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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Wheelz46 · 04/02/2022 19:38

@MargaretThursday sorry it was completely lost on me, but it has been a long day 😆

Maybe you could put together a quick short story and sell it for a few bob! 😄

Dguu6u · 04/02/2022 19:40

YABU

Maybe they are just not that interested in your book? You can’t force them.

Also, self boast!

JoanWilderbeast · 04/02/2022 19:40

They might be worried they won't like it and not know what to say to you?

DeedIDo · 04/02/2022 19:46

My friend's husband has written a book. I've just signed up for the launch event. I feel that he deserves my support. End of.

24petlegs · 04/02/2022 19:47

I love seeing my friends' books on the shelves. They may not be my usual genre, but of course I buy a copy...and when I'm in Tesco or Waterstones, I move all the copies to eye-line height so that they will be noticed!

Georgyporky · 04/02/2022 19:47

Very well done on publication - I know how difficult it can be.

However...

If it's non-fiction, they might not be interested in the subject matter.
If it's fiction, they might not be interested in the genre.

Juanmariaramierz · 04/02/2022 19:49

Why can't you hand them all a free copy?

erinaceus · 04/02/2022 19:51

@24petlegs

I love seeing my friends' books on the shelves. They may not be my usual genre, but of course I buy a copy...and when I'm in Tesco or Waterstones, I move all the copies to eye-line height so that they will be noticed!
That's really lovely Smile
Lampshading · 04/02/2022 20:04

YANBU, my friend has been published, in honesty her genre isn't my thing at all but I bought it and read it and was so proud. Also bought some copies for gifts for people.

Snowisfallinghere · 04/02/2022 20:06

I have at least three friends who have had books published and they're all genres I'm not interested in and it would be such a slog for me to try and read the whole thing and then I'd feel guilty for not enjoying it more...

madamehooch · 04/02/2022 20:10

I work for Waterstones. PM and let me know which book you have written.

BobLemon · 04/02/2022 20:11

Oooooooh no no no no!

My friend is a multi published author. In talks for a film deal. Some of our mutual friends have been immortalised in his “fictional” characters Grin but there’s no way I’m reading it. It feels too intimate!! Like I’d be looking into his brain.

JenniferWooley · 04/02/2022 20:18

I would buy a copy even if it wasn't something I'd usually read. I'd definitely be going along to any signing/promotional events to support my friend.

If you PM me the book I'll buy a copy to support you OP I'll even read it if it's a genre I enjoy & if your signing event is anywhere in central Scotland & you don't mind giving the details I'll come along.

LynetteScavo · 04/02/2022 20:19

An ex- colleague of mine wrote a book (self published) and I bought it on Amazon. I've never read it it seems really boring it's quite highbrow. But as I'm friends with them on FB, and they'd posted a link to the book so I thought I'd be supportive. I'd definitely buy a friends book in Waterstones and ask for it to be signed with a cheesy message.

babyjellyfish · 04/02/2022 20:28

Oh I would be sad about that too, OP.

Congratulations on being published. What an amazing achievement. Wine

Pinotwoman82 · 04/02/2022 20:31

Oh my goodness if one of my friends had written a book I would def buy it even if it didn’t appeal to me. I’d love to know what it is I’m looking for a new book to read

Silvershroud · 04/02/2022 20:32

OP is being very modest. I would give links to my book in the hope that MN would generate interest- this thread is free publicity- it is very odd.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 04/02/2022 20:34

it is very odd.

It is indeed.

ABitBesottedWithMyDog · 04/02/2022 20:37

Imagine if the author friend were Catherine Alliot or Jo Jo Moyes, though. I'd have to emigrate lest they ask me what I thought of their book.

charlotterousse · 04/02/2022 20:45

@Silvershroud

OP is being very modest. I would give links to my book in the hope that MN would generate interest- this thread is free publicity- it is very odd.
How is it odd? She didn't say she wanted publicity on Mumsnet for her book. She said she wanted friends to take an interest in her achievement. If she were to share her real name anyone who knows her would be able to find this thread, and maybe she doesn't want friends and family to see she feels hurt.
mathanxiety · 04/02/2022 20:50

It seems you number among your friends a good few very ungracious people, OP.

@theleafandnotthetree, I agree with you - some spectacular obtuseness apparent here.

Hankunamatata · 04/02/2022 20:52

Wouldn't you give your close friends free copies?

ferntwist · 04/02/2022 20:54

YANBU. I hope your family has read it if not your friends?

Itsalmostanaccessory · 04/02/2022 20:54

@Hankunamatata

Wouldn't you give your close friends free copies?
Read the thread. This has been explained.
BluebellsareBlue · 04/02/2022 20:57

Congratulations on your book!!! My friend wrote a book, well he was a work colleague who moved to England so I only ever see him on Facebook and we don't chat, it's just a liking of each other's posts. The first book he wrote was a fictional book about a period in time I had no interest in but I bought the book! I didn this to support him and it turns out the book was great, his second book was again fiction but included football which I love, it was bloody brilliant! I'd travel to go to a book signing by him, because I want to support friends and people I know. I think your friends are dicks x