their own work, leaving them little time to share opinions on other books.

It's important to remember that the responsibility of reading the book and providing feedback typically lies with the person being asked. However, it is essential for the asker to understand these common reasons and be patient.

Implications of Not Receiving Follow-Up Feedback

When an author does not receive the promised feedback, it can have several implications. While it may seem like the asker is uninterested, it’s crucial to consider whether the lack of response is due to genuine disinterest or more practical reasons:

Disinterest: The other author might genuinely have no interest in reading the book or providing the feedback. Time Sensitive: The other author might not have enough time to complete the task due to their own schedule. Overwhelmed: Sometimes, the author might have taken on too many tasks and feel incapable of completing the feedback within the given timeframe.

It’s important to follow up politely without being pushy. A gentle reminder can sometimes get the attention needed, but it’s also wise to be prepared for the possibility that the other author might not be able to provide the feedback.

What Can You Do?

While it's disappointing to not receive the feedback one was eagerly seeking, there are steps you can take to improve the situation in the future:

Choose the Right Person: Ensure the author you approach is genuinely interested in your genre and has the time to read and review your work. Offer Flexibility: Provide a flexible timeline for the feedback. Sometimes, a little bit of extra time can make all the difference. Stay Patient and Understanding: Be patient and understanding if the other author is overwhelmed or has other commitments. Provide Resources: Offer resources like book summaries or pre-written questions to make the review process easier for them.

By being prepared and understanding, you can mitigate the frustration and disappointment that comes with not receiving the feedback you were hoping for. It’s also important to remember that not every author will be able to respond, and that doesn’t diminish the quality or worth of your work.

Conclusion

The question of why another author might not follow up on their promised opinion often stems from a combination of personal preferences, time constraints, and the complexity of daily life. While it can be frustrating, understanding these factors can help you take steps to improve your chances of receiving valuable feedback in the future. Remember, your work is valuable, and it’s worth putting in the effort to find the right audience for it.

By approaching the process with patience and understanding, you can foster a supportive and collaborative community of authors. And in the end, the knowledge that your work has been read and appreciated, even if not with every piece of feedback you hoped for, can be incredibly rewarding.