Bad reviews. We all get them.
Sometimes they're not even that bad. It's just...the reviewer didn't seem to get what we were doing, or didn't particularly like what we were doing. Sometimes they are really bad. Someone being deliberately cruel for laughs from the peanut gallery -- or a vicious, personal attack from someone who obviously has a thing about the writer and her work. It happens. We've all seen it.
What do you do?
You don't do anything. You forget about them. They don't matter. Listen to me. They. Don't. Matter.
Unless you're getting a string of bad reviews -- especially if they're coming from readers and reviewers who generally like your work. Then I think you might want to consider what's being said. When it comes to reviews, you want to listen for a consensus of opinion. One glowing review -- especially if it's coming from a family member or friend -- does not make you a genius. Nor does one terrible review mean the end of your writing career.
I'm on so many discussion lists with so many writers, and hardly a week goes by that someone isn't whining about a bad review. Hey, bad reviews are a drag. They irritate, exasperate, and sometimes even hurt. But shut up about them. Seriously. And Do Not take the advice of those who tell you to get that review removed from Amazon or write that reviewer and tell her what you think of her lousy taste. Don't write and harass the review site.
Just. Don't.
I've been there. I've had fun at the expense of a sincere reviewer, and the one who felt like a fool at the end of it, was me.
Listen, you have to learn to laugh at this stuff. I've had a reviewer write me a lukewarm review and then request that I send her all my work (for free) because she loves it so. Now, you have to admit that's funny. But it also tells you that she had no idea she'd written a review I might not be thrilled with. Most of the time the reviewer is just sharing her immediate response -- sometimes they don't express themselves as well as they might, sometimes they feel differently about a work as time passes (I do that). Either way, they have a right to their opinion. Even if its SO wrong. *g*
Reviewers are human and the quality of reviews is as varied as the quality of published books. There are reviews that are badly written: reviewers who got their facts wrong or drew inaccurate conclusions or made grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, challenged content within the book without doing their own research.
Leave it alone. Do you think that challenging this reviewer, pointing out her mistakes is going to turn her into a fan? You think it's going to get you a good review from her next time? You think she's going to buy your books? You think the site is going to cater to you and match you up with someone who loves you from now on? Leave it alone.
I understand the desire to complain about bad reviews to fellow writers on writer lists. You want sympathy, you want reassurance -- and, hey! it's a chance for some free promo, right?
Yeah. But it's the wrong kind. Whining isn't attractive. And whining about reviews just seems...unprofessional. Publishing is a tough business. If you're going to go psycho or melt into tears every time you get a lousy review, you're not going to last.
I used to try and thank every reviewer for their review, good or bad, but I don't do that anymore either. For one thing, I no longer keep track of my reviews -- there are too many of them. Every so often I want my website updated, and I'll go through and collect the best quotes -- and I usually discover that a reader or two was disappointed with something I did.
I don't rejoice over that, and sometimes I puzzle over it, but hey. The reality is, not every book is right for every reader. It's so simple and yet we all have trouble believing it when it comes to our own fabulous work. WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU THINK I'M OVERRATED?!
I'm not saying you have to thank reviewers who don't like your work. It's a gracious gesture, but...pointless, really. I mostly stopped because if I thank ten reviewers and miss or forget two, the two are liable to think they've been dissed. So...easier just to think warm thoughts in my heart when appropriate.
As for numerical ratings or stars or whatever, the criteria varies and it's subjective. I don't pay attention to any of that. I go by the content of the review. What I like to do is collect a bunch of the best ones (meaning the ones with useful "sound bites" or the ones from reviewers I like and want to promote) and I post them to my website. Not the entire review, just the bits I find pertinent. I get five star reviews that have nothing particularly quotable in them, and I've had four star reviews that have some great comments, so I pick and choose and put them on my excerpt page like so.
The thing to remember about a bad review is most readers don't buy based on the reviewer's opinion of the book, they buy based on the description of the book, so the more mentions, the better. A bad review in People magazine is worth a thousand great reviews on the web, so instead of fussing and fuming over a bad review, be glad you got any review at all, and look at as a little bit of free promo. It all adds up.
13 comments:
Great post, Josh. Loads of common sense, but I think it still needs saying and sharing.
We all KNOW a 'bad' review is just one snapshot - is about the BOOK not the author - can still be a marketing plus even if you wonder sometimes if they even read the same book as you wrote.
But because we love our work and put ourselves into it, it can still bite. I know, I've had them myself *ulp*.
But what's 'bad'? It just means it didn't work for that reviewer. Sure, if a bunch of them say the POV was shot to hell or they couldn't care less about the characters - *hmmm* as an author, I'd want to keep some of that in mind in future writing. But otherwise, it's just a disappointment that you didn't reach that person.
