Monday 12 March 2018

Gather round, ladies and gents!

I had a curious response to an email last week. Someone asked me to send them my CV, something I've not done for ages. Assuming that this person didn't want to know where I went to school or how many GCSEs I had, I compiled a note of my editorial and writing experience and achievements and sent it off.

My email was acknowledged, but its sender said: 'I call that pushy.' Is it me, or is that a bit odd? Mr Thorley said the sender had probably been in a hurry and had inadvertently clicked 'Reply' and sent me a message intended for someone else. Perhaps, but I'm bemused by the whole thing. I shan't be responding, but will wait and see.

It's a fine line between acceptable marketing and blatant self-promotion. That notwithstanding, I feel moved to say I now have my own page on the Northants Authors website, here. Do take a look, if you have a moment, not just at my page, but also the whole site. I'd be interested to know your thoughts and to learn if any of you are involved in such collective-style promotion, writers or otherwise.

10 comments:

  1. That is truly odd. Would someone legitimate respond that way? (I love your last name, btw. When you said Mr. Thorley it reminded me of characters who should have been in Remains of the Day or Howards End. :D)

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    1. I shall wait to see if anything happens. Thanks for your comments about my surname. Most people, in the UK at least, if they say anything will reference the 19th-century brand of pig food!

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  2. Hello, very odd about the response you got, I think you're probably correct in that the original email wasn't for you. I wouldn't worry about the response you got...life is too short.

    I just looked at your profile on the Northants Author page and it's a quirky informative read. However, you might not be aware that the link is broken to your website.

    Have a good week. :-)

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    1. Thanks, Maria. I hadn't realised that. I'll ask the administrator to fix it.

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  3. That's the oddest response I've heard! You must let us know if you hear anything further. The Northants Page is a good idea - I know several Scottish authors who share a platform.

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    1. I haven't heard anything, Rosemary, and I certainly shan't be chasing him for a reply.

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  4. A very strange response indeed - how very rude. I liked your bio on the Northants page :-) I have signed up with the Alliance of Independent Authors but have not yet had the chance to make use of it yet. I think it is good to be a part of something though - writing and self publishing can be a lonely business. (If you get this comment twice, apologies - had a spot of bother posting LOL!)

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    1. Thanks for commenting (once!), Deborah. I'll have a look at the Alliance. You're right; it's good to meet up with other writers, either in real life or online. We can be a needy lot!

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  5. I don't think it was a mistake. I think it was just plain rude. It doesn't warrant a reply, so I wouldn't take the bait either. Maybe I'm just cynical...
    Congratulations on your author's page!

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    1. I am maintaining a dignified silence, Kimberly.

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