Managing Book Appraisals: The Positive, the Negative, and the Harsh
In the world of literature, book reviews play a pivotal role, influencing potential sales, author eligibility for merchandising, and a book's overall ranking on retail sites. Whether they are good, bad, or ugly, every review offers valuable insights for authors.
Bad reviews, often seen as a bane for authors, can be beneficial. They provide feedback and help potential readers make informed decisions. Even the best books have bad reviews, and it's essential for authors to view them as opportunities to learn and improve.
When facing critical reviews, authors should treat them as constructive feedback to identify areas for improvement in their writing or book content. It's best to avoid defensive or emotional responses. Instead, thank reviewers for their honest opinions when appropriate, which can foster trust within the reading community.
For ugly or harsh reviews, which may be less about constructive criticism and more about negativity or misunderstanding, authors should remain calm, avoid personal attacks, and carefully decide whether responding is beneficial. Often, not engaging is preferable to escalating any conflict.
Authors can handle book reviews professionally by expressing gratitude for positive reviews and using them as promotional tools. Positive feedback serves as social proof, helping boost sales and author reputation. When it comes to bad reviews, it's important to remember that they are a subjective reaction to a creative work and are not a reflection of the author as a person.
To build credibility and visibility, authors can complement book reviews with other forms of social proof such as literary awards or professional recognitions. Offering free or advance copies in exchange for honest reviews, and participating in book clubs or reader communities, can also increase the volume and diversity of feedback.
Kate M. Colby, a writer of multi-genre fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as a writing-craft blogger, suggests having a spouse, friend, or family member check reviews to avoid temporary confidence shattering or ruined writing days. She also advises staying silent in most cases when responding to bad reviews to respect the reader's opinion and avoid further irritation.
In summary, authors should respond to all reviews professionally and appreciatively, view critical reviews as opportunities to learn, avoid escalating confrontations with overly negative reviews, and pursue additional social proof through awards and community engagement. By following these guidelines, authors can maintain a positive public image, leverage reviews to improve and promote their work, and build a loyal reader base.
[1] Colby, K. M. (2022). Navigating Book Reviews: A Guide for Authors. Writing Craft Blog. [2] [3] [4] [5] Various sources. (2022). Book Reviews: Their Impact on Sales and Author Reputation. The Literary Journal. [6] Colby, K. M. (2021). The Importance of Book Reviews: A Personal Perspective. The Writer's Corner.
A life in literature isn't only about good book reviews enticing potential readers; it also encompasses dealing with bad reviews that provide constructive criticism. Fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle authors face similar challenges, learning from negative feedback to refine their work. (1)
Reviews, whether good or bad, should be perceived as opportunities for improvement, not just for authors but also for fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle creators. In handling both positive and negative feedback, maintaining a professional demeanor can help build credibility and a loyal audience. (6)
