Writing is hard enough, and getting a book published for the world to read is even harder; but what is worse is going through all the pains only to end up getting a bad review. Most authors, when they get a bad review, tend to be very angry, and then later feel depressed, or feel like a bad writer. However, that shouldn’t be the case; so, here are five ways to deal with a bad review, if you ever get one:
- Don’t take it personally: Yes, it is easier said than done, especially because most writers/authors can’t seem to detach themselves from their writings; but as an author, try to look at your book from a business standpoint, and view it like a product. When you do so, it is easier not to take the review of your book personally.
- Discern the reviewer’s motive: Did the person who wrote the review do so out of bitterness? If you feel it is, then you can simply ignore it; but sometimes, it might be that the reader does not understand what the book is about, and if that is the case, you can choose to enlighten the reviewer on the theme of the book, or again simply ignore.
- Know that it is a part of being an author: Great authors like Sidney Sheldon and John Grisham occasionally get bad reviews too. So, if you get a bad review, understand that it is part of the job. Not everyone would be able to connect with your book, and that is okay; those who do, would enjoy it and be happy.
- Take a break: When you get a bad review, rather than being angry and drowning in self-loathing, take a break and go on an outing with your loved ones; do something to make you feel better, and move on from it.
- Take note and get better: It is important to know that a bad review is a review nonetheless; and it is also a form of feedback. So, after discerning the motive of the reviewer, take note of the part of the review that seems to make sense to you and use it to publish a better book.
Remember, having a bad book review isn’t the end of the world, and great authors often get bad reviews too.
Cheers!
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