15 Steps For Dealing With A Bad Book Review
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It was only a matter of time. One cannot enjoy 4- and 5-star reviews indefinitely. Yep, I gotta a two-er. A big, fat, stinky two-er. And Nature’s coincidental imps went all out for the event, because the review comes courtesy of a lad named Vlad.
Vlad the Impaler lived up to his name, all right. He eviscerated me in Grade A, cooked-to-perfection style. Wham, bam, thank you Ma’am!
I debated to even blog about this. The moment I mention the stinker, you’ll all scurry over to find it, and I’d prefer to keep the shame top-secret, not to mention I’d like to remain professional. But the title of my blog isn’t The Write Transition because I pontificate about ponies. It’s because I share my writing journey with others who travel the same path. And that means sharing the pretty and the ugly.
Welcome to my ugly.
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For all you writers out there, here are my 15 STEPS for dealing with a bad review. If you’re not a writer, feel free to enjoy my pain anyway.
Step 1: Feel heart leap into throat and gut sink to knees the second you spot the review. Taste a coppery sickness in your mouth.
Step 2: Refresh the page in case you’re mistaken.
Step 3: Experience a rush of despair when you discover the reviewer gave away the plot twist by dumping a truckload of spoilers.
Step 4: Remind yourself that a bad review was inevitable, and in fact, probably makes a book more credible.
Step 5: Get back to the novel-in-progress you were working on before you took the regretful Internet break.
Step 6: Allow review to fester in your psyche while you write. In doing so, tell yourself you’re a fool for thinking you can write at all. Cap this off with, “Who do you think you’re kidding?”
Step 7: Go back to review and click on the reviewer’s profile. Feel some relief when you note he has three pages packed with nasty one- and two-star reviews. But feel sad again that he said you’ve lost all ‘grip on reality.’
Step 8: Remind yourself that some people have trouble suspending reality in a fictional world, everyone has a right to his or her opinion, and you can’t please everyone.
Step 9: Still feel annoyed reviewer gave away the plot twist you’ve labored to keep secret. Seek out a handful of M&Ms for solace.
Step 10: Return to your novel-in-progress; write a few lines; and tell yourself the work is crap.
Step 11: Visit another review site and perk up when you see a new four-star review from a stranger who uses the words “can’t put it down” and “very realistic.”
Step 12: Pull up your big-kid pants and remind yourself it’s one review out of many.
Step 13: Hike those pants even higher and remember you once helped care for post-operative children in the ICU who’d just undergone open-heart surgery. Know that maintaining their blood pressure merited much greater worry than living with a bad review.
Step 14: Tell yourself that bad reviews are just as helpful as good reviews—maybe even more so—and learn from what was said. Pat yourself on the back for being an adult.
Step 15: Go to bed that night and sleep soundly. But wake up still angry that no ‘Spoiler Alert’ caution accompanied the review.
Image credit: Microsoft Clip Art
Authors—any bad reviews you’ve had to suffer? How did you deal with it? Authors and non-authors—although the bad review no longer bothers me, am I too sensitive about the spoilers? Is it right to reveal spoilers in a review? For example, would you still want to see The Sixth Sense if you knew how it ended?
317 Responses to “15 Steps For Dealing With A Bad Book Review”
I actually watched Sixth Sense for the first time already knowing the plot twist. I watched it together with my wife who didn’t – and it was like we were watching two different movies.
That’s true. I watched it a second time, and once I knew the twist, I was looking for other things. Such a good movie. Too bad it all went downhill for M. Night Shyamalan after that…
The two things I can’t stand are people who can’t take a joke and PEOPLE WHO GIVE OUT SPOILERS! And WITH NO WARNINGS! Ugh. That person sounds awful. It’s not always “bad” to have a bad review but that one seems like a really bitter author who can’t understand Fiction (here, I’m assuming what you wrote is Fiction, tee-hee).
Glad you’re over it already and I’m sure, the good reviews outnumber all the bad ones.
You’ve been real honest here, too. Anyone who creates something and had their work insulted, stomped at, and spat with acid could really relate to this.
Yes, I can’t deny it stung when I saw it, but I’m all over it now, especially since he has since added a spoiler alert warning to the review. As others have said, a bad review means it’s a ‘real’ book now. And yes, it’s fiction.
Thanks so much for reading!
I’m glad to see the reviewer put up a spoiler alert. I can see why that would trouble you, not the least because Amazon explicitly states in its comment terms that reviewers HAVE to include that information.
Yes, I hopped right over to read the review, although I did not engage the writer of said review. As crappy as getting such a review is, I don’t think the way it was written will hold a whole lot of water with potential readers. I don’t know about others, but while I do read the negative and middling reviews when considering a book, I also keep in mind how the review is written (poor spelling and grammar is definitely a drawback when considering a review), whether or not it contains any useful commentary or just says “sucks”, and whether or not the reviewer even bothered to read the synopsis (being angry that a medical type thriller novel has a sci-fi component that they find unbelievable when the type of novel is specified in the description is well…why did they read it if they knew it probably wouldn’t be their cup of tea?). Nothing that person said will put off anyone who likes that type of work, it will only put off people who would have purchased and not cared for the genre anyway. You might think about what they said and whether you can endeavor to make that type of reader happier in the future, but I don’t think their review will have a lot of merit for the majority, and it might actually encourage people to buy your book.
I guess my point is, don’t worry. It was an excellent first novel, with engaging pacing and lovely characters. You have nothing to worry about; you’ll only become a better writer with time.
Thanks so much for the lovely comment! What a wonderful response to find. And I’m all good with the review now, especially since he added the spoiler alert (I didn’t know Amazon specified that that should be done, but it certainly makes sense). And as I mentioned in the post, I do think bad reviews give a book more credibility. Most of the books I’ve read have a wide array of ratings. I think it’s just hard to see that first one, especially when one doesn’t have 300 reviews like some of the bigwigs.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!
I think it’s sad that the internet is so full of people who just sit behind the safety of their computers and spread nastiness. He probably wasn’t hugged enough as a child.
Maybe so…
I don’t have a problem with a bad review, but it’s the way some are done that’s frustrating. One can state their displeasure for a book without being mean about it.
Thanks!
WHAT?! No way. Lemme at him. Gave away plot points? Isn’t that grounds for you to send a complaint to the admin? Can’t you flag the comment as spam citing not that he isn’t entitled to his opinion, but that he deliberately ruined the plot for others? That’s it… lemme at him. I hate people like that. Useless!
That being said…very funny post. Poor thing.
Somebody did complain to Amazon, which was very kind of her, and the reviewer has since put a spoiler alert in. I feel so much better about it now. But I like the idea of you going at him. He wouldn’t even know what hit him.
Thanks, Andrea!
Humph… Will do (grrrrrer)
Ha! Just knowing you would is good enough for me. But I’m all over it now. He has a right to his opinion, and I’m grateful to him for adding a spoiler alert. All is right with my world.
too late. bunker buster.
You’re my hero.
Thanks for the support!
I found my first 1 star review today. It’s awful and it’s taken me all day to hold back the tears but I’m trying to find solace in the fact that my book elicited such an emotional response. My book’s only been out a week and a bit so having one so early on and with still only a few really good reviews is a bit hard to take. I’m just hoping the future reviews err on the side of the good rather than the bad and the balance doesn’t tip. And yes, I’m doing all the same steps as you
And I only read it the once but I’m pretty sure there were spoilers there too.
It definitely stings, doesn’t it? But I like what an earlier commenter said: His wife is an author, and when she gets a bad book review, she says, ” Well, it’s a real book now,” and I think there’s some truth to that. Reviews of all types make a book more credible, I think. But spoilers are not cool on any level.
Sorry you’re facing this. It stinks, I know. But it helps when we know we’re not alone. Thanks so much for the comment.
There’s no accounting for some people’s taste. I love your steps for coping, though. I tend to cycle through many of those whenever I write – even without a bad review. (Especially the one about telling yourself how much you suck and the handful of M&M’s!
Yes, M&Ms go nicely with self doubt, don’t they?
I’m feeling much better about it now, especially since he added a spoiler alert. Thanks for dropping by! Good to see you. (Well, see in the online sense, anyway…)
Yes, I’ve been busy…and doing the whole “your writing really sucks” thing, so I’ve been out of the game for a bit. But we had an incident this morning and I was giving a test today, so I couldn’t resist posting (finally)!
Ugh, I can just imagine feeling exactly the same way! But overall, it’s clear this guy’s review hasn’t had a very meaningful impact on your book’s rating or other’s impressions of it. As some of the other commenters have said, a negative review among so many positives just adds some reality to the whole enterprise. I think it’s pretty cool to see how your community has risen up to defend you, even getting the reviewer to edit his initial review with the spoiler alert!
I know, right? Weren’t they amazing? I wasn’t even sure I should blog about it, but I’m glad I did. It was so nice of readers to leave a comment on his review, and one even notified Amazon of the spoiler. I’m so relieved he added a spoiler alert to it. And I agree, it gives the book more reality. And it feels good to have gotten the first bad review out of the way!
Thanks for the comment. Always appreciated.
Likewise! Thanks for stopping by my site. Great to connect with another public health practitioner and author!
Here are a couple of things to ponder, Carrie. First is that if there is a bad review, that’s good because it proves that the person isn’t one of the author’s friends or family. Most of the self-published books I’ve seen have had nearly all their first reviews by friends and family of the author. And good ones coming after the ‘real’ reviewer are likely to carry more weight.
I actively seek out bad reviews of books before I buy, because I want to know that there is some balance in the readership and get all sides. I am rarely drawn to buy books that only get good reviews. Is this on Amazon by chance? There is an affiliate program there so it in many reviewers best interests to give shining reviews. (Like you, I also look at other reviews by reviewers to see what they usually say.)
The other thing is when you said you “feel sad again that he said you’ve lost all ‘grip on reality.’” Surely that’s a hidden compliment? You’re a writer of fiction, you are writing from a fantasy world. I’d personally think that the reviewer has lost all grip on reality!
We creatives will always, sometime or the other, get a negative review. I’ve had my share of them for my artwork over the years (and some horrid ones for my blog posts, which usually end up in trash) and there’s no easy way to cast them off. Creative usually means oversensitive – and that’s a plus.
As for the spoiler. Wait til you get a Wikipedia entry… there will be spoilers galore. Just the other day one nearly ruined a film for me – I just stopped reading it in time! Trust that your readers and potential readers also have the sense not to read the whole review if it has a spoiler.
That said, would I have enjoyed The Sixth Sense if I’d know the ending? Yes. Because it’s an excellent plot and an excellent film and I’ve actually watched it many times despite knowing it almost by heart now! I’m sure the same will be true for readers of your book. That’s surely why we buy books? So that we can read and re-read them?
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, Val. I enjoyed reading it, and I agree with you on all counts (except the part about me being on Wikipedia–but it’s a fun thought
). Now that the reviewer went back and added a spoiler alert (Yay to him!), I feel much better about it, and I agree, I think a bad review gives a book more credibility. Books with only a few 5-star reviews can be a bit suspect.