Some sympathy is good, but I can't agree with authors who go into a complaint-fest. After all, it's a done deal now, anyway. And as has been commented before, readers remember your 'bad' behaviour far more keenly than your 'good' *lol*.
I admire people who review publicly, tremendously. I couldn't do it myself, though I have my own personal opinions as some friends know *lol*. But it's an art, to approach each new book with a clear, constructive and objective mind, and then to post your opinion in a way that's entertaining, informative and expressive. And - hopefully - to earn credibility from us flaky, fragile authors, too ^_~.
Now I'm off to girl my loins against my next heart-dropping, tricky-review experience *lmao*.
It's important to remember that the reviewer is rating the work, not the author. When one of my books receives a less-than-favorable review, I vent to a few trusted souls, then move on and get back to writing. I don't link to those reviews, not because I'm a baby who can't take it but because 1.) the reviewer's comments are not relevant to the types of readers I attract and 2.) no need to come off like I'm calling in the "loyal reader" posse.
I suggest that authors in need of moral support after a bad review look not at their book collection but their music collection. Look at an artist who's been around for awhile with multiple releases. Do you like every CD put out by that particular artist? Do you like every single song on those CD's? Do you still go back and buy more from that artist even if they release a dud every now and then? A bad review or negative reader response is not the end of your career.
It's important to remember that the reviewer is rating the work, not the author.
Absolutely. This is the number one thing I think new authors feel -- that the "attack" is personal. Usually, it's not an "attack," and it's rarely personal.
Even readers who love our work have favorites among the stories they like, so we can deduct that other stories are less favorite -- and not be wounded by this.
Even when a reviewer doesn't like a book, it doesn't mean they'll never like anything the author does. Which is why it's such a bad idea to take issue with a reviewer. Why turn it into something?
When one of my books receives a less-than-favorable review, I vent to a few trusted souls, then move on and get back to writing.
Absolutely. This is what friends are for.
I don't link to those reviews, not because I'm a baby who can't take it but because 1.) the reviewer's comments are not relevant to the types of readers I attract and 2.) no need to come off like I'm calling in the "loyal reader" posse.
It makes no sense to link to a bad review. Review snippets on an author's website are a promo tool - so what would the point be of linking to something that wouldn't serve the author's ends?
Besides, I'm assuming the author doesn't agree with the negative review, so...?
But because we love our work and put ourselves into it, it can still bite. I know, I've had them myself *ulp*.
Everybody gets them. It's really not a big deal. And I don't say that to hurt any reviewer's feelings either! I know everyone wants to believe that their opinion is important, and reviewers have feelings too. They want to believe that their opinion matters -- that's why they write reviews and share their feelings about books. And they DO matter, and a great review is a gift to an author. We all love them, we all appreciate them, and they help -- they spread the word.
But one brilliant review or one terrible review...cannot be taken too seriously. An author must look for the consensus of opinion -- and not just from reviewers. From trusted readers, from CPs and editors.
But what's 'bad'? It just means it didn't work for that reviewer. Sure, if a bunch of them say the POV was shot to hell or they couldn't care less about the characters - *hmmm* as an author, I'd want to keep some of that in mind in future writing. But otherwise, it's just a disappointment that you didn't reach that person.
Yep. Very honestly, I've changed my mind about books I've read -- sometimes it does depend on my mood. And sometimes...I initially rate a book on what I'd hoped the book was. I was hoping the author was going in one direction, and she went another. So my initial reaction is disappointment because I'm thinking in terms of the story I wanted the author to tell versus the story the AUTHOR wanted to tell.
Some sympathy is good, but I can't agree with authors who go into a complaint-fest. After all, it's a done deal now, anyway. And as has been commented before, readers remember your 'bad' behaviour far more keenly than your 'good' *lol*.
I do think -- especially from experienced authors -- it's mostly a promo ploy for the book. It's an effort to get readers' sympathy and make them go check out the book. And I really detest it when authors try and turn a bad review into a political cause. YOU HATE MY GAY ROMANCE BECAUSE YOU'RE HOMOPHOBIC. I mean...come on. Maybe they just hate your book because you can't write! There is always that possibility (which is why we want to listen for the consensus of opinion).
I admire people who review publicly, tremendously. I couldn't do it myself, though I have my own personal opinions as some friends know *lol*.
I don't think it's a good idea for authors. Even when they disguise their names -- very often the author has a distinct voice. You think I could hide my reviews behind a different name? I think it would take my fellow authors three minutes to suss me out.
