Over the next little while, I’ll occasionally (as I have time) be posting informational type blogs on issues that arise with my readers, websites, book info, reader email etc. These blogs will then be pointed to at intervals from the website for people who are looking for just such information.
Today it’s going to be all about email. I love email. Really, I do. See, I hate to talk on the phone. I’d much rather email someone then spend an absurd amount of time on the phone pussy footing around a subject and filling awkward silences with uh…uhm…yeah…well….and (you get the picture)
At any rate, I answer all my email. Really. If you’ve ever email me and haven’t gotten an answer, it’s because I never got it. There are a few minor exceptions. I mean if you email me to say I’m going to hell, I probably won’t respond with thank you, but I might send you my prayer request list. (It’s kind of long) And any email which begins “shame on you” is instantly relegated to the trash bin, because really, it can only go down hill after that.
Now I say all this only to bring up the point that while I DO answer all my email, there are simply times when I’m not able to answer it as quickly as I’d like to. Sometimes it might just be a few days. Sometimes I answer within minutes. Other times it might literally be weeks. When I’m on a tight deadline, email is the first sacrifice to the God’s. I could literally get lost in emails for an entire day and I can’t afford that kind of distraction when I have to finish a book like yesterday.
I’m working with my web designer to try and ease a lot of the questions I receive via email. I know it’s frustrating for readers not to have the answer they want, and it’s frustrating to me when I have the answer on my website but still get asked those questions. This is where I need help asking what can we do different? How can we make it clearer and absolute that the information on my website constitutes every thing I know to date about my books, blurbs, covers and release dates? And how can I make the information more accessible?
We’re working more and more on my FAQ section to try to answer as many frequently asked questions as we can. As soon as I get them, I have them posted with detailed answers.
But back to my point. I read and enjoy every single email I receive from readers. I know that readers like and want a personal response. I’d want one too. I just ask that you bear with me at times when my inbox starts overflowing to the tune of 15k emails. When I’m writing and email gets busy, I sorta just shut down and stop looking at the email all together because it stresses me to have unanswered emails. I like to give my readers what they expect.
So my promise still remains. I always read and respond to all email (within reason because if you’re screaming at me about hell and damnation, I’ll direct you to my sister who’s a pastor’s wife and have her teach you a few things about casting stones and what not) It’s just that sometimes I’ll answer more quickly than others and in those times when I haven’t responded in a bit, don’t think I’ve decided to no longer be gracious. It’s just that I’m probably losing my mind and no one really wants to see all that ;)
Lots of love!
Maya
Heh. This made me chuckle…
aw, sorry that the e-mails tend to pile up… but, I so get you. I’d rather e-mail or text than talk on the phone. My cousin finds it irritating when she calls me and I ask her to get to the point, lol.
omg, have you ever really had your sister e-mail someone? That would be a hoot.
Hey Maya
Ahhh great topic today. Actually the bit where you say that you do reply baxk and itgets busy at times which i do understand fully reminds of about 6 months ago. I did shoot an email when i finished with what sweet seduction i guess? It was a long tirade of how i was amazed as always hahahaha which i bet you receive a lot. But i never got a reply back i guess you were gearing up for this new website. Anyways its great to hear from you always and know that you care about your readers (us that is :D) so much. You even reply back on your facebook page which i experienced personally :) Thanks for writing such great books and being such an amazing person. Love ya
I think you should post your sister’s responses…
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Maya Banks, Maya Banks. Maya Banks said: All about reader email http://tinyurl.com/2ayunkk [...]
I can vouch for you answering your e-mails. I still have the very first one I sent you and your reply from 3 years ago. It’s a treasure! :D
And I’d love to hear about your sister’s replies!
Whenever I write to an author it is to tell them how much I loved their book. I always say I don’t need a reply. I would rather the author write more books than write back to me. ;) But I do want them to know I like their stuff and sometimes I mention why. By the way, I love your books! :)
Hi Maya: Just wanted to tell you how much I love your books…I have them all on my Kindle, and right now I am reading Colter’s Lady…it’s awesome. I also would like to mention that I AM a pastor’s wife, and have gotten a little static at times about some of the books I read (I also have a few tatoos, which I got after my husband died about 9 years ago My favorite one is on my Ummm, well it’s near to my heart. LOL It is a beautiful rose with my husband’s name underneath it. I have to add that I love to show it to my friends–they are impressed—as it is so beautiful). And, God loves us all…!!! <(())<<<
O gosh, I’m sorry that you receive hate e-mails screaming at you about hell & damnation, but glad that you can joke about it. Reading that actually cracks me up, because you know after sending you that hell & damnation e-mail, he or she would go right back devouring all your books, beginning to finish & reread them again & again & again.
Oh, I can just picture them in my mind. :)))
HI,MAYA WILL YOU EVER DO A BOOK ABOUT ADAM,ETHAN AND RYAN PARENTS. ALSO WILL COLTERS WIFE BE IN BOOK PRINT.
Hi Maya
Are you going to add any more books in the “Into” series about the Falcon Mercenary Group? I have been waiting forever to find out what happens next.
Thanks
Dear Maya,
Like Kathie’s email (dated 2/12/11), I too am interested in knowing if and/or when you will be writing another Falcon Mercenary Group book. I would like know what becomes of D.
Thanks
Hi Angie, I wanted to Know if you ever heard anything about another Falcon Mercernary book? I just finished the second book and I really want to know D’s story. Thanx.
I am soooo waiting for another falcon’s book, what happened to “D”, Jonah, Tits(blush), are we getting more?
G’day
I’ve just finished reading the Sweet series and loved, loved, loved them! They’re so good that I wanted to keep them forever and so purchased them in paperback instead of on my kindle :)
I just wondered if Kane from Sweet Posession would ever get his own story as my heart fell in love with him by the end of the book when he was so protective and caring towards Lyric.
Keep up the fabulous writing and all the best from Adelaide, Australia!
Michelle
I absolutely love the Colter books. I have them all. What happened to Colters’ Christmas? It was posted on your coming soon list and now it is gone. Will this book be coming out in December or has it been postponed?
Hi Maya,
I would you like to know if the falcon’s serie will have another book. I really like to know what happened with “D”, Jonah and the others.
Thank you!
Vanessa
I cannot connect with you on facebook. What should I do? Have you blocked me by mistake? My name is Shraddha Mahalaxmikar. Please reply
I cannot connect with you on facebook. What should I do? Have you blocked me by mistake? My name is Shraddha Mahalaxmikar. Please reply.