How to reply when a source is happy

[copperpot]

This might seem like a weird topic, but I always wonder how best to reply to an e-mail from a source who was happy with how a story turned out. My gut reaction is to say, "I'm so glad you liked it," but I almost feel like that's too effusive -- like it's a load off my mind.

Here's the note: "We saw the article in the August issue and wanted to thank you for a great job."

"It's my pleasure" sounds to me like I'm catering to them.

I'm sure I'm overthinking this, but I'd appreciate some thoughts.

 

[RickStain]

Thank you.

 

[imjustagirl]

"Thanks for the kind note, and thanks for reading."

 

[TheMethod]

"Thanks for the message. Glad you enjoyed it."

I understand your concern, but it's OK to be a human being.

 

[copperpot]

"Thanks for the kind note, and thanks for reading."

I'm think I'm going to send this right now. Thanks a lot.

 

[playthrough]

I always use "thanks for reading", even more so for the people who tell me to go to hell. They gotta read me first.

 

[imjustagirl]

I always use "thanks for reading", even more so for the people who tell me to go to hell. They gotta read me first.

Me too. Every e-mail ended with that.

 

[zeke12]

I always use "thanks for reading", even more so for the people who tell me to go to hell. They gotta read me first.

Me too. Every e-mail ended with that.

Co-sign. That's also my go-to to get a straggler off the phone. "Mmmmm-hmmm. Well, thanks for reading, and thanks for the call."

 

[Ace]

Might even add a keep me posted on how xxx is doing or whatever is appropriate if there could be more stories or follow ups in the future.

 

[expendable]

I always use "thanks for reading", even more so for the people who tell me to go to hell. They gotta read me first.

Me too. Every e-mail ended with that.

Yep. Even if I think they're bat**** crazy, at least they've purchased my product.

 

[spnited]

Might not be bad to also thank the source for his/her cooperation. Might need to go back to that source again.

 

[finishthehat]

Yep, that's pretty much the deal: Thanks for reading, thanks for the kind words; I appreciated the help and let me know if there are any updates in the future.

 

[Gomer]

"Are you hiring?"

 

[zebracoy]

If it's an anonymous source, "Keep it coming."

 

[Wenders]

It wasn't a source, but I got some nice feedback on a story I wrote a few weeks back. I replied with a, "Thank you for e-mailing me. It's always nice to hear when readers like our work."

I save all of my positive e-mails for those days when we get nothing but negative in my inbox, to remind me of why I do this job in the first place.

 

[Gomer]

Wenders, I do the same thing... though I also have a folder with the negative ones and my replies so I can look back on how I handled them.

 

[Smallpotatoes]

"Thanks for the message. Glad you enjoyed it."

I understand your concern, but it's OK to be a human being.

That's basically what I say.

 

[ReggieRedbird57]

"Thanks for the kind note, and thanks for reading."

That is what I say every time. Subtle and gracious.