But it's an art, to approach each new book with a clear, constructive and objective mind, and then to post your opinion in a way that's entertaining, informative and expressive. And - hopefully - to earn credibility from us flaky, fragile authors, too ^_~.
Yep. And no doubt about it, jsut as some authors are better at reviewing, so are some reviewers. And a good review from a reviewer you respect is like...a little present.
Which STILL doesn't mean you should place undue importantance on it.
DO NOT BELIEVE YOUR OWN PRESS. *Especially* if it's good. *g*
Personally, I think a review period rather it be bad or good is great publicity. At least it gets your name out there to the public who wouldn't otherwise no you from a cow in a meadow. Plus, a bad review might spark interest in a reader to see if it's really all that bad.
Great post Josh!
Personally, I think a review period rather it be bad or good is great publicity. At least it gets your name out there to the public who wouldn't otherwise no you from a cow in a meadow. Plus, a bad review might spark interest in a reader to see if it's really all that bad.
I agree. The more mentions of our book title or author name, the more chance a reader will "recognize" it when book shopping and buy the book (half the time not even remembering why that name or title is ringing a bell).
A reviewer would have to make one heck of a convincing case to keep me from purchasing a book that sounded like the kind of thing I usually enjoy.
Do you really think it's worth posting extracts of reviews on your blog or web? Isn't it clear that you've just cherry picked? I'd love to see one that said - not as good as mine but worth a read! I have no interest in those comments on the backs or inside covers of books. How honest are they really? Just a few people's opinions and I'd rather make my own. So I haven't bothered putting anything on my blog/web about what people think about my stories. Maybe I should think again? Do most authors do this?It just struck me that it's no different to bragging you won some award when the reason you did is you begged strangers and friends to vote for you. Same with competitions - The Brava novella one comes to mind. Does anyone actually care who wins - apart from the winner?
Do you really think it's worth posting extracts of reviews on your blog or web? Isn't it clear that you've just cherry picked?
Well, you have to have something to cherry pick from, right? I don't have many bad reviews, I'm happy (relieved) to say, and if you have a dozen reviews saying how much the reviewer loved a book, that's not false advertising. I'm not suggesting that anyone piecemeal a positive review out of a negative one.
WHAT A....BOOK! *g*
If there are negative reviews, they still exist out in cyberspace. And so they should. I don't believe in trying to supress a negative review -- and I've made that pretty clear already. But an author's websit is a a promotional tool, not a report card. So there is little sense in putting negatives into one's sales pitch. HIRE ME FOR THE JOB ALTHOUGH I KNOW I'M NOT VERY SMART AND I USE CRAPPY MATERIALS AND DON'T OFFER MY EMPLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE!!!
I mean, it might be an imaginative approach, but it ain't the smartest move I've seen.
I'd love to see one that said - not as good as mine but worth a read!
Um...yeah. But, again, one's website isn't one's diary or year end evaluation. A website is a marketing and business tool. My advice is that you gear your website to selling your work in a professional manner and save the quirky, true confessions stuff for your LJ or your MySpace page.
I have no interest in those comments on the backs or inside covers of books. How honest are they really? Just a few people's opinions and I'd rather make my own.
Again, you can't have book blurbs if you don't really have legit reviews to quote from -- granted, there are writers who will blurb anything or anyone, so those are sometimes dubious. But book blurbs aren't for other cynical authors, they are for readers -- they're like the good housekeeping stamp of approval because in most cases an author with a reputation to uphold isn't going to go on the record praising something they really think is trash -- unless that author is what is known in the biz as a blurb slut.
So I haven't bothered putting anything on my blog/web about what people think about my stories. Maybe I should think again? Do most authors do this?
Yes. Most serious authors do this. Meaning most authors who understand how the business of writing works, and take it seriously -- and know how to function effectively within that business -- do this. Granted it works better if you have a string of legit reviews because ten quotes from friends means zip.
It just struck me that it's no different to bragging you won some award when the reason you did is you begged strangers and friends to vote for you. Same with competitions - The Brava novella one comes to mind. Does anyone actually care who wins - apart from the winner?
Again, most readers have no idea that many of these "contests" are actually popularity contests. A string of wins looks impressive -- and makes publishers happy -- and if you're like me, you don't beg for votes, so to even come in second tells me I'm doing something right.
See, there is no faking word of mouth. You either write something readers want to read, or you don't. Reviews help spread the word, but no good review can persuade a reader to think she read something she enjoyed if she actually thinks it's a piece of crap. And vice versa. If a reader loves a book, all the bad reviews in the world won't change her mind. But then if there are a lot of bad reviews, there is probably an obvious reason for that.
Josh
I'm probably too late for this one -- too much work. However, here's my two cents as a reviewer.
