Life situations will ask some help from others. Book sales can't exist without buyers, and authors need mutual collaboration and networking.
We must make a difference between partnership and force. Sometimes, you will get an offer from a stranger author or blogger, to buy their books or to pay for the review.
First example: an author tagged me with his book link. I said I am too busy to read, and he said I am arrogant and offended me public. I felt his despair to sell his book, but it was not the way.
In a lack of time, we will reject many people who ask for something.
Second example: a woman on Instagram sends me a message. She wanted me to participate in her promotion, and share her link around. After she repeated her request I said she is annoying. I did not know her before and it was too much. She started with insults about how I am not famous and that I am rude because I did not help her.
Authors are targets and we are targetted from many sources.
Scammers want to make book piracy.
Some readers want payment for their reviews.
Book services want to earn from authors, offering their too-expensive promotions for a small book sale.
Cover creators want to earn by offering expensive covers.
Editors can be expensive and their services are not always qualitative. Sometimes, after the editor service, you will need a new editor.
In this situation, you must stand firm. Rejecting someone in a decent way is the best option. The person will learn the lesson after their disappointment. The world is not spinning about someone who wants to promote their work.
You will not gain enemies, and this request will not repeat, unless you have to deal with lunatics.
Here is an example:
Question: "Can you read my book? Can you give me a review?"
Answer: "I am sorry, I am in lack time. My TBR list is too long, and I have a new manuscript to write."
Sometimes, you can offer a positive answer with delay. "I can't do it right now, but I will be available for two weeks."
Don't offer fake promises you can't realize. "I will read it soon." It happens that you never read the book, and you made a promise.
Saying NO is a part of the author's business. If we should please every request, we would never have time for ourselves.
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