As for losing grip with reality? Hmm, most fiction books and movies I see do just that, so I guess I’m in good company.
Thanks again!
You have to take the rough with the smooth in the writing game. I wrote a bad review once of a local band when I was a reporter. The singer rang the editor and complained about my review. I have no idea if he is still singing. But he gave us all a good laugh at the time. Bad reviews can generate more publicity – and that’s good!
I agree, and I have no problem with bad reviews–people have a right to their opinions (but those babies still sting…), but after my initial distress, it was more about the spoiler. But the reviewer has since added a spoiler alert warning, so once again all is right with my world.
Thank you!
i wouldn’t worry about the spoiler if i hear or see something that has good reviews, i’ll read it anyway. and every time i read something with bad reviews that has a majority of good reviews, like yours does, i take the bad review with a grain of salt. for example, if i read yelp reviews on a restaurant and the greater percentage are good – i will go there. i just assume the bad reviewers went there on a bad day or are a bunch of d*cks. so, sleep well. you’re doing fine… not gonna say they don’t sting and won’t sting, but you’re doing fine. and it’s always the sh*ttier writers or those that can’t write at all that leave the poo poo comments. i find. xoxo, sm
Haha. Thank you. He did go back and add a spoiler alert, so I’m much happier now.
Hey, if you can find something useful in their criticism, go you.
And if there isn’t anything useful, then at least feel good that you could make the empty husk of Vlad feel something.
I still have a stack of agent rejection letters from a long time ago that I occasionally read just for giggles.
Yes,what I wrote sucked, but at least I took shot at it.
You’ve done much more than that.
Thanks, Guap! I’m over it now, and I’m even happier now that he added a spoiler alert to his review.
I wish I would have saved some of my agent rejection letters. But I threw them away like I toss everything. Less clutter but nothing to look back on and laugh at.
Carrie, step two, always refresh the page. There is no such thing as a bad review. In fact there was a study of reviews good and bad, and the reviews that glowed with—- stunning, splendidn, writing from the mouth of god, sort of thing, most people glazed over those. They did not sell any more books than an average review. I glaze over and go into brain fog whilst reading them. However a bad review, a scathingly stunningly bad review did sell more books for the simple reason…oh really, let’s see if this is really that bad? It was a surprising result, but saying that…I once got a scathing rebuttal to an article I wrote. What I took offence at, was not their difference of opinion, but rather the launch of a personal attack. Carry on Carrie!
Thank you! That’s encouraging to hear. And now that the reviewer added a spoiler alert (either prompted by the comments people left him or by Amazon as a couple people reported the spoiler), I’m an even happier camper.
I think I would go through exactly the same steps, Carrie (except for the one about open heart surgery patients…). But I would add another: 16. Seek solace in the fact that countless classics also got bad reviews–and probably spoilers as well–in their day.
Then I’d waste a lot of time looking them up. Pride and Prejudice, maybe?
Yes, indeed! In fact, an earlier commenter provided a link of that very thing. It does make one feel better.
Thank you!
First let me say that you described how it feels perfectly. I need a couple of more number added to that list, but that’s just me. 16) Recruit a bunch of writer friends to add more 5 star ratings. 17) Remind myself that human nature causes such a reaction. For example, if I enter a room with 100 people and 99 of them praise my writing talent, but 1 of them tells me that my writing is unimpressive for them, I will lament about the 1out of 100 people who found my writing unimpressive. That’s just me. I absolutely understand being peeved about the spoilers. Thank you for being so brave as to share every part of your writing journey, including this speed bump on the path.
Yes, it’s so easy to focus on the negative, isn’t it? It’s like getting a 99% on a test. Part of you is thrilled; the other part is wondering why you missed that one question…
I’m happy to report that the reviewer added a spoiler alert to his review. I guess he took the comments people left on his review to heart. I’m grateful to him for doing that. Makes me feel so much better!
I’m so glad that mad Vlad added the spoiler. Thank God. Happy reviews from here on out.
One can only hope. Thanks!
I just finished you book and will review it soon in a blog that I will set up just for reviews. You will be my first. Will send you the link as soon as I do and won’t be telling if it’s a good or a bad one… or else I’d have to put a “spoiler alert” on this comment.
Yikes, now I’m nervous! But how nice if you to review it. Thank you!
I’ve had to deal with a stinky two-stars too, and it did not feel nice in the slightest… especially since the person who gave me the review received a signed copy from me through a Goodreads giveaway, haha; it’s like adding insult to injury. I’ve also had a person change their rating from 4 stars to 3 stars after the passage of several months, and that made me go, “Really? You remembered to downgrade my novel now?!” It’s just never easy to deal with less than flattering reviews, but I suppose this is the curse we writers have to put up with.
As for spoilers… I have no problem with people writing them in their reviews as long as they mention that their review contains spoilers. There are some sites which hide the spoilers, and I find that really nifty.
Glad to hear I’m not the only one to feel the sting of a bad review. It helps to hear from others who’ve been through the same thing. And I’m happy to announce that my reviewer went back to his review yesterday and added a spoiler alert warning. That made me feel so much better. I appreciate him doing that.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I have to apologise as I sort of did a spoiler on your novel myself. That was because I thought it was really obvious that it involved, well..what it involved, and that the ending was nevertheless satisfyingly unpredictable. Bad reviews. I think the best thing really is all out nuclear war. If you can’t afford that, a simple voodoo curse might do the trick.
You did a fun ‘fan fiction’ piece, which by its nature would involve some spoilers, but you didn’t put spoilers in an Amazon review.
And I’m pleased to say there is no longer a need for voodoo. The reviewer has since put a spoiler alert warning in his review. Yay!
Thanks, Rose!
What is that expression? I feel your pain.
And I do feel it. You say things so well, so honestly and yet still with touches of humor among the angst.
In a workshop I once heard one of the panel members say that with a bad review, the only solution was to compile all the really good reviews and mail them to the bad reviewer in side a pizza box. Or, if she had no really good reviews to use, she considered finding the reviewer’s address, filling a sack with dog poop, and setting fire to it on his porch.
I never really understood where she was going with this.
Hahaha. Vlad should consider himself lucky I don’t know where he lives, I guess.
Don’t worry. I’m over it. No dog poo smoke bombs from me. Then again, those spoilers still bother me…
Thanks, Marylin! By the way, you have changed the way I drink my spiced chai!
Hi Carrie,
Checking in very late this week but glad I caught this deep in the inbox.
Sorry about your unfavorable review. As you said, folks are entitled to their opinions but sounds like the reviewer was mean about it. I’m a firm believer in Thumper-wisdom: “If you can’t say somethin’ nice don’t say nothin’ at all.”
I also try to live by “Say what you mean. Mean what you say but don’t say it mean.”
Having said that, I got one less-than-stellar review, putting my debut in the 3/5 star range and giving very little positive feedback. I took that bit and held on to it, even quoting it at my blog.
I also was told by a co-worker that another co-worker read my book and commented that “there was nothing going on.” She was probably used to reading much more deeply layered stories; mine is not. (We’re working on learning how to write those.
)
And that brings me back to: folks are entitled to their opinions.
Funny: my sophomore son’s language arts teacher just finished reading my novel. He instructed my guy to tell me specifically it was, “damn good.” Of course I loved hearing that but still sit here and have my doubts.
Part of the creative package, I suppose.
(So why do none of these long-winded responses count as writing????) Have a great day–your book was excellent. Just direct that guy to my thoughts on it! ;D
“Say what you mean. Mean what you say but don’t say it mean.”—I love that quote! Perfect when it comes to book reviews. And I agree, people have a right to their opinions, and having a two-star review actually makes me feel a bit more legit. But it’s the spoilers that drive me crazy.
Thanks, Joanna! I appreciate it! Hope you’re doing well.
(By the way, I tried to get your novel, but it says out of stock, and I don’t see a Kindle version. Are you still working on updating it and releasing an e-book?)
Funny. Lately I’ve been looking for synopses that HAVE spoilers to help with story deconstruction. I do get why they’d drive you nuts. It’s not fair to give away a story–period. Too bad folks don’t think that way or care if they do.
Sigh. My book. Languishing on the laptop at present but updated and ready to go. Just holding back until I have some kind of part 3 ready to go. So much to learn about putting it all together–covers, formatting, etc. I need to just decide to farm it out and take it from there. I thank you much for your support and kind interest.
(If this is a duplicate reply, I am sorry. The little window thing-y on wordpress showed I hadn’t responded yet.
Have a great day!
Thanks, you too! And I’m happy to announce that the reviewer added a spoiler alert to the beginning of his review. Yay! That was all I wanted.
If I had one and could upload it, you’d have a photo of me with my arms up in the ‘victory!’ pose! (Probably better that you don’t–I might scare off your other commenters, lol.)
Ugh that is so hard to deal with. Two stars is rough. But then to eviscerate the novel. Wow. And I think you are right to be upset. Spoilers should always have a warning. Many people read the reviews to be enticed to read the book, not to get a synopsis. I am bookmarking this page for the inevitable bad reviews my book will get. I think you handled it very maturely.
Thank you.
The two stars no longer bug me, but the spoilers do and probably always will. One of the earlier commenters contacted Amazon about the spoilers, as did I, but I doubt anything will be done. I don’t want the review removed–of course not–I’d just like him to put in a spoiler alert warning. Sigh.
It’s too bad Amazon doesn’t have a policy of no spoilers in reviews and a quick response when it happens.
They really should vet reviews for that.
I agree. Too bad it looks like nothing’s going to happen.
Spoilers are bad form and unacceptable. I Won’t even read the log lines accompanying the TV episode info. I’m a stickler like that.
I’m like that too. And if there’s a movie I really want to see, I usually won’t read the review. They try not to give things away, but some spoilers slip in or at least are inferred. It’s just a poopy thing to do.
Thanks!
Agreed. And once I’ve decided I want to see the movie, I don’t want to see the trailer again. They give away all the best jokes.
They do, don’t they?! Glad I’m not the only one who feels that way. My kids make fun of me when I don’t want to watch trailers.
A bad review?? AND spoilers?? WTF? That is NOT cool at all. Even if the guy is a miserable troll who gets off on writing bad reviews, it would still piss me off. It’s not personal, of course, but still, it has to be upsetting to some degree. Your 15 steps are wise, of course, but I’d be tempted to add #16: Track down that idiot and beat him with a lead pipe. But hey, that’s how I roll. Also, I have not forgotten, I will be adding my glowing, non-spoiler-including review shortly!
Thank you! It will be nice to have his review pushed further down the list. Although I kind of like your step #16, too…
I can deal with the bad review–just wish he didn’t put in the spoilers. My Amazon ranking has sunk since his review. Hopefully it’s just a coincidence, but it’s concerning me regardless.
Bad reviews are the worst
You really nailed the feeling!! Still the exist and they are inevitable. When we write we bare our souls and open our work to all sorts of opinions good and bad, unfortunately we have to be able to take it, and move on 
Loved your post, I’ll bet every writer has gone through those steps
Rohan.
