How to react after a bad review
This article was written by Peter Scantz, and indie author, whose book will be published later this year.
One thing that really irritates me, is when I read authors bad-mouth their reviewers after they have received a bone crushing review. You sent them the book, did you not? There was a 50/50 shot that they would love it and a 50/50 shot they would smash it to bits. So why the shock?
I have been closely following blogs, forums, and communities of self-published authors to find out insider tips that will help with my own work. I was astounded when I found one individual, who after several months of receiving a review, is still calling out the reviewer. Words like parasite and lice are used, as well as amateur and wannabe.
I must tell you, not all reviewers are wanna be authors. Just like not all teachers are wanna be doers. What I would say to that insolent chap, is get over it already. You got a bad review. I am assuming you sent the book to the reviewer. With that action alone you should have been more than prepared to receive THEIR opinions on your book, not the opinions you wanted them to have.
Point two, I’m going to go on a stretch here and claim you are indeed not a three year old. So why are you acting like one? Has someone forgotten to change your pants as of late?
Let’s back up from that child for a little bit and deal with the other authors that agree with such outcries. Do you not think reviewers get word back of your antics as well? In school, very often teachers mark essay papers without looking at the name in order to be objective in their grading. Reviewers don’t have that luxury. They look at the cover and see your name. You really want to start off on the wrong foot before your book has even been read?
And even if the reviewer can stay objective, is that the kind of person you really want to be known as? Someone who crucifies a reviewer because they gave their opinion (which was asked for by the way) about a book they ended up not liking? You not only are left with a sour taste in that reviewers mouth, but any other reviewer that happens to read the comments.
Reviewers are picky people. They read a mountain of books and know what they like and do not like. They smashed your friend’s book. They may adore yours. Give them that chance. Because in the end, it’s your career on the line, not your friends’.
And no, while reviewers don’t have the final say in what book does well and which gets thrown down the gutter, they certainly have the loudest mouths.
Now before you begin thinking I do not have experience with this, I have indeed received some harsh comments on the book I will be publishing later on. And while there were points I agreed with, there were also points I did not agree with. Did I go throw myself on the floor and cry out for a lynching? No. I took the lumps, improved what I agreed with, and THANKED the reviewer. That’s right. I sent the reviewer a thank you note. Not a thank you to suck up. But a thank you for taking time to read my work. Why?
I may have future books that I would like reviewed. I am a grown man. And the last. I asked for the opinion. If I didn’t want it, I shouldn’t have asked.
So to put it in a neat bow: Stop reacting like children after a bad review. Improve your writing or don’t improve your writing. Life will go on without your stinker.
Popularity: 38% [?]
Facebook
Very well said Peter. While it’s good to support fellow authors and friends, by resorting to name calling, you are indeed doing more damage to yourself and your book, than helping the upset author.
Something else authors should remember, is that being an author is a business. Would they conduct themselves this way at their day job? If a co-worker didn’t like the way they wrote a proposal, would they run up and down the hallways crying and whining?
If anything, do it behind closed doors. Have some class.
I agree with everything said.
While it is amusing to watch an author strike back at first and throw a sh** fit, as associates of that author, you have to stand back some or some of it will stick on you.
The authors that throw these types of fits, are usually the same ones that constantly need the attention pointed at them. They will post reviews over and over on every forum the possibly can and state any kind of stat they can find.
I wouldn’t pay they any mind. They will soon wear out the ears of those around them. That is if his listeners don’t wise up first and realize that no one respects a whiner.
Besides, isn’t it annoying to have a friend that only brags or complains? It gets old at some point doesn’t it?
I would like to comment as an author. Although some authors do not act appropriately, they are just people. They, too, have feelings. Imagine someone criticizing your child or your favorite pet. Imagine this person putting it out there for the whole world to hear.
When I write, my work is like “my baby”. It is a part of me that I am sharing with the rest of the world. Do you know how hard it is to put a personal part of yourself out there for the world to see? It is very hard.
As an author, I appreciate an honest, kind opinion. I have been blessed with mostly kind reviewers.
Authors are people who should act professionally – I agree. But please remember, we are “just people”. I hope we can all have and maintain respect for each other – authors and reviewers alike. We are all in this business together.
GL