Unsolicited Messages are NOT a Good Way to Sell Your Book

[pameladlloyd]

I joined Goodreads a few months back at the suggestion of one of my brothers. Since then, I've listed a couple dozen books and reviewed a mere handfull. Today, in my Goodreads Inbox, I found the following message from a total stranger, a writer whose message has left me feeling rather uncomfortable:

from: James Bailey
to: Pamela
subject: quirky book
message:
Hi Pam the reading lover, cute picture. I had severe OCD, anxiety attacks, and depression for over thirty years but finally had enough and overcame most of it. I wrote a quirky and humorous book called Man Interrupted detailing how I did it. I have Oscar winner Mel Brooks on the cover praising it.. Please check out Man Interrupted at www.amazon.com or pop into a Barnes and Noble.. Just ask for Man Interrupted by James Bailey. Let me know? Best James.

I find myself rather mystified. Did this guy self-publish? *checks Amazon* The publisher is listed as Mainstream Publishing. *googles* Which seems to be a Scottish division of Random House. Does this make sense, or is there another publishing firm using that name?

What made him choose me, given that almost everything on my reading list is science fiction or fantasy, or am I just one of a couple thousand people he's individually contacted? Hasn't this guy ever heard about targeted marketing? (Of course, at least he's targeting people who read, so maybe he has.)

Why do so many people think that it's okay to shorten my name? I go by Pamela. I sign my letters and emails Pamela. If, by any chance I choose to use a nickname, the name I use is not "Pam." I mean, I understand why family members who started calling me Pam before I could defend myself could be a bit confused (even though you'd think thirty years would be enough time to get used to it), but why do perfect strangers think they've got the right to not just call someone by their first name, but to use a diminutive they haven't earned?

Comments

[heleninwales.livejournal.com]

Shortening names is definitely the norm in the UK. I work with a Val (Valerie) and two Sues (both Susan), but if you just refuse to answer to a nickname, people will use your full name. But perhaps I was just an odd child. :)

One of the reasons I use my middle name online is that I don't like any of the short forms of my first name and I'm not that keen on the full name either. Helen thankfully doesn't seem to invite shortening.

[pdlloyd.livejournal.com]

I can only think of one possible shortening of Helen and I agree that very few people would try it. And I don't suppose they'd try it twice. ;>