Thank you, and thank you for visiting my blog. I was actually quite proud of myself for how quickly I got over the bad review. The spoilers, on the other hand, still bother the crap out of me…
Thanks!
Yeah I’ll bet! I’ve written a couple of non fictions so spoliers have never been a consideration. However I’m working on my first fiction now, a sci fi novel, and so that is really crazy how someone can just blurt out the plot lines.
I would hate to be reading a review and have everything laid out for me. Really horrible
You know I’ll bet that comment has breached Amazon’s terms in some way, I’m sure a moderator could have it removed or at least have spoiler tags placed in the post. Maybe you should look into contacting support about it!
Don’t ask to have it removed, just state that it contains major spoilers which is detrimental to the experience of the Amazon browsers.
No idea if that would work, but worth a try!
Rohan.
Yes, another commenter actually reported the comment as having spoilers, and I did the same thing, though I never heard back from Amazon. Maybe instead of pushing the ‘report abuse’ button, I should send an email. I’ll look into it. Thanks!
I tell you what I’m not going to do – read that guy’s review. I read the book, so I know all I need to know about it and I loved it
Keep your chin up girlie!
Thanks, Sheila! But you can read it if you want. You already know the spoilers. Then, after you read it, you can stick your tongue out and waggle your fingers at it. I won’t mind.
This is the one : ) http://www.bigcards.nl/card/pickup/bc-c7cf3c10/
Got it. Thanks!
Hallo,
This is for you, for being kind to others and me : )
Pick it up here if you want to http://summer4soul.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/valentines-day-this-is-for-you-because-you-are-love/
Sweet greetings, Summer
How sweet of you! Thank you so much. I enjoyed reading the thoughtful words on your card. Thanks for thinking of me.
What a d-bag. Here I am thinking of ways to talk about your book without giving too much away…
Some people are very brave behind the internet curtain. Then there’s people who are ACTUALLY brave and do things like write, publish, and sell a real book.
There will always be critics, no matter how good you are, and I try to remind myself of this as I blog (not even write a real book). I think you handled things well.
Thank you. It is surprising how often some people feel a cloak of anonymity online allows them to lose their manners. One- and two-star reviews are fair game, but I know if I were to ever write one (which I likely wouldn’t because I won’t finish a book I don’t like), I’d be sure to keep the plot twists out of it!
That’s why you’re a pro, and that other dude was a hack.
Oh, the humanity! So sowwy …
Unfortunately, I have not written enough (yet, possibly ever) to merit a review of any sort, but a bad one would no doubt stay with me for some time. To answer your questions, IMHO you are in no way “too sensitive.” We are all very protective of our children, whatever form they may take. And I would be pissed if someone spoiled the ending of one of my pieces. Not nice!!
I take it as a good sign of the thick skin I’ve developed that the two-star review no longer bothers me. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same thing about the spoilers. That is still driving me crazy. I’m scared a potential reader won’t want to read it after they see that. You’re right–not nice at all!
Thanks for your comment.
Step 16: Screw him, his name’s Vlad.
Haha! Best step of all!
I hate spoilers! Unfortunately, someone told me about Sixth Sense before I saw it & so I spent the whole movie looking to see if the producer ever gave it away when no one was noticing. Sorry you had such a poor review! I’m sure the other good reviews are a balancing factor. If this guy typically writes bad reviews, he may not have an appreciation for your type of work.
Ooh, yeah, it would stink to know the Sixth Sense spoiler.
Yes, the other reviews definitely help balance out the negative one, as do all these wonderful comments. Thank you for yours!
My first book comes out mid to late October. I will keep this post handy, just in case. It’s wonderfully insightful! It’s the like the steps of grief. Although, I know me, and I will NOT sleep soundly that night. : /
How exciting to hear about your book! Is it fiction? Non-fiction? Big, big congrats!
Thanks, fellow writer! It’s just a slim volume: 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage. It will hardly be the stuff of reviews, but just in case!
What a great topic, though. I look forward to reading it!
Not that I’m in an unhappy marriage. Just thought I should clarify that…
Haha. I know. It will be of benefit to anyone in a marriage, good or bad, or serious relationship. That’s the hope anyway!
I saw this yesterday and my first thought was, “Wait, if I don’t ever actually finish my novel then I CAN’T get a bad review!” Problem solved!
In all honesty, one two-star review out of a bevy of 4 and 5 start ones is incredible. You should be proud of yourself, but first go find out if that a-hole has a book of his own so you can return the favor. =/
Haha. No, I don’t think he does. But I don’t play that way, anyway (though how tempting it would be…)
Thanks, Stacy, and I like the new Gravatar! Is this one minus the furry, vellous face?
Yes. Plus my friend Jessica did my hair and then I went to some website where you can play with your pictures and erase those unwanted wrinkles. All that makes picture taking fun again. =p
Ooh, now that sounds like the way to do it.
Oh, Carrie, bad luck! There’s always someone out there happy to dish the dirt. Usually it’s because they’re jealous they haven’t written it themselves.
Oh, I like your spin. I think I’ll go with that.
Thanks, Kate!
Ow. I’m proud of you for blogging about it! And really, some people hate my most favorite books that I deem as the greatest literature around. So that just makes them stupid…I’m sure you could say the same about your 2-er person
That is how I will deal with my 2-er reviews. If. I. Ever. See. Publication. See? You’re already ahead of the game!
You raise a great point. I should remind myself that one year ago, I would have been thrilled to be in the position where a 2-star review was even an option. And I’m glad I blogged about it. So many supportive comments. It’s wonderful!
Thanks, Amy!
Carrie, I’ve got three things to say:
1. Something I have learned is, you can’t please everyone – no matter what you do. You’ll get reviewers who say exactly opposite things. The time to pay attention is when multiple people have the same criticism. (Or when someone you really respect has a criticism that rings true in your own perception.)
2. You pleased me, which isn’t easy to do. I am much, much, MUCH more discerning than this 2-star guy – I guarantee it. Somebody who only posts bad reviews sounds like a troll to me.
3. You are absolutely right to be incensed about the spoiler. He should have at least posted a “spoiler alert.” To quote or paraphrase Sandra Boynton, it’s not life’s ups and downs that get you so much as the jerks.
Carol W
Haha. I love that quote. It’s a good one for me to remember, because I’m rather naive in that I believe everyone would just naturally practice the golden rule. Sadly, they don’t. And I’m fine with getting a bad review (now, anyway
), but like you said, revealing spoilers is not right. A ‘spoiler alert’ would have made me feel so much better.
Thanks for your supportive words, Carol. They mean a lot, and I certainly take them to heart.
Carrie, when I sent you those tweets yesterday morning to let you know that, thanks to your book, I was up literally all night reading, I had no knowledge of this post or anything about your recent mean-spirited reviewer.
I love what you have written here. I especially love your unabashed openness and honesty.
Personally, I haven’t been able to bring myself to even look to see if there are any reviews on my novel, and it was published 13 years ago! Part of the reason I haven’t looked even once in all these years is because, back when my book was published, we didn’t have the internet to the extent we do now, and online reviews were uncommon. But even since the publisher decided to make my novel available as an ebook a few months ago (without my knowledge or input, unfortunately, I would have wanted to make some changes) I STILL have not been able to bring myself to look for any reviews. Why? Because, while I may be a tough redheaded windmill fighter, brave enough to take on an entire gang of bullies who are picking on someone ELSE… when it comes to reading a hateful critique of me, or my work, I…. crumble.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love constructive, honest criticism. Way back when I was writing my first novel, one that never did get published, I met a retired editor who generously offered to read and critique my writing. I gave him a copy of my manuscript, and several days later he called and said “What I am going to tell you will hurt you. But this is the greatest gift I could ever give you.” He was right, on both counts. Although it felt a lot like having a root canal to save an infected tooth, thanks to his wise and kindly shared insights, my “starter novel” turned out far better than it otherwise would have been.
A well-meant, thoughtful, constructive critique can be life-enhancing, even life-saving. But hateful, mean-spirited, harsh words of criticism are soul-annihilating. Like the old Proverb says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” So true.
While harsh criticism is undoubtedly painful for everyone, there are some fragile folk who literally cannot take it. It is humbling to admit this, but I am one such person. Ten years ago I was diagnosed with severe, chronic Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. The doctor who gave me this diagnosis assured me that having a PTSD reaction to extreme, overwhelming trauma is normal, just as it is normal to bleed if one is stabbed. Having PTSD is not a sign of weakness, he said, nor is it an indication of an inherent mental instability. PTSD is simply a psychological injury. My doctor not only told me, very emphatically, that I am, in his opinion, completely “sane,” he also said that I am incredibly strong, because I have survived far worse trauma than many of the patients he had treated in his then 30+ years as a psychiatrist. He was frankly amazed that I lived through everything I lived through, that it didn’t actually kill me, or cause me to permanently check out of reality. Truth be told, when I look back at my experiences, I am also amazed that I’m still here, and more or less “sane!”
I have since learned the hard way that, with my PTSD issues, it is vitally important for me to guard my heart against mean-spirited haters, particularly those who like to troll the internet, stirring up strife everywhere they go. That’s why I had to leave FB just over a year ago. This is also the reason why I recently hid and disabled comments on my blogs, and deleted my amazon account reviews. It seemed that everywhere I went, no matter what simple, innocuous thing I was commenting or posting about, some cowardly anonymous person would respond with an unbelievably mean, soul-killing string of words, leaving me literally shaking – and in the worst case scenarios, doubting my right to exist! When it got to that point, I knew I needed to remove myself as a target.
“Mean People Suck,” says the pithy saying. Very true. Another truism is: “Hurt People Hurt People.” I recently read a book by that title, and it helped me to understand the “meanies” a little more, which takes some of the sting out of their hate attacks. But understanding doesn’t remove all of the sting, because I have truly been hurt very badly, and yet I am (almost never!) mean. Quite the opposite, I try to go out of my way to be kind to others, because I know how badly the world needs more of that. And when I do realize, always after the fact, that I have been unkind, I try to make it right whenever possible.
I wanted to share a Dr. Suess quote with you, one that I need to be reminded of, as well. So I went to quotationpage.com just now and, before I found the particular quote I was looking for, I found another brilliant quote, which I think is particularly applicable with regard to your spoiler reviewer. I’m posting both Dr. Suess comments, below:
Dr. Suess said:
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
~and~
“Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do. And that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.”
These two things are precisely what I am trying to do more of in my life. I want to come out of my self-imposed prison shell and boldly be who I am and say what I feel and believe to be true, regardless of whether anyone else understands, likes, approves, or believes me. I also try to find the humor in every situation, because laughing at life’s realities is a terrific stress-reliever, as is reading gripping, fresh, unique, fictional novels such as yours.
Lady Q
PS: I haven’t quite finished reading your book yet, I finally had to stop and sleep a few hours. But I’m still loving it. And, with what little I know of the science of physics, your premise isn’t out of the realm of possibility at all!
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, Lady Q. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with me. Sorry to hear about the PTSD. Looks like you’ve taken wise steps to help protect yourself.
