Thinking Out Loud: When Authors Get Mad – The Ups and Downs of Book Reviewing
Most of my thinking out loud pieces morph out of conversations with those who are a part of my private universe. Over a period time, we’ll go back and forth over whatever it is we’ve been talking about, picking it to pieces until it gets to the point where it feels as though it could benefit from a greater audience of likeminded people. This latest thinking out loud piece is the result of me goading somebody else into writing about it, and I am quite pleased to share this with you and look forward to your thoughts on the topic in the spirit of the type of vigorous discussion that we have always enjoyed here. My guest writer will remain anonymous, but they are an author themselves as well as a reviewer and they bring a wealth of experience along with them regarding this topic.
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A package has arrived – a brand-new book, not yet on shelves. I dive in headfirst. Days later, I’m turning final pages and contemplating the experience with a cup of tea. Notes are taken – raw, unfiltered thoughts which I eventually transform into a review.
Publish. Post. Send.
This private reading experience has now been cast into the world for others to see. Maybe others will have similar feelings? Perhaps I will inspire their next book purchase or library hold? Sometimes these words lead a stranger to their next favourite book. They are words which sell – money changes hands because of them. In the ever-changing book industry, reviews remain integral to the process.
By sending review copies to book reviewers, publishers enter into agreements with them. Free books for an honest review.
This feels amazing when good books land on your doorstep. Everything is fine when enjoying a memorable read – reviews are easier to write, and it’s sunshine and rainbows when that five-star review inevitably drops. The positive reward for such praise can be immense – especially on a personal level for the reviewer.
Some authors quickly reach out, expressing gratitude for the kind words via private messages, emails, or comments sections on Goodreads, Instagram and blogs. Such interactions are overwhelmingly positive – a nice way of breaking down the barrier between author and reader. I have developed numerous friendships with authors like this – real, tangible relationships that moved beyond the book world.
Debut authors are particularly enthusiastic with forming relationships with readers and reviewers. One such author – an Australian celebrity-turned-writer – filmed himself moved to tears while reading my review. Others have placed lengthy ‘thank you’ notes in acknowledgement sections of later books. Directors of publishing companies and publicists have entered my friendship circle on the back of positive reviews.
But what happens when the requested “honest review” means a negative or mixed one? What is the cost of this honesty?
Many publishers tell authors not to read their reviews – the majority ignore this advice. Among them exists a small handful who want to actively wage war on reviewers daring to criticise their work. It’s something that has gained publicity in recent years – often backfiring on the author, sometimes cancelling them. Author motives remain a mystery. Do they hope for edited or deleted reviews? Opinions changed? Or something more sinister?
It was early morning when I received a private message on Instagram. I was still in bed. I had finished reading a debut novel and posted my three-star review the night before. There was much to enjoy, but I felt the author failed some characters and had an unhealthy reliance on animal deaths to portray grittiness and metaphors for life itself.
“You are entitled to respond to my novel in any way you seem fit, and I respect your thoughtful review.”
He then launched into a long-winded spiel defending this use of animal violence, giving me a lecture on everything from the “preciousness” of life to feral animals, roadkill and how one character’s thoughts about incinerated dogs were a reflection on feelings towards a father.
The message was my first negative interaction with an author, but it wouldn’t be the last. I privately shared this with fellow reviewers and industry friends who immediately agreed the author had broken etiquette and lacked professionalism.
Before long, a similarly unusual interaction took place. Instead of direct messaging, they engaged in a strange series of follows/unfollows over one month – this resulted in regular notifications from Goodreads saying the author had ‘followed’ me. Granted, the author’s book featured dementia and paranoia.
Nonfiction isn’t exempt from problematic author behaviour, nor those well-established. One author private messaged me on Instagram, taking issue with my inability to develop rapport with two rich white male explorers – for which his book revolved around. At that point, I had stopped opening private messages from unprofessional authors. I did note, however, the vote manipulation for his book on Goodreads, courtesy three faceless accounts dropping five-star ratings at the exact time he reached out.
Comments sections aren’t immune from riled authors either. “Haters are out on Goodreads,” said one recently, following an honest, albeit negative review of mine. I have seen them jump into other comment sections too, feeling the need to argue their case. During one instance, I witnessed an author post a video on social media that belittled and mocked a fellow reviewer. I’ve heard stories of reviewers being harassed by publishers for leaving mixed reviews on platforms too.
If only these writers remembered they’re published authors and focused on that – a wonderful achievement that only a select few achieve.
Is the “honest review” requested by publishers dead? Is the “honesty” just an illusion? Do reviewers truly have freedom to be honest? Leaving a negative review is no longer solely a reflection of a poor reading experience, it’s increasingly an act which takes courage and bravery – one which sometimes has consequences for the reviewer.
The good reviewers are those willing to make this sacrifice for their followers – look for them. In a world increasingly filled with fake news, questionable integrity, and online bullying, the honest reviewer is someone to be valued and protected at all costs.
