You may (or may not) have noticed that I changed my author pic on blogger a few days ago. Heck, you may never have noticed my author pic even if you visited every day. Not that you needed to. But IF you did, you'd see that my glamor shot photo has gone bye bye. Oh, it's still saved on my hard drive and still on one of my many web pages somewhere. However, it's not here, on my main web page (www.ashleyladd.blogspot.com). Why not? A famous author has been giving me some suggestions and one is to lose the glamor shot. Supposedly it's not professional and isn't something the bigger name authors do. Is this really so? I'm not sure. Usually, I'd research by going web page to web page of the best selling authors at the big publishing houses and do a survey. I probably will soon and post the results here. But I've been a bit busy between overtime at the day job and edits out the ying yang. Anyway, I changed it. I was tired of that pic anyway and personally I do prefer pictures showing us as our normal selves in our every day attire and make-up. I didn't hop to change it right away. I wasn't being reluctant or obstinate any more than I was rushing to comply. But I didn't have any good recent shots of me. Then I finally (duh!) remembered I had my MySpace pic I could use for blogger. So, I've finally done it. I hope this is more acceptable. Let me ask you, other authors and readers: Does it matter to you what kind of picture an author posts of herself (as long as it's not criminal or immoral?) Would it affect sales to readers or getting a contract with a publisher? Does it bespeak of professionalism? Opinions are welcome. If you're an author, what kind of picture do you have posted of yourself? Or do you post your pic and if not, why not? I see that a lot of authors don't post any picture but instead, they post one of their book covers. You'll want to see what Amarinda Jones, Anika Hamilton, Anny Cook, Barbara Huffert, Brynn Paulin, Bronwyn Green, Dakota Rebel, Kelly Kirsch, Molly Daniels, and Sandra Cox are up to, so make sure to visit them also. :)
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
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6 comments:
Kirch, still doesn't have an "s" in it. Heh.
I'd rather not have my photo out there though I love when other people do. I like casual shots over very formal ones, but the professionally shot casual ones are fabulous.
I tend to disagree with the assessment of the other author. I'm heading out to a convension soon and was told a professional photo on something called a "one-sheet" is critical. Not having one, I refuse to stress over the matter. I like your photos. In particular this casual one of you is great.
On my MySpace, I use what I consider a 'good' shot of myself at one of my recent signings. I rarily find myself in photos these days; I'm usually the one taking the picture!
But for an upcoming event, I have to send a picture, and it's got me wondering which one to send. I took a fabulous picture (imho:) at Glamour Shots 10 years ago, and another one at Olan Mills nearly 15 years ago that I'd like to use (if I can find them!) but a recent picture? Makes me shudder. I guess I'll go for the signing pic again.
I have a picture on my webpage that was taken about ten years ago, a "glamour" shot. I prefer it over more recent ones because it was taken back when I had only one chin. *G*. And no gray hair! But lately when I look at it, it feels really dated. I do like the idea of a professional picture (not necessarily a glamour shot) and will probalby have one done eventually. Just can't afford it right now.
One of these days when I'm having a "good hair" day I plan to have my hubby take some pics until we get one I can live with and then I'll post that, just so I have a more current one. But I HATE having my picture taken, that's a tough one for me. That's a large part of the reason why I haven't put up a more current pic.
Readers buy the book - not the photo of the book writer. Sure, they may glance at the photo but I don't think it's a big deal. And, I believe that 'real' is better to a glamourized version. Photo or not? Up to the individual.
Interesting. I've never actually thought about it that much. I like both of these pics, Ash. I've seen pics on books that are obviously professional and sometimes their snapshots. I use a pic on my rita thedford site that was taken at a booksigning. very casual. But then, I'm not one to like getting professional pictures taken.
Sales are what's important anyway. Not the pic of the author. I sure wouldn't stress about it at all.
Those are too funny! I especially love Clippit! Hope you feel better!
*hugs*
Paige
My TT is at http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/
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