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AIBU?

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Original poster

To expect people I know to read my book?

464 replies

bethc765 · 04/02/2022 15:32

In October I released my first book. It's something I've been working on for a long time and something I've dreamt of since I was little.

It's been really well received, got a brilliant critical reception and I've had excellent feedback from readers.

But not a single person apart from my DH has even bought it. I was out with a friend recently and we went into Waterstones and I pointed it out and she remarked "oh i didn't realise it was a proper book and in shops and stuff".

I have a signing event coming up in March and mentioned it in passing and my friends seemed perplexed as to why anyone would want a book signed by me.

I support my friends with their endeavours so I'm a little bit hurt that nobody I know has shown the slightest bit of interest in something that was really important to me. I'm not even asking them to read it- just pretend they have!

OP posts:
Changedmane · 04/02/2022 16:46

Congrats on the book! These days, I let people do as they will and don’t pay it much mind. You have great reviews, you have a published book and that’s all that matters. Maybe it feels too personal, maybe they don’t want to say anything negative and maybe they can’t be bothered. It is a shame but as I said, if you have no expectations, they won’t be disappointed.

MrHavelIsHot · 04/02/2022 16:45

OP hasn't been back. Maybe this is just an advertising ploy

OP only posted an hour ago. 😅

lottiegarbanzo · 04/02/2022 16:45

In fact I hate it generally, when friends expect their friends to support their work ventures, be that buying face cream from them, or reading their books. Work and friendships, the content and detail of work anyway, are best kept separate.

Your book with find its own audience. You didn't write it for your friends.

redbigbananafeet · 04/02/2022 16:45

I think had it been me I'd have gifted my book to my friends. I wouldn't be expecting them to pay £15 for it in Watsrstones

Ilkleymoor · 04/02/2022 16:44

I would buy a friend's book and use it as a present for someone if wasn't my type of thing. If I didn't have money at the time, I would request it at the library. It's really hard to get published and really hard to get another book bought. I'd be really disappointed if my friend's didn't support me - I've bought novels and at least postcards from friends who make art and told other people about them. It's not that a big a deal but really important for them.

Valkyrie40 · 04/02/2022 16:44

They're probably expecting a free copy?

stripeyflowers · 04/02/2022 16:44

*seen

GiantSpider · 04/02/2022 16:44

I have know a few people who have written books. Mainly non fiction relating to their work. I am a reader but I have to say I've only read one of them Blush although two more are sitting in my kindle waiting to be read! It doesn't mean I don't love my friends (family member in one case). It's just that I have limited reading time and I like to choose what to read.

Pyri · 04/02/2022 16:44

@MargaretThursday

OP hasn't been back. Maybe this is just an advertising ploy Grin
Not a very good one - she hasn’t said what the book is called!
vodkaredbullgirl · 04/02/2022 16:44

She wants us to go and buy her book, or have a look at all the fuss.

Tulipomania · 04/02/2022 16:43

Oops just seen you have a book signing coming up.

Hopefully they will all pitch up to that and buy a copy then.

Upyouranty · 04/02/2022 16:43

My dh has written 3 business books. He’s dedicated then all to me ♥️
He’s given me his original drafts…. I treasure them.

I’ve not really read them. No bloody idea. It’s an area of business that I just am not familiar with… and it’s a tough read because if it.

stripeyflowers · 04/02/2022 16:43

I think it's a normal thing - to their families and friends, the well-known singer, actor, painter, footballer etc. is normally just 'our so-and-so' and never quite seem in the same way as proper real famous whatevers!

Guineapigssweak · 04/02/2022 16:43

You need new friends. Please tell us about your.book!!

NoResolutionsHere · 04/02/2022 16:43

Maybe they can't read or don't read, some people have zero interest in this sort of thing. I'd be excited if a friend released a book though, I actually went to a friend of a friend's book launch. Drinks reception in the bookshop, was nice actually, all her friend's turned out in force too.

MargaretThursday · 04/02/2022 16:42

OP hasn't been back. Maybe this is just an advertising ploy Grin

Pyri · 04/02/2022 16:42

I think people are massively overestimating how much people in real life actually read

I reckon most people pick up a book on holiday and that’s it. 10% of people read regularly. I just don’t think many people have a true interest in reading books these days

lottiegarbanzo · 04/02/2022 16:42

I would be trepidatious about reading a friend's novel, in case I didn't like it, or wasn't impressed. I'd hate to have to lie. Much better to be a generally supportive friend but show little interest in the specifics.

esloquehay · 04/02/2022 16:42

Your friends do not sound supportive in their comments/responses to being published, but YABU to expect your friends to buy and read your book.
Your post does read like an overt brag/sales pitch.
Congratulations, on being published and accomplishing a childhood dream.

Tulipomania · 04/02/2022 16:42

Did you hold a book launch party & invite them?

Maybe they are waiting for that. Lots of writers in my family and that's usually when we buy the book so we can get it signed.

Is it a mainstream subject and at a reasonable price? Some academic books cost £50!

MmeD · 04/02/2022 16:41

My best friend wrote a memoir. I’m in it, under my real, first name. I bought it and read it. I was not impressed by how she portrayed me Hmm. I think the insults were meant to be affectionate, but still Grin.

It sounds as though your friends don’t quite get it OP, given the reaction of “oh it’s a real book…”

But look on the bright side, you can skewer them horribly in the next one and they’ll never know.

vodkaredbullgirl · 04/02/2022 16:41
Biscuit
frazzledfragglefromfragglerock · 04/02/2022 16:40

I feel like a lot of people here have no idea the effort that goes into writing and publishing a book. Just a well done you've worked so hard would be appreciated I'm sure!

CSIblonde · 04/02/2022 16:40

Congrats on being a published author! I only enjoy psychology, thrillers , true crime , history or old Hollywood stars bio's to be fair , so I'd congratulate the friend & show interest, but not read it, if it wasn't my thing.

Pbbananabagel · 04/02/2022 16:40

I know exactly what they should all be receiving for birthday/Christmas this year then!