How To Handle a Bad Review
June 17, 2010
by Shennandoah Diaz
Face it. Bad reviews happen. Even the most acclaimed writers get bad reviews. Evaluating a book is a subjective process, and personal preferences won’t always match the book. Unfortunately, too many writers take bad reviews personally and even go to the extremes, engaging in negative banter, slander, and threats. Here are a few tips to help you take those bad reviews with grace.
- Remember that it’s not a personal affront. The reviewer just didn’t like your book. Do you like everything you read?
- Take a deep breath. Cool off. Put the review away in a dark place for a few days. Taking time to let the fresh emotions wear off will help you think more rationally and calmly when you look at it again.
- Look at who the reviewer is. Are they known for giving glowing reviews, or is negativity their forte? It may have nothing to do with you.
- Look at the review objectively. Are there constructive comments you can use to improve your next project? It could be a learning opportunity.
- DO NOT under any circumstances send a rebuttal. Just let it go. You may think you are defending yourself, but it only makes you look bad, not the reviewer.
- DO NOT slander or in any way bad-mouth the reviewer on your social media accounts or through other outlets. Not only does this make you look unprofessional, but you can also set yourself up for legal claims.
- DO be gracious and poised. Acting professional, taking bad reviews with a grain of salt, and maintaining a positive working relationship with book reviewers will only help you in the long run.
Remember, as an author you have put yourself out there for public scrutiny. Bad reviews show that people are reading your book and that you have drummed up enough interest to warrant a review. Also, they provide balance. An article from iMedia Connection, shows that too many good reviews can become fluff, and a bit unbelievable. Bad reviews from valid third parties let the reader know that reviews of your book are authentic. Also, the majority of the time, the number of bad reviews are small compared to good reviews. Plus, all reviews, good and bad, help by prequalifying book buyers and weeding out those who may not be a good fit for your topic.
All in all, take bad reviews with a grain of salt. They don’t spell doom, and sometimes can even help. By taking the high road and maintaining your composure in the face of bad reviews, you’ll come out on top in the end.
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Comments
This was a wonderful post. I
This was a wonderful post. I haven't had a bad review yet, but I need to be prepared for it. The link to iMedia Connection was particularly insightful. Thank you for posting this.
I'm glad you found it useful.
I'm glad you found it useful. We really liked the position the iMedia article took on bad reviews--it tied in nicely. Hopefully you never have a bad review and thanks for commenting!
This is such an important
This is such an important topic! Points 5-7 are crucial, I think. From a PR/publicity perspective, responding to a bad review can be extremely detrimental to an author - even more detrimental than the review itself. Reviews, good and bad, are just part of being published. Take it all in stride!
Thanks for the great post, Shennandoah!
Thanks for the feedback
Thanks for the feedback Breanna. I'm happy to see you agree!
Great post...#7 is really
Great post...#7 is really important! Never underestimate the importance of good manners...what goes around comes around.
Penny, Most definitely. No
Penny,
Most definitely. No matter how great your book or the buzz around it, people don't want to be mistreated and will avoid you if you are rude. Its a small industry that talks to each other. Don't burn bridges.
Thanks for the great feedback!
I think there's an exception
I think there's an exception to the rule here. Your article is on-target if the reviewer genuinely didn't like the book. Howver, what if the reviewer is dishonest, i.e. didn't actually read the book, has an axe to grind against the author, is downing your book while trying to promote a competing book? That information must be made available to readers. I haven't had a negative review but I've been witness when colleagues did all they could do defame competitors. That information needs to be brought to light.
Thank you for your post! As
Thank you for your post! As a book reviewer and a book review service we offer honest reviews, and yes, many times the reviewer just doesn't like the book. Unfortunately many times the authors are extremely upset because they feel they wrote a a NYT best seller. However, sometimes they are the only ones that think that. Again, thanks! Your candor is much appreciated.
Lynn, Thanks for your
Lynn,
Thanks for your comment. Though rare, there are instances of negativity that have nothing to do with the book, which is a point we bring up in item #3--look at who the reviewer is. Often in such scenarios, the reviewer's vendetta comes through in the tone and verbiage of the piece. A truly good work can withstand such criticisms, no matter why they are given or by whom.
Thanks for bringing up that aspect and I hope it continues to be a rare occurrence.
Thanks for your comment
Thanks for your comment Irene! Hopefully it helps those authors better handle the situation. Books are a very subjective product, and many times it does come down to personal preference. Everyone has the right to dislike something, even reviewers. Its a great topic and I absolutely love how much commentary it has generated. Thanks again for your comment!
Thank you for your view. I am
Thank you for your view. I am about to publish my first book and I am a nervous reck. Your article will help me rest a little easier.
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