“I’m only one man!” (Bookshelf etiquette)

June 1, 2015 · 2 comments

https://i0.wp.com/www.dispatch.com/content/graphics/2013/08/19/1a-tv-philbin-art-greo30ps-1regis-philbin-1.jpg?resize=120%2C130In the words of that immortal philosopher, Regis Philbin.

I have no illusions about the worth of this blog, although it has afforded me perhaps an unmerited reputation as an expert on baseball books. While this is obviously something I enjoy doing — especially the Bookshelf Conversations — as well as getting to meet a lot of really cool and like-minded people, this is not my full-time gig. I fit it in as much as I can, read as much as I can, but it’s impossible to get to everything.

Publishers, publicists, and authors have been very generous and helpful in alerting me to what’s out there. I’m frequently contacted by first-timers looking for a kind word about the projects and I try to accommodate when I can. These are usually along the lines of “Hi, Ron.” (or occasionally and  more formally, “Mr. Kaplan”). “I have this (fill in the blank) and wonder if you would take a look. Thanks for your consideration, etc.”

I am always honest and let them I’d be happy to do so with the understanding that a) they might not like what I have to say; and b) I might not be able to get to it as quickly as they would like. I do this out of respect for their time, in an attempt to save them the trouble and expense of sending the materials, and that’s usually fine with them.

But the quickest way to tick me off is for an author to introduce him or herself with a text or email which begins “I can’t believe you didn’t mention/know about…” his or her project. I don’t need to be buttered up, but I think a little courtesy is not too much to ask for.

Just sayin’.

 

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1 Gregg Kersey June 1, 2015 at 6:59 pm

Just remember it is a labor of love, but at least you get the title of Baseball Book Expert, so that is at least one perk!

2 Ron Kaplan June 1, 2015 at 4:54 pm

Thanks, Gregg, but again, I would qualify “expert,” and perhaps replace it altogether with “knowledgeable.”

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