Writing Notes

Whatever happened to thank you notes? Etiquette still mandates we thank those who have given us gifts and done us favors. As writers, surely there is irony in the fact that many of us can write an 85,000-word novel but do not write thank you notes. But we should. You should thank bloggers, book reviewers, media, and bookstore owners/managers.

In fact, I take thank you notes and give them to the bookstore manager/owner when I do book signings. That way, I don’t have to worry about mailing a note out later or wondering if it got to the right person. I have hand-delivered it, which always seems to be much appreciated. I also send thank you notes or emails to those who have mentioned me and/or my books or who have interviewed me or reviewed my book. You can tweet or text instead. I prefer sending personalized emails or notes but the important thing is that you recognize the person and their efforts. Not only does everyone appreciate being appreciated, but your request for another interview or book review at some future date will be more likely to be accepted.

I would like to mention a couple of things about thank you notes. You should address the recipient personally, such as Dear Alice, rather than Dear Mr. Editor or Dear Mrs. Smith. Also, be authentic. Use the same tone in your writing that you would in person, which is hopefully warm and friendly, yet professional. Mention the specific interview or publication in which the blurb appeared so as to spark their memory. You want to make sure the person knows who you are and why you’re thanking him/her! Lastly, be sure to end things right. You should close with “Best” or “Sincerely” or “Warmly” and leave the door open. “I will be sure to send you a copy of my next book, Spookiest Battlefields, which is due out in June, in case you are interested in reviewing it or would like to arrange an interview. Sincerely, Terrance”