A sad day in the publishing community...
This morning, my social media newsfeed has been flooded with this article: http://laurenpippa.tumblr.com/post/58778318048/cancelling-the-release-of-learning-to-love about a debut author who is canceling her new release because of the bullies of Goodreads.
Apparently others have been telling her she's letting these bullies win by canceling, and although I understand where she stands, I am forced to agree. If it happened to me, I would push back and take it as more free publicity of my book. Because honestly, there are always people who don't like your book (whether they've read it or not).
In this industry, you are going to be judged, harshly, and you've got to develop a super thick skin in order to persevere. Here is what some people have said about my books:
"This book was a waste of time."
"This book was such a headache."
And you know what? WHO CARES?!?!? For every reviewer who said something bad, I had no less than five who adored my book. That's how it works. Expecting people to be 100% nice or pleasant is a pipedream. People are mean and being bullies gives them some sort of sick satisfaction. I say SCREW THEM!
Forget about the people who discourage, focus on the ones who uplift you, like fellow indie authors and amazing bloggers. So, your book starts off with a bunch of 1-stars. If it's good, and you get it into the right hands, it could just as easily garner 100 five-stars in a short time.
Personally, I never ever check to see what kind of lists people are putting my books on, because they are mean. I hardly check reviews anymore, either. It's discouraging to see the poor reviews and unless you've got skin of steel, you'll be affected emotionally, because of all your hard work.
I hope Lauren changes her mind, and realizes that these people need to be pushed back, but I doubt she will. Best of luck, Lauren.
Apparently others have been telling her she's letting these bullies win by canceling, and although I understand where she stands, I am forced to agree. If it happened to me, I would push back and take it as more free publicity of my book. Because honestly, there are always people who don't like your book (whether they've read it or not).
In this industry, you are going to be judged, harshly, and you've got to develop a super thick skin in order to persevere. Here is what some people have said about my books:
"This book was a waste of time."
"This book was such a headache."
And you know what? WHO CARES?!?!? For every reviewer who said something bad, I had no less than five who adored my book. That's how it works. Expecting people to be 100% nice or pleasant is a pipedream. People are mean and being bullies gives them some sort of sick satisfaction. I say SCREW THEM!
Forget about the people who discourage, focus on the ones who uplift you, like fellow indie authors and amazing bloggers. So, your book starts off with a bunch of 1-stars. If it's good, and you get it into the right hands, it could just as easily garner 100 five-stars in a short time.
Personally, I never ever check to see what kind of lists people are putting my books on, because they are mean. I hardly check reviews anymore, either. It's discouraging to see the poor reviews and unless you've got skin of steel, you'll be affected emotionally, because of all your hard work.
I hope Lauren changes her mind, and realizes that these people need to be pushed back, but I doubt she will. Best of luck, Lauren.
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