The Dreaded “Bad” Review

The Dreaded “Bad” Review

I was told today that I inspired someone to be honest when it comes to their writing a review for a book. Particularly a “bad” review. So let’s look at the “taboo” surrounding the dreaded 1-2 and sometimes even 3 star reviews.

Everyone claims their reviews are honest reviews. Yet, if your review sugarcoats or has fluff and contradiction in it, it’s not very honest is it? It would look to me as conflicted. As though you were unsure of what other people will think of your thoughts.

Here’s what I say to that, Forget what other people think. If you didn’t like a book you read, tell it. Tell what turned you off to the book, point out the errors, tell the author how to make their work better. That’s what reviews are for.

We authors would love it if our books were flawless and loved by everyone. But the truth of the matter is, not everyone likes everything. I’m a fantasy fan, yet there are several famous authors in the genre that I simply can’t stand and won’t read their work because all the ones I’ve read have been done either half assed or just poorly.

As a fan of a genre, you are not obligated to like every book in that genre, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.

Do I like my 4 and 5 star ratings for Rise of Xosha and Abomination? Hell yeah I do.. Does it hurt when I get the occasional bad review on either? I won’t lie, it stings a bit. Do I spend hours bitching on facebook or other social media about it? No. I READ it, I look for the pointers from the reviewer and I find ways to make those problem areas go away. That’s the point of the “bad” review.

So don’t talk with fluff, don’t talk with sugarcoating, don’t contradict yourself. Write your reviews honestly and ignore the naysayers that will try to bring you down and make you feel bad for giving an honest opinion.

As long as your review isn’t tearing an author and/or the entire book apart, you have no reason to worry, it’s not a bad review at that point, it’s a critical review and we authors need those to better our writing as much as I need my coffee in the morning.

Go forth reviewers and tell the world your honest thoughts. Stop being afraid of what authors and other people will think