I didn’t know you wrote a book! Is it fiction? What’s the title (if you’re okay telling me).
Your words make much sense, and I take them to heart. I love the quotes, too. And thank you again for the kind words about my book. They go a long way in taking the sting out of the stinker review.
Hey, Early Bird! My book is strictly fiction. It’s THE SECOND MRS. ROBINSON, published under the pen name Rebecca Rochelle. When it was published in April 2000, the Human Genome Project had not yet been completed. A minor point, I guess, but I wish the publisher had consulted me before republishing it as an ebook, I would have changed that bit in the book to reflect the human genome mapping now being completed. Aw, well, that’s just my perfectionist tendency coming out, the book isn’t about that project, by any means, it’s just mentioned almost in passing, as one of my characters was working on the project. Also, I need to have them change my author bi, because it is wrong. I have since done some genealogy research and learned that my parentand my paternal grandmother were lying about us being related to two US presidents. It’s really weird to find out when you are in your 50s, that something you’ve been told and have believed your entire life is not true. Just because you have the same last name on your family tree does not mean you carry the same genes. Well, obviously. But not so obviously: just because your parents and even a grandparent tell you that something is true, doesn’t mean it actually is. At least, not in my dysfunctional family. I guess I was naive, all things considered, to believe them.
Anyway, I am now trying to write a memoir. It’s hard. Much harder than writing fiction. Much stranger, too.
My husband and I both have PTSD, his is from combat in Vietnam. I am debating on whether to call my memoir “Mr. and Mrs. PTSD,” or “Healing From Broken.” I was going to call it “From Here to Insanity,” but my therapist said that sounded too negative. Sigh. Everybody’s a critic.
I finished your book a couple of hours ago, after staying up a second night reading it. I didn’t want the story to end! When will your next book be available?
I’m hoping to have a first draft of my current novel done by this summer. Which means I better get busy…
I’ll have to look your novel up when I get a chance. Sounds interesting. I’ve heard that writing memoirs IS tough, so I wish you well with that.
As for the early hour when I responded to your comment, I get up around 5:50 am to work out, and answering a few comments using my iPhone is a good way for me to wake up enough to drag my butt out of bed to exercise.
Hey at least you have a book to be reviewed! This was great. I love numbers 6&7! So true….for anything!
You raise an excellent point. And as others have pointed out, it must mean I have a ‘real’ book now.
Thank you!
I’m still coping with bad reviews, but this helps tremendously!
Thanks, Carrie!
Well, as others have alluded, bad reviews must mean we’re real writers now.
Too true.
There are always going to be good and bad reviews. What’s good is when the good reviews outnumber the bad ones. Besides, you know WE all loved the book…
You’re right; the good reviews should negate the bad one. And for the most part, they do. It’s just those nasty spoilers that are still under my skin…
Thank you! Hope you’re surviving another German winter.
Sitting fat and happy in AZ right now… Yeah!!
Ooh, now I’m jealous!
Congrats! Everyone needs knocked off their horse from time to time, it is the getting back up that speaks volumes about you. Also I really like points 2 and 9! My buddy Stan Mitchell, also a newer author, went through something similar two months back. I suggest reading his thoughts (I think I sent fb link to you before) because they are very similar and you might find some comfort in not being the only recipient of a bad review. Keep up the good work!
Yes, I follow Stan’s blog, and it’s definitely nice to know I am not alone! Makes it much easier to hike those pants up.
Thanks so much for your words of support and for stopping by to read my blog.
There’s another novel in progress! Yay! Can’t wait to read your next one!
Thank you! Thanks to comments like yours and those of others here, I feel rejuvenated and ready to go. In fact, I’m heading over to my novel-in-progress now. I’ve got a bad guy who’s in serious need of capture…
One out of many. I think the important thing would be, did he actually read the book? Has he ever left a good review? Look at his other reviews.
Not everyone will love a book, I love yours. But for those reviewers who spoil it for others, they are just crap. Sorry.
Yeah, it’s the spoilers that bug me the most, no doubt. Not fair to anyone else who might want to read it, now that the twist is ruined for them. But it is what it is, and the reason I posted this is to remind the writers out there that we can’t please everyone. And that thick skin comes in handy, too.
Thanks, Valentine.
I’m so sorry this happened, Carrie. I would be more upset about the spoiler alert, too. People don’t want the twists revealed, and I would be afraid that people would not read it if they knew everything ahead of time.
There are reviewers out there who are simply mean. This guy sounds like one of them, especially if he’s got a run of 1-star and 2-star reviews.
I read a blog post from an author who wrote a non-fiction book (he is traditionally published). He mentioned that he was reviewed poorly by another author. Turns out, the reviewer gave him a bad review because the former author beat him to the punch — the reviewer had written a non-fiction book about the same thing but had yet to get his work published. Sour grapes and all, so he decided to whizz on the guy who got his book published.
I hope Amazon will be able to persuade Vlad to put “Spoiler Alert” on his review. That will at least soften some of the blow, I think. I would be interested to read some of Vlad’s other reviews and see if this is a common theme in his repertoire–spoiler alerts. I wonder if that kind of irresponsible reviewing could be handled by Amazon in some way? Just a thought.
My husband read one of the other reviews the guy left. It was a book my husband read, and he said spoilers were given in that one, too. You’re right–if I could get him to add a spoiler alert, I’d feel so much better about it. Like you, I worry someone might not read it if they know what happens.
As for that non-fiction review, that’s just mean. Haven’t these people heard of the golden rule?
Thanks, Kate. I appreciate your supportive words.
A work of art that goes under the hammer earns accolades from buyers and admirers but art that fails to receive due appreciation certainly finds a permanent place in the heart of its maker. Every creation of God and man does secure redemption it deserves just like the shining light of a star travels a billion years to reach our planet.
Wait for it…wait for it… Brilliant!!
Thanks for stopping back and sharing your poetic words as promised. I appreciate it!
So much has been said already that I don’t think I can add anything new to this thread. Suffice to say, take heart in the fact that you have a so many loyal fans. You deserve it.
I do take heart in that, no doubt! I’m glad I decided to post this. Everyone’s thoughtful words help cushion the bad-review blow.
Thanks, Marti!
Great post and advice.
As that old Ricky Nelson song goes, “You can’t please everyone/so you’ve got to please yourself.”
Wise words for sure. Which means I best get writing.
Thanks!
Don’t worry about Vlad, Carrie! If you read the comments /after/ his review you’ll see people coming to your defense. This is just the Yang to the Ying? Sorry, too much Chinese New Year.
I know–people have been so great to comment on his review. Warms my old heart, it does.
That’s the lovely silver lining .:)
I’m sorry to hear you got a bad review, but it does put you in good company. Check out this link: (15 Scathing Early Reviews of Classic Novels) http://flavorwire.com/335428/15-scathing-early-reviews-of-classic-novels
Thanks so much for that link. Some of those are just nasty! I like this one for Huckleberry Finn: “The advertising samples of this book, which have disfigured the Century magazine”. Or the one for Wuthering Heights: “How a human being could have attempted such a book as the present without committing suicide before he had finished a dozen chapters, is a mystery.”
You have made me feel SO much better and given me a good laugh. Thank you!
Clicking “like” for support and I am with Robin.. let’s tell him to bugger off
I’m all for that. And while we’re at it, let’s tell him how the book he’s currently reading ends, so we can spoil it for him.
OH dear, I suppose it’s enviable that someone won’t like what we do. There was a thread somewhere about whether we should read our reviews or not. Sometimes ignorance is bliss, but remember all those 4 and 5 star reviews. There are so many more of them and majority rules. What does irk me is the spoilers. Now that’s just not playing nice.
That’s the way I feel about it. If I left a less than flattering review of a book, I at least wouldn’t give plot twists away and ruin it for others. That’s not cool.
Thanks for commenting, Kate.
Someone somewhere won’t like what you have to say or write. You can’t possibly please everyone. I know some people who think John Grisham is the best writer since William Shakespeare, but I think Grisham’s work is crap. I started reading “The Pelican Brief” several years ago and had to stop after the third or fourth chapter because the writing was so pathetically juvenile. But, that’s just my opinion. Just keep writing, Carrie! It’s more important to realize that someone somewhere will like what you produce.
Thanks for the supportive words. Much appreciated. And you’re right–people’s opinions vary (which is a good thing), and we can’t please everyone. We just have to keep writing.
Carrie, thanks for sharing this with us. No, I’m going to seek it out. I don’t think people should include spoilers. I think it’s in poor taste. Shame on that reviewer!!! At least, he could put an alert. See what a dim wit he is? I like #8 and # 12. You can’t please everybody, and it’s just one review from someone who is probably an insecure writer who’s jealous!!
Yeah, the spoiler is what bothers me most. I’d hate to think a potential reader would bypass the book because they felt the story was now ruined for them.
Thanks!
Well, I would try not to worry about it. Not everyone reads those reviews. I would try to focus on all the positive ones!
Thank you. Are you one of the people who left a comment on his review about the spoilers? If so, thank you.
No…But I will! I still haven’t read your book. Oh, for shame…but I SOOO want to. I don’t want to read his review until after I read your book. Although, I guess I could find his name and try not to read the review…
Oh, no, don’t go read it then! You don’t want a spoiler. It just appeared around the time of your comment; that’s why I asked. It was some other good Samaritan then.
Ok, I won’t. See, we are all rooting for you!
Bloggers to the rescue! I love it.
So much has already been said, so I will try not to repeat. It’s a shame reviewers are not professional and don’t write true critical reviews. Guess that form of writing and skill isn’t taught much anymore in college – much less high school.
Now so much is simply personal attacks or emotional feelings. Reviewers are so full of self importance.
But this is the age we live in – everyone/anyone thinks he/she is worthy of being a critic. So untrue
If the reviewer doesn’t even finish the book, he/she can’t be taken seriously.
A true book review would never spoil the plot twists.
Hang in there. This one’s a crank – and most will ignore his “review”.
Love your analysis of the bad review experience. Actually you are probably luckier than most with life or death experiences with children. Remembering that will tell you what’s important in life.(the crank obviously doesn’t have that understanding)
You do good, kid. Don’t let the cranks get you down. (Think of the whole bad review experience like a vaccination? – protects you in the future…raise your head up and you’re gonna get attract fire once in a while)
Great analogy. Thanks for your wisdom and supportive words. They are much appreciated!
This is something I dread when my books are finally published. I think even if I had 100 really good reviews, one bad one would have me thinking, “I’ve been outed as a fraud. I can’t write.” Heck, I’m already feeling a bit of that about the manuscript I sent out for beta reading last week.
The spoiler really is uncalled for. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s how this guy gets his kicks—being a “review troll.” Amazon and Barnes & Noble should have mechanisms in place to remove spoilers that aren’t forewarned. Some people might do it innocently, not realizing what they’re doing. But some people are just mean jerks.
We can’t write something that everyone will love. But knowing that still can’t take away the sting of the negative reviews. All we can do is see if there’s anything positive we can take from them that will help us make the next book better. Sometimes, the best some of those bad reviews can do is give us a target for a game of darts….!
