#1 New York Times Bestselling Author & TV Producer
The clueless desperation of some aspiring writers is absolutely cringe-inducing. Here's a recent example from my emailbox: Hi…I know you are busy…but…would you at least read my bio with a very short paragraph from my novel and give me some suggestion on how to have an agent read something? Please…I am not asking you a … Read more
I got this irresistable offer tonight: Dear Webmaster, Today while searching good link partner to my website I came across through your great website And willing to exchange link with your quality site. As you know reciprocal linking is very useful for high ranking on Google. If you are agree to exchange link with our … Read more
I received this email this morning. I have removed the author’s last name to spare him embarrassment. Hello, My name is Sean L. I discovered you through J.A. Konrath’s blog. Basically, I’m just getting into the world of self-publishing. I’ve recently published my first ebook through the Kindle and I’m looking for ways to get … Read more
I got this email from Mark Sanders, a MONK fan. I enjoy watching the reruns of Monk and reading your book, Mr. Monk and The Dirty Cop. Though the personality Natalie had in the book, seemed more like Sharona. It was a good read, however, I don't think I would have paid the $22.00 cover … Read more
I have been getting a lot of book review requests that I assume are generated by some kind of "review bot" that has mined my name from Amazon. Here's an example: Dear Lee Goldberg: I got your name from the list of Amazon Top Reviewers. I’ve written a book, “When The Shadows Began To Dance.” I … Read more
Here are some genuine emails that I have received over the last few weeks regarding my MONK books. I've removed the names of the authors to save them embarrassment. Email #1. Can I write books for "Monk", too? I think a second perspective would be appreciated by the fans. Please let me know who to … Read more
Apparently, as an author, I have an obligation to society to be a creative writing instructor and agent at large for anyone who has written a book. Here's an excerpt from an email I got today: […]I haven't been able to get my novel published. Several notable editors and agents who have seen it were, … Read more
How not to solicit a review: The digital galley proofs of my new biothriller XYZ are now ready for review. […]I am not requesting a complete review, just one to three sentences giving your general opinion of the novel. You probably won't need to read the entire book, just enough of it to to form … Read more
I could write a book on how to communicate ineffectively just by sharing the emails that I get. Here's one that I got today, with the subject "Books": I run a book review blog. I was wondering if you would be willing to send me a copy of your latest Monk book in return for … Read more
Technically, this one didn't come to me, but was about me, so I think it counts. It's mail that my brother Tod got from a fan of mine: Hey Todd, I am running a contest on my facebook page for a shopping deal I made at the store today! ( I bought a gallon of … Read more