Contacting Authors

[Amber]

I know in some cases, it's hard to contact the author of books (because there's nowhere to send your e-mail, or letter, or because well...they're dead ) and in other cases it's really easy. Has anyone here ever sent a letter or an e-mail to an author? What kind of stuff did it say? And better yet, did you get a response?

Someone I know sent a letter to DJ MacHale, author of the Pendragon series, and actually got a response from him.

I haven't actually tried contacting an author, but I am going to try to find an address or e-mail address for Stephenie Meyer and James Patterson.

[Laura]

Well, I've never tried to contact one through e-mail or letters, but I did once see one and have him sign my book (It was Tommy DePalo). I can't remember if we talked, because it was a long time ago and the line was very long. So probably not .

Do you know what DJ MacHale's response was? That interesting that he actually did respond.

[Amber]

Well, her letter (hm...maybe it was an e-mail...anyway...) was:

Mr. MacHale:

I am a student about to enter my first year of college, as well as a
momentous turning point in my own life in which I will be spending long
periods of time away from the only place I've ever known as home. That
being said, I've received many a raised eyebrow from my peers when they
find out I have a secret love for "children's" books.

But what defines a children's book? I don't think the answer is as simple
as, "books for children," nor do I think it's anything complex either. I
think children's books are books that can be enjoyed by people of all
ages, so long as they are able to read and comprehend them.

The special thing about the work you've done on your Pendragon series is
that the central theme, change, involves both the story and the reader.
Bobby spends the series reaching those crucial points in his own life when
he comes of age, territories pass into turning points, readers age as the
series progress (and in turn their own perception of things alters as they
age), and your writing style has grown and matured as well (which does not
imply you write about mature things; simply that you have grown more
skilled as an author). Furthermore, I admire you as an author because you
address your reading audience directly, whether it be through letters at
the start of your book, or messages on the official web site. Readers
notice when authors pay attention to them, and I am sure that they are
grateful.

I hope you continue to write and find enjoyment in writing, wherever your
interests guide your pen...or word processor, whichever you use.

~Lisa

And his response was:

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the great letter. I agree, "children's books" aren't necessarily
for children. I think the term more defines the subject matter and tone.
I'm hearing that more and more adults are turning to middle-reader fiction
(Pendragon, Harry Potter) because the books are written with all the
sophistication of an "adult" book, but the themes are a bit more...innocent.
And they're also written simply, so they are easily digested. (I think that
the Da Vinci Code is basically a middle-grade reader novel...with a
compelling subject matter)

Good luck in college. I have no doubt that you will love it.

Best,

D.J.

It's short and sweet, but that's all I'd expect (if I did expect anything) for a reply from a busy author.

[Paul]

ive never tried contacting authors, im not a stalker no matter what allan tells ya

[Lizzie]

When I was 9 I was going to write to J.K Rowling.

...10 years lated I still haven't!

The annoying thing is that if I had, she probably would have replied!

[Amber]

Yeah, but now, it's very unlikely. She probably definitely gets tons of e-mail every day now, unlike ten years ago. A bit too late though. That's why I'm reluctant to send anything to Stephenie Meyer, 'cause she's really big (Eclipse passed Deathly Hallows and is now #1 Bestseller), and is much like J.K. Rowling in the fan-mail sense.

[Deleted]

I was required to contact one for a class once. I wrote to Madeline L'Engle and received a form letter in reply. But at least it fulfilled the requirements, so I got full credit.

[Allan]

vardamir said:

ive never tried contacting authors, im not a stalker no matter what allan tells ya

LOL, Paul.

I've been in contact with a few comic writers over the years, and have had a few contact me... I think it's always a good idea to let people know you appreciate their work, as long as you don't fawn all over them.

[Lizzie]

queenc said:

Yeah, but now, it's very unlikely. She probably definitely gets tons of e-mail every day now, unlike ten years ago./quote]

I wonder what I would get if I did write one...she might send out standard replies.

[shred]

I never contacted an authour before as I never believed that they would reply to me.

I might try it one day just to see whether I'm right about that.

[Allan]

Has anybody met any authors at book signings, or anything? If so, who, and how did you find them? Pleasant, conceited, all of the above?

Jodi Piccoult is going to be doing a book signing in Canberra next month, and I'll probably check it out. I'm not a huge fan of hers, but it should still be interesting to meet her.

[Beck]

I met Morris Gleitzman when I was in primary school. Me and one other student were chosen to go see him talk about his new book at the time, we were also given that book and had them signed. I don't have it anymore though, and I hadn't read any of his books until then

[Allan]

LOL, Beck. I used to love his books when I was a kid.

[Beck]

Well I was chosen because I was a quick reader but I hadn't even heard of him I did enjoy the books of his I read after that though.

[Allan]

Really? He was really popular at the schools I was at, and I had to read Two Weeks With the Queen for school at one point.

[Lizzie]

May 4, 2008 14:14:04 GMT 10 Allan said:

Jodi Piccoult is going to be doing a book signing in Canberra next month, and I'll probably check it out. I'm not a huge fan of hers, but it should still be interesting to meet her.

So did you end up going?