Cathy, one of the previous commenters, sent a message to Amazon asking them to request the reviewer put a spoiler alert in. That was really nice of her, and I hope it works. I’m fine with his review being there. At this point, I’ve accepted it as a right of passage. But I’d feel much better if he’d be kind enough to precede the review with a spoiler alert warning. Something tells me he won’t though.
Now what is this ‘review troll’ you speak of? You’re the 4th or 5th person to mention it. What does that term signify? Someone who purposely leaves bad reviews? That just seems cruel. There’s my naivete again.
Now, where are my darts?…
Thanks, JM!
That pretty much sums it up. We don’t blog about hot-button or sensitive issues, so we don’t see those “trolls” and “flamers” who purposely leave nasty, taunting, and inflammatory comments on posts. But there are people who do the same thing with reviews.
Sadly, I’ve also heard that some people do it to drive down the sales of “competitors” books. Some writers will do it themselves and have friends and family in on it, too. Isn’t that lovely professional behavior?
That’s just hard to wrap my head around. Do they really think that would make a difference? And if it would, then that’s horrible. I think someone who does that needs to spend more time writing and less time making life difficult for others.
People like them make me hope karma comes back to bite them.
One can only hope.
Oh, this is all very true. Ugly mean people. Trolls. Guess they get some sort of high from stomping others’ efforts…some probably do it out of frustration of being unable to produce any solid products themselves. So they lash out at anyone else that shows potential.
That’s sad if that’s true, isn’t it? And again, it’s not so much the negative review I’m upset with–it’s a right of passage for an author, I’m sure. But it’s the dang spoilers he included. Now that’s just plain rude.
Thank you!
Holy smokes . . . look at the comments here.
You forgot Sept 16. Pour oneself a large glass of wine and tell the 2-star reviewer to bugger off.
Absolutely. How could I have forgotten that step?! But mine would be a frosty mug of beer.
I expected it to be your first step!
Guess it was too early in the day.
It’s never too early. Look at Hemingway.
Yes, because he and I are alike in so many ways…
Well, you are both famous authors . . .
I love your delusions. They serve me well.
It is all the wine I’ve been drinking. Damn. Maybe I should dry out.
I’ve got clothes pins if you need them.
IMHO, he’s just a pillock. Forget him.
Okay. He’s forgotten. But his spoilers aren’t.
Considering that many of us – well, me at least – can’t even manage to get the damn novel written in the first place, let alone published, your lamentation about a bad review is kind of like a fantasy for me. It’s like whining about having crappy seats at the Super Bowl or having to settle for a Rolls Royce in a color which just doesn’t go with your eyes. Sorry, had to get the wise-ass comment out of the way.
I know your novel didn’t write itself, and you poured yourself into it. That kind of investment is not small potatoes.
For the most part, I’m with you. I don’t take criticism too well, taking it personally and not being able to let it go. A cutting remark a colleague had said about me popped into my head the other day, and it’s been festering there ever since. While that kind of thing happens to everyone, it bears pointing out that the remark was made about 12 years ago!
I suppose if there is some constructive aspect to the criticism, then it isn’t all bad. If it’s just mean spirited then there’s nothing to get from it except an unpleasant view into the personality of whoever wrote it.
As far as giving away a plot twist, I see no reason to do so. If the critic has a problem with the twist, then he or she has an obligation to the reader to describe his problem without giving anything away. If he cannot describe what his problem with the plot twist was without ruining it for the reader, then maybe he should consider a different line of work.
That’s my thought on it as well. I can live with the two stars. In fact, I’ve pretty much moved on from that. It’s the spoilers that frustrate me. I don’t want someone to decide not to read it now that they know the twists and turns.
And I like your wise-ass remark, because there is definite truth in that. You made me look at it in a new light. How fortunate that I even get to be in the position of getting a bad review, because that means I accomplished my goal. Wow. You’re a therapist, too! Is there anything you can’t do?
Thanks!
Electrical work. I never understood it and don’t want to learn it. Anything beyond basic wiring gets farmed out to the pro’s. Also, I can’t bake souffles, but then, I’ve only tried once.
Ah, who needs a souffle anyway? A chocolate chip cookie or brownie will do.
And if you bake them in a gas oven, everything will be just fine…
Like, who the hell is he?! No damn body if you ask me. I don’t care about a review if I’m intrigued by elements of a story, besides, I always ask myself, yeah, ‘who the hell IS he’ when I read a negative review. What does this person like to read, who are they writing reviews for? Why should his review count anymore than all the good ones?
One reviewer said that my book was an imperfect but intriguing collection which stung at first but I quickly moved on because I’m going to write no matter what probably. The criticism helped me to find my distinctive voice in the literary game.
I like that you’ve pulled up your pants and that you’re working on the next project. Thanks for sharing this experience because it helps all of us who put our stuff out in the world to be vulnerable to criticism. We can’t buckle every time someone says something negative.
You are so right. We must forge on. And your fury makes me laugh. As for “imperfect but intriguing”, that’s actually a kind of cool review when you think of it. There’s no such thing as a perfect book, so if you’ve got intriguing going for you, then you’re a step above most!
Thanks, Sandee!
Isn’t there some way you as the author can put a spoiler alert on the review? There should. I despise reviews that give away something. The surprise is everything! Every author feels your pain (even JK Rowlings has enemies–some people just like to be haters of everything). I love how you described your steps of grief/pain/rage/fury/pity. Perfectly done! When I got a bad review on Goodreads, I was mad for a week and couldn’t stop thinking about it. Finally my writing friend told me to forget about the reviewer…and once I did (which wasn’t easy), I felt a lot better. It still hurts though.
I wish there were a way for me to put a spoiler alert warning on it, but there isn’t. But someone reported it to Amazon for me (so nice of them!), and I did the same, so hopefully Amazon will get him to put a spoiler alert in. Then I can breathe easier.
Thanks for commiserating, Char. Much appreciated.
Sorry to hear about the impact this has had. You know you’ve made it when you got your first bad review, because Valad does not necessarily mean Valid
. Another small step for Valad, a giant leap for Carrie Rubin who can slay a thousand words and book critic with a fantastic second book.
That should have said Vlad, not Valad. Ah well, see he’s so very forgettable!
Haha. Yes. Let’s just hope he doesn’t read this blog post, or like the Impaler, he’ll live on in infamy…
Ooh, you make me sound like a tough warrior woman. I like that! Must get my slaying tools ready.
Thank you!
You’re not a tough warrior woman!?! Don’t tell me that Xena costume was just borrowed?
I’ll never tell…
Crap, Carrie! I hated to read this today. “Feel heart leap into throat and gut sink to knees the second you spot the review. Taste a coppery sickness in your mouth.” — I know this feeling well. Thankfully, for me, it happened fairly privately, as I endured people who wouldn’t normally read my book, read the sample at Amazon for points in a giveaway. They could then leave notes for the author. Fans of horror, sci-fi, etc. were not nice. It was pretty horrible.
Because I’ll be reading your book soon, I didn’t read his review. But I think with 24 four- and five-star reviews, the 2-star would look like sour grapes. I’m glad you took step #9, as I’m sure that is what calmed you down.
Can you push the report abuse button and note that there was no spoiler alert? I would definitely appeal to Amazon to remove it based on spoilers, or force the reviewer to add the alert.
I hadn’t even thought about contacting Amazon, so I’m glad I posted this entry, because you and other commenters raised that possibility. Somebody already contacted Amazon about it, and I did too. I’m fine with the review being there, but I’d feel so much better if it was preceded by a ‘Spoiler Alert.’
Sorry you had to endure unpleasant comments about your books. I think someone who normally reads hard-core science fiction should not be reviewing your book with that mindset. Totally different genres. But good for you for pulling up your boot straps and continuing to write anyway. And with five books so far, it looks like you got the last laugh. I could totally see your books being made into a mini-series (did I really just use the word ‘totally’?), something like ‘The Starter Wife.’ Did you ever see that mini-series with Debra Messing? Fun, romantic fluff, something I don’t normally watch, but I really enjoyed, because like your Susan, the protagonist had some moxie.
Thanks, Maddie!
LOL! I loved The Starter Wife. A mini-series – you are so funny. It is fun to think of things like that though.
I will admit to being very upset and depressed when some of those comments were coming in. Granted, other people liked the book and went on to buy it, but the one woman’s comments about *hating* Susan was really hard to swallow. I had to force myself to keep going forward and writing anyway. Now that I have a handful of positive reviews at Amazon, I’m hoping I’ll be able to handle the bad reviews better when they show up. There are always bad reviews with fluffy stuff. This business brings some thick skin, doesn’t it?
That it does. But look at E.L. James. Do you think she cares about all the negative reviews of the 50 Shades books? (Which I haven’t read.) People keep buying them, so I’m sure she thumbs her nose at the naysayers, and I don’t blame her. She found a niche, and as an author, I feel if I were to criticize her, I’d just be spitting out sour grapes.
Good point – E. L. James. There will be people who like our work, and there will be people who don’t. Hopefully, the latter will be few. We’re good to go, Carrie!
Sorry to hear you’ve had a bad review, Carrie. What do those reviewers know anyway? I’ve made a note of your steps to compare with my reaction when I finally get my book out. Paper probably won’t exist by then, but it’s always handy to be prepared!
For sure. And make sure you have plenty of M&Ms available. Or whatever your solace du jour is…
Thank you!
The fact that the guy has pages of bad reviews hollers that he is a grumpy old troll. What do we do with grumpy old trolls? Ignore them, they do not matter.
As for spoilers, that irritates the hell out of me. I peruse a review, and if I see plot anything, I click away or leave the review. When I do reviews, I never give anything away, just my personal feelings about the book/cheesy B movie/ or whatever else I am reviewing.
I read a comment above that said they were upset by negative blog comments. Just think of it this way, you haven’t “arrived” until you have haters. Once they are willing to spend precious time and brain power to leave a negative comment, or a review, you have won. At that point they are thinking about you far more than you will ever think about them. Like Charlie Sheen would say, at this point you are WINNING.
I like your attitude! It’s like an earlier commenter who said that when his wife gets a bad review on one of her books, she considers it a “real book” then. That’s the kind of spin I need to adopt. Now, if I could just get him to put a spoiler alert in it, I’d be happy. The two stars can stay, but I’d like potential readers to be warned that plot twists are about to be revealed.
Thanks so much for your comment. Lifted my spirits!
I have to apologize because I went over and read the review (and also all the other reviews he has given). He is a harsh reviewer and has also left very personal insults on his reviews to the authors. He also doesn’t finish reading books he doesn’t like and he makes this very clear in his other reviews. However, he did finish yours. People have commented on his review of your book stating that he shouldn’t have put in the spoilers (but you’ve probably already seen this).
What an absolute cad!
Our stories are like our babies and when someone comes up and tells you they hate your baby it’s really hurtful. I remember another author telling me that they don’t care about reviews as long as the person finishes the book. I guess this is all well and good, but it still hurts.
