All of us bookworms are fangirls. It’s just a natural thing. One thing we all fangirl over the most are authors. When we finally get the chance to meet a favorite author of ours, it can be the best experience in the world.

But.

There are things that you should and shouldn’t do when you meet your favorite author. I wanted to discuss this topic because 1) I haven’t read any blog posts that addresses this and 2) I think it’s an important thing to talk about.

What to do:

Thank them for writing the books they write

Authors really appreciate it when you thank them for writing the books they write. It takes a lot to write a book so showing your appreciation is very important, especially if you want them to know how much they’re valued. Plus, they always show their appreciation for us and thank us, so we might as well return the favor.

Talk to them about how much you love their work

There’s usually time for you to talk a bit with the author while they sign your book so what better thing to talk about then their book? Praise them for their hard work and mention the things you love most about their books. This not only shows them that you’ve actually read their books, but also that you’re a huge fan of theirs.

i actually oftentimes forget this because i’m too starstruck

but i still highly recommend this because when i do remember their faces brighten up so much

it’ll make their day, i promise

Ask them questions

I’m not 100% sure if authors enjoy being asked questions about their books, but asking questions shows the author that you’re interested in their work and want to know more. I wouldn’t ask questions that a) the author can’t answer because the information for their upcoming book is still under wraps or b) are too personal. Also, if you’re just getting your book signed, you most likely won’t have much time with the author so they’ll only be able to answer 1-2 questions.

Be Prepared

When you’re waiting in line to get a book signed, do what the people ask you. Accept the sticky notes they give you and write your name. Then proceed to stick the sticky note with your name written on it on the title page (the pretty one with the title of the book on it). Doing this helps the author know how to spell your name correctly and it saves so much time, making the line move quicker.

What Not To Do:

Be Rude

I don’t know why you would be rude to your favorite author. Maybe you had a bad day or someone stole your Starbucks drink. Either way, don’t take it out on the author. I can’t stress this enough. Even if you’re in the worst mood of your life for some reason, don’t ever be mean to the author you’re meeting. They did nothing to you and they already experience enough trolls and antis on Twitter. They don’t need people coming up to them at their book events being rude to them.

How to be nice in 3 steps:

1. throw whatever crap happened to you that made you so bitter on the street

2. put on a smile

3. refer back to what you learned in kindergarten

Bombard them with questions they can’t answer

If there’s unreleased information about an author’s upcoming book, chances are they won’t be able to say anything about it. So asking the author questions they can’t answer just wastes the author’s and your time. Plus, it’s really annoying. Imagine being asked the same question over and over that you can’t give the answer to.

basically don’t do what you wouldn’t want others to do to you

Not Be Prepared

Honestly it’s not difficult to do what’s asked of you at author events. Be quiet when the author or presenter is talking, be nice and considerate to others, do what people tell you in lines, and have a good time. Nobody wants a buzzkill and it’s always the worst being the only person not doing what you’re supposed to.

i’ve seen this so many times and i’ve only been to three author events

Be a Fangirl Mess

I know it can be hard to contain yourself when you’re meeting your role model but contain your crazy fangirling urges and try to be a normal person. Authors love meeting fans but it can probably get a bit uncomfortable if you’re too busy fangirling to strike up a normal conversation with them.

trust me, i’ve had my fair share of awkward small-talk with authors but put on a smile and thank them for what they do

I sadly felt like this post needed to be written because there are so many people out there that are rude, disrespectful, and downright disgusting to authors. These are people that pour their heart and soul into the books they write for us and we need to be there to support them and show our love and gratitude for them.

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