When I review a book I give my honest opinion of what I think about the book, whether or not I like the author. I write reviews for the readers, not the authors, but I try to do my best to be constructive, if my review is critical. I do not dump on the author or the book, I just state where I think the author may have lost her way and give an example or two.
Two days ago I criticised a book written by an author that I really like - her first book got 5 stars, her latest 4 stars which many authors would love to have but I was disappointed. The author commented on my blog that she really appreciated my comments because she hadn't realized that she had been making the mistakes I mentioned in the review. I knew she was sincere because she came back to comment again on the blog after she checked out my criticisms and said that she would watch the areas I had mentioned, in the future.
I hate to say this but some authors are "review whores." They send their books to every "reviewer" to get a few positive quotes for their websites. Recently one author wrote me about her first book and asked me to review it. I was prepared to do so until I checked out her website and realized that she already had 50 reviews on the book which was self published and she was using these reviews to try and tempt a publisher into putting her under contract. Of course I turned her down and told her why and she shamelessly admitted that that was her strategy.
It's a crapshoot out there but there are many ethical reviewers who work hard and do their best because, like me, they love to read. I always tell the "regulars" on my blog to check out other reviews before they put down their hard earned money. Sometimes I review a book a little higher because I love a particular theme but I state my bias upfront. If I like a particular writer I state that also but I say why I like that author's work. No reviewer likes to destroy an author's work (OK some do) but sometimes a book deserves to be burned. I have many DNF on my hard drive or on my bookshelves because the writing, the characters, the plot (if it existed) were so bad. I valued my time more than I valued what I paid for the book and so did not finish it.
To close, reviewing is a crapshoot. Some reviewers do a great job, some do a good job and some can barely spell. You earn respect as a reviewer by consistently doing good work and hope that the authors you respect will recognize it. Sorry, I did not mean to go on but this is a subject near and dear to my heart.
Obviously I meant to say "Sometimes I rate a book a little higher because I love a particular theme but I state my bias upfront."
To close, reviewing is a crapshoot. Some reviewers do a great job, some do a good job and some can barely spell. You earn respect as a reviewer by consistently doing good work and hope that the authors you respect will recognize it. Sorry, I did not mean to go on but this is a subject near and dear to my heart.
Good good post, Wave. And I'm sure you do speak for many reviewers -- meaning, I'm sure many reviewers feel the same way. I think reviewers WANT to enjoy what they read, I think they look forward to good books like we all do.
Most of them. I know it's easier to be funny and witty in a harsh review than a rave review, so maybe there are reviewers who look for the really bad stuff. And there's no question the really bad stuff exists.
There are dreadful books out there, God knows. A lot of reviewing is subjective -- not all of it, though. On the other hand, you can get two excellent reviewers disagreeing about the same book, and it doesn't mean either one of them is "wrong"...just that that book didn't work for that reader.
I appreciate a reviewer who can back her/his opinions with an example or two. Saying a writer got something wrong or that the writing is weak or...those kinds of opinions have to be supported in order to be taken seriously, I think. At least those are the reviews I most appreciate as a reader -- and as an author.
I don't think reviewers should speculate -- I think you know what I'm talking about there. Comments like...I'm not an expert in Noh theater, but I'm sure this can't be right...serve no one well.
But I find most reviewers to be careful and conscientious -- and they love books and writers with a passion.
But even if someone stumbles on a rogue reviewer...there is nothing to be gained by challenging this person or bitching about the review. That's my point. Love reviews or hate 'em, they're a fact of the publishing business.
Writers can use them as promo tools or ignore them entirely, but whining about them or getting into a brawl with a reviewer is a waste of everyone's time. At least in my opinion.
Reviewing is always a matter of personal taste and opinion. .....No one is absolutely right and no one is absolutely wrong. I give my opinion about a book the same way another reviewer does, and the reader makes a "buy" decision after checking out any number of different reviews. Sometimes I wonder if I read the same books I see reviewed on other sites and vice versa.
Most reviewers strive to be fair but there's always an element of subjectivity in the final product because we're human beings not machines. Getting a bad review is not the end of the world for an author. Reviews are one person's opinion about a book, but if most reviewers say the same thing, or if a reviewer who has always lauded your books gives you a negative review, then maybe the author should take note.
The review of Ethan Day's book Self Preservation which was posted on my blog, and his response, is an excellent example of how authors can turn a negative into a real positive for the book from a sales point of view. More authors should emulate his example and treat a bad review as part of the price and process of being published and turn it around to their advantage.
Maybe all reviewers are just frustrated writers - at least that's what I hear. *g*
Thanks for doing this Josh.
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