I notice someone commented that you may need to contact Amazon to report the lack of a spoiler warning on the review. I don’t know how to do this, but it’s a very good idea. ***HUGS***
Everyone is so wonderful here. I already saw that people have commented on his review that he should put in a spoiler alert, and someone even contacted Amazon about it. And honestly, I don’t care so much about the review if he’d put a big ‘Spoiler Alert’ at the beginning of it. It would take a load off my mind. I just hate to have the twists ruined for anyone who might enjoy it, because it is a pretty big twist.
Thanks so much, Diane. It helps to hear others’ thoughts and experiences.
Rest assured Carrie, you are in the best of company. Everyone who puts themselves and their work “out there” WILL get slammed eventually. For what it’s worth, Vlad’s opinion will never hold sway with your fans and followers.
Take comfort from these celebrities:
Haha! I saw that video clip on TV. So funny. Thanks for including it in your comment. I think others will enjoy watching that.
I have to avoid the bad review as I don’t want spoilers. Just don’t tell yourself it happened for a reason, it didn’t. Remind yourself that everyone has different tastes so it won’t suit all anyway. Have someone else point out to said reviewer that although their opinion might well be perfectly valid, did they have to include the spoilers.
Then forget about it. You cannot control it anyway, so why worry, just get back to your current project and have fun with that.
Wise words for sure. And in fact, two people have commented on his review about the spoilers. Very nice of them to do that. And no, I don’t think it happened for a reason.
Thanks, Elliot! (Whenever I write your name, I always want to add ‘E.T. phone home’…)
I went into despair over negative comments on my blog . . . I can just imagine a book. But Vlad is clearly a dork. And a vampire. I’m just sayin’.
You speak wisdom as far as I’m concerned.
I would be upset about the spoilers too. As for the bad review–just add another layer to the thick skin we’re all supposed to develop
easier said than done. You’ve written a great book, it is published, and I could not put it down. Personally, I’ve never let a bad review keep me from buying a book, and I do think it lends more credibility to great reviews if you have a few angry, Internet grumps mucking around too.
I think so, too. In fact, as I mentioned to another commenter, I feel like the newest proud member of the Bad Book Review Club. Maybe we should get T-shirts…
Thank you! Here’s hoping our skin stays thick but in a good, moisturized way.
The comments have pretty much covered anything I would’ve thought to say. You handled this much better than I would have (even knowing a bad review is inevitable). I’m pretty sure I would have found a way to issue the clearly adult response of, “Who cares. How many books have you written? Nany-nany-boo-boo.” Putting spoilers is a low blow – I don’t think you’re overreacting, and I hope amazon can figure out a way to give a head’s up. Bring on book number 2!
Haha. Your response made me laugh. When all else fails, resort to the “Nany-nany-boo-boo.”
Complete with a tongue-sticking-out….well, it seems your big girl panties are working better than mine since you had the sense to get over the review and focus on writing the next one.
Ow. Yep, those 2-star reviews smart like the dickens. It takes a couple of weeks and a few favourable reviews to take the sting out. I think it gets easier as we accumulate reviews and grow thicker skin, but the first one really hurts, even if it’s unreasonable. It helps to remember that even the “greats” get lambasted by critics sometimes.
Hang in there – your book is just as good as it ever was. Don’t let one troll spoil it for you. The good news is most readers can parse the content of the review and come to their own conclusions about the reviewer’s competence.
And anybody who posts spoilers without warning is just mean clear through.
Thanks, Diane. You’re always the voice of reason.
I feel like I’ve been initiated into a club of which I am now a member. The club of bad book reviews. As an earlier commenter mentioned, when his wife gets a bad book review, she says it’s a “real book now.” I like that attitude!
Of course I had to run over and read it. You called that one. Talk about spoiled sport. Lots of spoilers, and sour puss. I think you are totally strong enough to absorb an occasional negative comment, so I read it and then let it go (says the gal who, as you know, can’t let go of anything!). It comes with the territory. Every great book written has gotten poopoo thrown at it, at one time or another. Look at all the love on this comment page alone! Next!
Oh, you are so right about that. I was hesitant to post this, and now I’m glad I did. Hearing other people’s thoughts and experiences helps, no doubt. Now, if I could just get a spoiler alert put in that review, all would be right with my world…
Thank you!
I think that the very first review on my novel was bad and my first reaction was to just give up. Then, a wise person told me to think of a book I really enjoyed, look it up on Amazon and click on some of the 1 and 2 star reviews. I was shocked to see that it also had bad reviews so I told myself that if they can get negative reviews, it’s only natural for me to get them as well. You can’t please everyone 100% of the time. Your story was good Carebear. Don’t let anyone tell you different. xo
Thanks, Wendy, and as I said, I’ve gotten over the sting of the bad review. It was inevitable, and I’d just as soon get it over with. But I wish it didn’t come with spoilers. I’m worried no reader will want to give it a chance after knowing what happens in it. Sigh.
Oh reviews! It’s so tough to take, because the work that goes into writing a book os so personal. I know everyone has an opinion, but it still hurts when someone takes the time to say something unflattering. I think it’s why I’m a terrible book reviewer. I like every book I read, because I value the work I know went into the creating of it. If I don’t love a read, I usually stop at 100 pages and chalk it up as not for me… I can’t completely pan something I know was made with hours of sweat (and maybe tears).
I’m like you–if I dislike a book enough to give it a one- or two-star review, I’m not likely to finish it. That being said, bad reviews are fair game. Some are just done more respectfully than others.
Thank you!
I’m glad to see you’ve kept your sense of humor through it all – very funny list! Try thinking of a few of your absolute favorite, 5-star books and look up those reviews. I bet there will some people out there that gave them 1 or 2 stars. I’m always amazed by the range of reviews for just about anything.
You’re right. Some of the books I think are 5-star, others think are 1-star and vice versa (though I’ve never given a one- or two-star review; if I find a book that uninteresting or bad, I won’t finish reading it). And I do think it lends a degree of credibility. Thank you!
I’m sorry you had to endure a bad review. As you know, negative feedback hits me in the gut too, so I can sympathize with how you’re feeling. But you are onto something when you say that having both negative and positive reviews gives your work a bit more credibility. If it elicits a strong reaction, then you’ve done you’re job.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to bust someone’s virtual kneecaps
Ooh, I always took you for a tough one!
Thanks for the supportive words. I appreciate yours and those of others so very much. Makes the whole thing less painful. And by the way, it’s a little eerie that while I was commenting on your blog post, you were over here commenting on mine…
I was thinking the exact same thing!!!! Blogging Twilight Zone for sure.
Pay no attention to reviews, good or bad.
When I was studying acting, we were taught to never pay attention to reviews, only directors. Yeah, I don’t think there is a single actor who does it, either. I haven’t performed in 30 years and I have been known to refer to myself as “critically acclaimed.”
But seriously, and I can say this because I haven’t yet read your book (and one stinkin’ review won’t stop me partially because I never read book reviews), perhaps the guy has hemorrhoids.
Ooh, I think you may be on to something! Perhaps he should be reviewing Preparation H as well…
I’m glad to get the first bad review out of the way. I have no doubt there will be others. But hopefully the others won’t come with spoilers. That’s just mean. And I have no doubt you were critically acclaimed. I bet you put the Streep’s and the Day Lewis’s to shame!
I would have, if only I’d chosen more wisely: http://fiftyfourandahalf.com/2011/12/27/door-number-two/
Sigh.
Haha! That is too funny. I’m sure it was mortifying at the time, but something to laugh about in retrospect. And it sounds like just something I’d do…
We were separated at birth Carrie. There’s a lot of that going around.
The separation was probably for the best. Our household could never have withstood two of us.
I’m one of those people who dare writing negative reviews. Not of your book, of course (I still have to read it on my non-existent kindle…). And negative reviews, I can write!
But… before I decide to write my review, I read other reviews first. I read the very positive ones to see what people really liked. Then I read the negative ones and see if I agree. I’ve never written a negative review for a book if it didn’t have any listed in the first place. I would think my judgement is off if it happened.
I believe that not everyone will like every book. If we all liked the same thing, it would be quite a boring book. I know some people who have loved books I had to drag myself to finish and thought they were horrendous. The Alchemist by Pablo Cuehlo comes to mind. People who love that book this is what life changing. I read it and thought my six-year old can probably write better and the whole story was nonsense and one of the worst books I’ve read. I bet Cuehlo himself would disagree with my review. Although I might be wrong and he’s just laughing all the way to the bank for having written a mediocre book people thought was great literature.
As for the spoilers, now that bugs me. Most Amazon reviewers are kind enough to indicate if their review contains spoilers. Maybe there’s a way to tag the review to have Amazon ask the reviewer to add a spoiler alert warning, I don’t know. Finally, I’m done what you did in the past. Click on the reviewer’s name to see what other reviews they have read. If they only have negative reviews, I discard them all together.
But overall it’s tough to hear negative feedback, especially when you don’t think you deserve it. As long as it’s a random thing, I’m sure you’ll be OK. Most negative reviews are not a deal breaker for me and others.
Thanks for your insights, Milka. And I agree, I have no problem with negative reviews. I think they can be quite helpful, and I’m not egotistical enough to think my book doesn’t deserve a negative review. I’m sure there are many things I could have improved on. But what bothers me is when people are mean-spirited in their reviews. If I gave negative feedback like that to the students and residents I’ve mentored, my feedback would serve no purpose at all. There are more respectable ways to give negative feedback. And giving away spoilers? Well, that just stinks.
By the way, I’m going to be doing another Goodreads giveaway starting this Wednesday.
Thank you!
Oh, I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for that. Although I don’t live in Malaysia, so my odds of winning are small.
I hear you about the negative reviews that are just negative. I think most people see through them, though. When I look at the negative reviews for the camera I got for my birthday last year, I’m always amazed at what they say. People complain because the camera is too complicated to use! That camera’s original MSRP was $800 and people expect you can just use it like a $100 point and shoot!
But going back to the spoilers, Amazon doesn’t ask people to use a spoiler alert if someone complains? Have you tried? It might be worth a shot. Most Goodreads reviews are hidden if they have spoilers but people have to check the box for it.
You’re right. I think most people will see past the review if it’s weird. I think I’ll try contacting Amazon about the spoilers. I hadn’t thought of that, but you and others have mentioned it. It’s worth a shot. I’d feel so much better if a big old “Spoiler Alert” would precede his review.
Amazon has great customer service (I had to test it just last week). I would think they don’t like people to put spoilers in their book and movie reviews without warning and they should listen to your request. It’s not like you’re asking them to take the review down.
I’ll give it a try. Thanks.
I don’t know how the word “earning” came out of my last comment.
Tricky keyboard!
I like the idea of earningcontacting Amazon. They could lose business if this “crap” is out there, it could affect their $’s. Remember that you’re doing Amazon a favor; that of earning money from your hard work. xoxoxoxo
Although people have a right to leave any review they want, I do agree Amazon might not be thrilled to have people leaving plot spoilers in their reviews. You make a good point.
That should have read “my” most conservative House Colleagues after him or Her.
Noted.
Where is Vlad? I’ll send most conservative House colleagues after him or Her!
Haha! He might already be one of their members.
post-operative children in the ICU who’d just undergone open-heart surgery. Know that maintaining their blood pressure merited much greater worry than living with a bad review.
Well, I think that depends both on the kid and on the nastiness of the bad review, but I see where you’re going with that notion.
When I feel overwhelmed by criticism, I use my own version of the serenity prayer to put things in perspective, and to remind me what’s truly important:
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and seriously, eff the guy who gave me the bad review. Eff him. Eff him in his eye. If that {person who engages in relations with their maternal parent} thinks he can go and pull that {expletive} on me, then he’s got another {expletive} thing coming. That {stool specimen} had better pray to {Deity} that I never catch his {vulgar adjective} {hindquarters} anywhere around here, because I am not {expletive} kidding you when I say I will jam a {expletive} #2 pencil through his {expletive} lying tongue and then {commit an act of such heinous depravity that its very name even is unsuited for these refined pages).”
And that’s how I deal with adversity.
I’m thinking I like your approach. It may land me in anger management, but hey, we suffer for our art, right? Great comment. I wish I could tweet it. Thank you!
I think this is one of my greater fears. If I ever do actually finish/publish my novel, the rejection part of it freaks me out. People telling me that it’s awful would break me, I think.
But… your book is awesome, so obviously that guy is just a giant douche-canoe who probably couldn’t get published and now takes it out on the rest of the writing world.
See? Even sick you make me feel better. Maybe you could send some of your infected nasal drippings Vlad’s way…
Thanks, Emelie!
I’ll do my best!
Not everyone likes the same thing. If we did, it would be a boring world indeed. Some people just like to be mean, and there are people who purposely write bad reviews although I have never been sure what their motive is for doing that. Look at one of your favorite authors, especially one who has a bit of controversy surrounding him/her and check out the negative reviews. I am always amazed when I look at reviews of Franzen’s books. It averages 3+ because some people can’t stand his writing, and in my eyes he can do no wrong.
On a lighter note, 4 out of 5 doctors recommend Bayer. I always worried about the fifth doctor. Did you?
Maybe that 5th doctor is Vlad…
But you’re right–we all have different opinions on what we read, and I think that’s a good thing. It would not be very fun to write if every book out there was the same genre and tone. But I think some reviewers need to learn the proper etiquette of a bad review. Then again, that’s probably just my old-fashioned, Midwestern attitude talking.
Thanks, Lynn!
Sorry – I did read the review (mainly because I couldn’t believe how anybody could give this book two stars) and I have issued the fatwa. Grown a beard specially for the purpose. Have pity upon Igor and Rasputin (his kids) because they must put up with a lot more from him than you have. Carrie, its a good book – just take all the great reviews to bed and burn Vlad in your back yard (just in effigy, of course). Or maybe, if you issued an invitation….
Oh, I can always count on you for an intelligent laugh. And I bet you look great in a beard! Thanks for your comment. Made me feel better.
By the way, I put ‘Hallbury Summer’ on a Goodreads list (Great Indie Novels http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/16752.Great_Indie_Novels?format=html&page=5). If you know some people on Goodreads who’ve read it, they can vote for it and boost it up on the list. I just learned about these lists, so I’ve been playing around with them a little.
Carrie,
You have an ace up your sleeve: the undying respect of a French-Canadian clown… Vlad did not know that… You’ll say: Le Clown, fret not, let Vlad be… And I will say: Of course I will, Carrie, I will let him be…
Now if you will just look the other way.
Le Clown
Yay! Le Clown to my rescue. That impaler knows not with whom he’s messing…
That wasn’t just a bad review… it was a MEAN review.
I finished your book–couldn’t put it down–and will write a review soon!
Thank you, Kylie! Very nice to hear. Not that this post was an attempt to seek warm fuzzies, but it’s nice to hear them nonetheless.
And I agree–just because a review is bad doesn’t mean it has to be mean. If that review doesn’t merit some chocolate consumption on my part, I don’t know what does!
Every day requires a little bit of chocolate
Certainly a motto I live by.
Kylie,
I agree with you. There’s a difference between writing an objective review which is not favorable, and a review which is simply mean-spirited. Often enough, we are guided by our emotions when it comes to art, as it will come and get us on a gut level…
Well said.
Eric
Thanks, Eric, and I agree with you both.
Good point, Eric!
Carrie, it may not make you feel better, but my book has been out for over a year now and has only received three reviews. Each of which I’m tremendously grateful for, and not that I’m asking for a pooper to come along a stink up my Amazon page. A critical review means someone read it and they had a different expectation. The spoilers, well, that says to me the person lacks tact and therefore their review has no merit.
Thanks, Honie. And you’re right–I’m grateful that my book reached someone who thought it was worthwhile to leave a review–good or bad. And I’m mostly over it now. Except for that spoiler thing. Still fumes me every time I think about it. Sigh.
One bad review could make me pout for weeks! Since I never published anything in the “real” world yet, I have yet to feel your pain. Since your good reviews out number the bad, I would say forget that guy and keep writing the way you are. We want everyone to like what we write, but not everyone will. What is wrong with those people anyway? Rooting for you, as always.
What is wrong with them is right. And it’s not the bad review I have fault with. Readers have a right to share their thoughts on a book, and I really do believe a bad review makes a book more credible. But there are more respectful ways to leave a bad review, which for one thing, does not involve giving spoilers away.
Thanks for commiserating with me, Rachael! It’s appreciated.
I see what you mean, they should not have given the spoilers away like that. I haven’t read the review. I’m am sure it is stinky! I’ll go read it know, so I can get properly angered.
Just don’t read it if you plan on reading the book. It will ruin the experience.
I read the book. If I was looney/brave enough I would post this response to his review :”I think you should “try” better next time to construct a proper sentence, that would be helpful. You are right, you are no doctor ,my children often cough and surprisingly enough end up with different illness and in differing degrees. You may have some valid points, but you could be nicer about it by not giving the book away.”
But, don’t worry I’ m not going to post it. I learned my lesson from the YouTube experience. I may learn slowly, but I learn.
Haha! You are right; it is best not to engage with online negativity feeders. If you do, you risk getting sucked into their mean-spirited vortex. But your response made me laugh, and that’s good enough for me.
There’s a right way and a wrong way to write a review. Amazon is a festering hellhole of poorly-written reviews. Even positive reviews tend to be badly written. As for the bad reviews, I’ve read someone give a one-star to “The Godfather” because the reviewer – some imbecile, i should point out, likely a troll – thought it was unrealistic, unlike “Scarface.” Ugh.
Take the review with a grain of salt.
You’re right–we definitely have to put the review in context. I’ve read some lousy reviews for other books that don’t really relate to the book at all. For example, it wasn’t what they expected or it took long to receive in the mail, so they marked down its rating.
What is this review ‘troll’ you and a couple other commenters have mentioned? Is it just someone who goes around leaving bad reviews? I’ve heard the term as it relates to being a troll on blogs–not leaving a comment–but I haven’t heard it in a negative sense in terms of reviews.
Thanks for your insights. Always appreciated.
A review troll is exactly that, someone that goes around and leaves bad reviews for the sake of leaving bad reviews. That’s why it’s best to just ignore them.
Well, that’s just nasty…
I thought the photo on top gave the best remedy: go ride your bike, go for a run, a walk, sweat it out. I’ve gotten only a few reviews for my novel and they’ve been positive. But I’m totally sensitive to criticism and get crushed like a paper cup. Keep writing.
You are so right. A good work out can be the cure for most of what ails us. And I knew the bad would come. I just wish it hadn’t come with spoilers.
Thanks!
The guy obviously has some deep-rooted issues; his name is Vlad, after all. Maybe he was teased on the playground and has to take it out on good books. Bad, bad Vlad.
I loved your book ( and I would love a sequel to it!) You are a 5 star girl in my book of stars. Have a few more M&Ms (and maybe a mimosa) and keep writing your good stuff!
Thank you! Both for the kind words and for the extra M&Ms. I’ll gladly take both!
And yeah, I guess with a name like Vlad, one has a certain reputation to withhold…
Thank you!
Goodness, it’s like someone spiteful criticising your child.
For sure. Perhaps I angered him in a previous life?
Ugh. Been there, done that, sucks, sucks, sucks. Ruins my day. Then I’ll tell some writer and they smile and say, “No, I’ve never gotten such a bad review!” THANKS! That really helps. Ohhhhh that sick feeling when you see a review popped up. I die a little inside.
But, then, we must move on. Like you said. I always think I must be the worst writer in the world and it’s audacious of me to even consider publishing anything else. Egads. I have such thin skin.
As my husband and others here have said, if we get a review–either bad or good–from a complete stranger, at least we know our books are getting around. And I really do believe it makes a book more credible. Not every reader can think a book is a 5-star masterpiece. But I think there are right and wrong ways to do bad reviews. I think this stinker was the wrong way. Then again, that may just be my sour grapes. I knew they didn’t taste quite right when I ate them…
Thanks, Gina!
The wonderful humor of your post made me laugh…and simultaneously want to cry! That speaks volumes about the truth you’ve expressed! I teach college courses and every semester there is almost always one student evaluation that hurts, and I’ll focus on that ONE negative comment even if the rest of the class submitted glowing reviews. I can’t even imagine what it’s like with a novel, since that’s so much more personal. I agree with others who have said the hurt comes from the fact that we actually care about the work we do and the impact (or lack thereof) it has on others. Do you think dealing with the criticism ever gets easier? I know it has gradually become easier in the teaching realm, so I can only hope it is the same with writing!
I do think dealing with the criticism gets easier. This isn’t the first time I’ve read comments about some negative aspects of my book, and each time it gets a little easier. But the others were done respectfully and also sandwiched by the good things about it. As a college professor, I’m sure you’ve done your share of feedback, too, and we all know that negative feedback can be given in a less hurtful manner. And I hear you when you say we tend to focus on the one negative out of all the positives. Human nature, I guess.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. These comments help immensely!
Carrie – I’d smack that turd upside the head for you if I ever meet him in the ‘live’ world. Having a bad review is tough to take – despite this person’s obvious nasty streak horrible heart. It’s one thing to not like a piece of literature but to spew horribleness and spoilers for the sake of just being mean is another thing entirely.
I, personally, cannot WAIT for your next book -so keep writing. Everyone tells me we writers have to develop a thick skin. That’s easy to ‘know’ but (for me) hard to ‘know how’…sounds like you got things going in the proper direction. And remember – you saved people’s LIVES – that’s more amazing than what that person has done with his mean review (it’s not even a ‘bad’ review – it’s just mean). KEEP WRITING – I’M WAITING!
Thank you, Rutabaga! Your words make me feel so much better. We all like to think we have thick skin, and I think my skin is probably thicker than most, but it still stings. So hearing things like what you just said really betters my outlook on it. And you’re right–it WAS more of a ‘mean’ review than a ‘bad’ review. I guess I just don’t get people like that. On the other hand, as my husband said, I should be happy to know that my book is reaching people I don’t know.
Thank you!!
You knew that since I’m OCD I’d check out Amazon well before I even read your article. So that’s what I did.
It was a rambling review with run-on sentences and his only TRUE point of contention is what he considers an unrealistic “plot hole”, which is a purely subjective opinion, especially when it comes to sci-fi settings!
If the only bad point he can make is about realism of a sci fi story and not about your writing style, etc. then you can only pat yourself on the back!
Secondly, even if he WASN’T the only one and if he did have some “good points”, remember that bad reviews on their own are only a part of the picture, and in many cases a very tiny part of it.
Maybe this will help you: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/10-bestsellers-with-more-than-50-one-star-reviews_b45800
On that list are two of my personal absolute favourite books (“Water For Elephants” and “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”) and, oh, a little insignificant book called Harry Potter And the Sorcerer’s Stone, which only ended up being turned into a Blockbuster movie!
So yeah…don’t even waste your breath on it. I’d say as a published author you should always brace yourself for these and see whether there’s anything to learn from them. In this case, I doubt there is – so move right along
Thanks, Daniel. I always knew you were a wise man (especially after I saw all your credentials on LinkedIn. Oy vey.) And you’re right–it’s nice to realize it wasn’t my writing he picked apart so much as the story itself. I suppose if he’d added something like “My pet rock writes better than you!” I might have needed a lot more M&Ms.
And thank you for that article link. I’ve bookmarked it so I can read it later when I have more time. I appreciate your thoughtful response, and you, like the other commenters, are boosting my mood enormously.
I wouldn’t even go as far as saying he “picked your story apart”. He may have tried. As far as I’m concerned he didn’t make a convincing case. It’s like watching the Matrix and complaining about the fact that Neo can fly, but doesn’t use that ability enough. If you’re going to base your whole review on a specific scene/story development that you personally cannot accept you’re not doing anyone any favours.
Yup, do check out the link, I’d be surprised if it doesn’t make you feel a whole lot better
Thank you!
Just read that article. Thank you. And, of course, now I have to tweet it, because that’s the kind of world we live in. And because I’ve got nothing else to tweet at the moment.
Ha, so now I’m famous on your Twitter, by proxy! Yes! Glad it helped you realise you’re in great company
I tried to credit you for sending the link my way, but those dang 140 characters are so restrictive…
We’re not talking mathematics, where there is a right or wrong answer. Whether someone likes a book or not is a matter of taste.
There is a tendency these days to be an a**hole, to say cruel things… the more cruel, the better. People seem to think this tendency shows intelligence.
I don’t think we can pull on teflon coveralls so bad stuff doesn’t stick to us. It’s not who we are.
I like your “pull up your big-kid pants” analogy.
I think that nastiness is what bothers me most. We all give negative feedback at times, but there are ways to do it respectfully, including without giving away a book’s plot twists. To me, that’s just tacky.
Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts.
Carrie,
First of all, when you see a review from someone whose pattern is to trash everything he reads I’d label him a Troll – a reviewing troll. And my personal feeling is that if a book has 23 – 4 and 5 star reviews and one 2 star review, I’m going to discount the stinker and go with the 23 other people who liked it.
Secondly, anyone who writes spoilers without warning is, in my opinion, just mean and inconsiderate. If it’s possible, you might complain to Amazon about that. It’s unfair to you and everyone else who reads that review and unfortunately, Amazon does put the top positive and negative review at the top of the review page. If this guy has a pattern of publishing spoilers, Amazon might want to know about that. I did go look just to see the numbers, not to read Ivan the Terrible’s review and I didn’t read it, don’t care. I LOVE your book!
Thirdly, I would feel exactly the same way – lump in throat, metallic taste, check the guy out – all of that. I think it’s human nature to focus on that one stinker instead of the 23 other glowing reviews. I’m going over there right now to add my 5 star review – we’ll just drown the A-hole out!
Cathy
Thank you, Cathy! You just boosted my mood ten-fold! And the practical side of me knows everything you say is correct. It’s the hurt little girl part that has trouble believing it.
I never thought about contacting Amazon about the spoilers. It does appear he’s given away a lot in his other reviews too. Something to consider. Thanks so much for the idea!
Carrie, How can negative comments not hurt? It means you’re human. Congratulations!
I bet every book I’ve loved has gotten some horrible reviews… like others have said, everyone has his or her own opinion. And yes, suspending disbelief just isn’t within some people’s range of abilities. ; )
I haven’t published a book, but my two columns run every week in my paper… I got a very, very negative letter recently from a very angry man. The negativity was primarily directed at the subject of my interview, but the man managed to lash out at my journalistic ethics, writing ability and moral code in the same letter. Nice.
I guess it’s just like the theme of Harry Potter: there are Voldemorts out there in the world. Be prepared to cast spells to eliminate evil. ; )
I think it’s hard for people like you and me to believe that there are people who can criticize so harshly without feeling any remorse over it. We (and I’m hoping I can speak for you) would like to believe everyone would practice the golden rule as we like to do. Negative feedback is a necessity in life. I’ve given it myself. But there are respectable ways to do so. Sounds like your article reviewer could practice some of those more respectable ways. Maybe he and Vlad should have lunch together…
Thanks, Anne! It helps to hear others share their experiences.
Step 3: what about a reviewer who claimed there was no twist?
Step 7: I did that. My book is the only book she has ever reviewed.
But, overall, it just doesn’t matter. As you say a lousy review actually lends credibility to the overall set of reviews.
I’m not so sure your reviewer and I read the same book. The Bridgeport I read had plenty of twists. But I do think a bad review lends credibility (and that’s really not sour grapes talking). As one of the earlier commenters said, when his wife gets a bad review, she congratulates herself, because it means she has a “real book” now. I like that attitude.
Thanks, Mark.
Hey Carrie, even Stephen King gets bad reviews. I know that for sure because I’ve given him several, along with some pretty good ones, too. Furthermore, Robert Heinlein apparently wrote porn to put food on the table while his “good stuff” was getting bad reviews. If you think Vlad had a point, revisit it and fix it if you agree. If not, full speed ahead. Ego be damned!
I wonder if the bigwigs like Stephen King even read their reviews? Maybe they’re too busy piling their royalty checks and working on their next masterpiece.
But don’t worry; the Impaler won’t defeat me. But I just wish he could be a little less free with those spoilers…
Thanks, He Who! (I love saying that ‘name.’)
I’ve got one better – the guy who gave me two stars went to twitter with it. He copied me in his not particularly kind message, so I retweeted him, to help him along. He then used his second twitter name (as a reviewer rather than an ordinary person) and did it again. Bless. So much ego. He’s just painted in broad strokes my next baddie character, and he doesn’t even know it.
Seems his biggest problem was that he had to think. Of course, one is not expecting to have to think whilst one is also reading. Brain may overheat. You never know. But I won’t start writing dumb to satisfy zombie-brained people just because of his opinion.
Still, all the other reviews are 5 star. I think a lower rated review provides enough intrigue to make potential readers pick up the book just to see who’s right. Human nature.
Oh, and I had more than a handful of M&Ms, but don’t tell anyone. Hugs from over the pond
I can’t believe he tweeted it! I don’t normally leave bad reviews. If I can’t say something good, I usually just chalk it up to the book not clicking with me. But if I did leave a bad review, I would hope it’s constructive and I certainly wouldn’t tweet it out to the world! What’s the point of that? That really speaks to a person’s character, I think. But I love that you retweeted it. Too funny!
And I agree with you–a bad review isn’t always a bad thing. Might pique some interest.
Thanks, Ella. I appreciate hearing your experience.
Just got my copy. I’ve been meaning to get it since last year. Now, it’s about fourth or fifth on my list. Review to follow (March, probably)
Oh, thanks you, Ella. Although now I’m having self-doubts…
Chill. I’ll let you know. Don’t worry until you absolutely have to
Here’s my plan: Step 1. Give Vlad the finger. Step 2. Rejoice, this means you wrote a book and people are reading it. Step 3. Eat a mini cupcake, because I know you’re down with the health thing and Step 4. Have an awesome workout and don’t let a damn thing get in your way. We work hard and the Vlads are just going to have to suck it!
I love your steps! Especially the mini-cupcake one. Yum. And you’re exactly right with your step 2–”Rejoice, this means you wrote a book and people are reading it.”–that’s just what my husband said to me.
Thanks, La La. You always make me feel better.
Aw yay! That makes me happy. Enjoy it!
Awww, that sucks. It may be inevitable to get a bad review at some point, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to hurt. If you’re going to feel happy about the good reviews, then you’re going to feel sad about bad ones. I totally agree about the plot spoilers, it’s completely selfish to do that. Having a negative opinion about a book is one thing, but don’t ruin it for everyone else who hasn’t read it yet right?
That’s kind of how I feel. The negative review no longer stings–in fact, as my husband pointed out, I should be thrilled complete strangers are finding my book and reading it. But it’s the dang spoilers. I’m worried someone will read the review and say, “Well, why bother reading the book now? I know what happens.”
Thanks, Vanessa!
You’re further along than me. I have yet to find an agent for my completed book, yet took a gamble by investing time in a second one (2 more chpt.s to go, then editing).
How should one take rejection? It helps to be a self-important genius.
“A self-important genius”, huh? Hmm, I’ll work on that. Sounds good to me!
Congrats on having a second book almost finished. I’m going to try to find an agent for my next one as well. I wish you luck in your writing journey, and thanks so much for stopping by!
As my wife would say “Congratulations! It’s a real book now!”
Yeah, it’s hard. It’s hard for me to read bad reviews of my wife’s books, but I figure that not everything is going to appeal to everybody. In her case, sometimes it’s the case of a new book not living up to what the reader wanted or expected based on her other work. Sometimes what they write is justified, other times not. Sometimes I think it’s the nature of the internet – we say things that we would never dream of saying to someone’s face.
Bottom line is that there’s so many things that go into whether or not someone likes something. But I get how hard it is to have something that you sweated, lost sleep and cried over while trying to bring it to life being crapped on by someone. Don’t let it deter you!
Thanks, Dan! And I love your wife’s attitude: ” It’s a real book now!” That’s perfect. I didn’t know your wife was a published author. Can you give me the name of one of her books?
Thanks so much for the comment. Makes me feel better!
And I didn’t bother to read the bad review because it contains spoilers. I’m about 75% done with SS (avoiding spoilers myself, I’m at the point where the protagonist and Friendly Ghost Pal are hiding from bad babysitter)–I read with exquisite slowness–but I’d give you a good review (assuming you avoid an “it was all a dream” ending).
What? You don’t care for a Bob Newhart ending?
Thanks for reading it. A Pulitzer it’s not, but it’s a starter novel, and enough people (both acquaintances and strangers) have told me they couldn’t put it down. That was my main goal when writing it–to try and pace it so people wanted to keep turning the pages.
I don’t put much stock in awards. I’d love to win a Nobel Prize (you get like half a mil), but you don’t win awards by being talented or by creating a great work of art, you win them by saying or doing something that people want to hear.
Well, in that case, I need to start practicing saying and doing things that people want to hear…