Horror Aficionados discussion
Authors, What Do You Feel When You Read Negative Reviews of Your Books?
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Tressa
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Apr 05, 2013 04:07PM
I love to praise and promote books I love, and if I love them a lot, I don't shut up about them. But I will also be honest and post when I don't like a book. But when I write my review I never stop to think about authors reading my negative words. I wouldn't worry too much about it except that some authors belong to the group or have a presence at Goodreads. I sometimes go back to my negative (but honest, I believe) reviews and cringe when I think of writers I know reading them; readers I know and like a lot.
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All I want to see is an honest opinion. Assuming you're not brutally crushing people in your reviews and just giving some constructive criticism. I appreciate feedback that helps me grow as a writer.
i have had a few bad reviews myself, but nothing along the lines of "This guy sucks and can't write." Mostly, it's comments about certain stories being "boring", but I don't take them personally or get offended by them. Some of them are kind of funny. I've commented before about the person who found my story "Right to Life?" so boring that they couldn't get past the first chapter. It was funny cause that story is six pages long and has no chapters. I do appreciate reviews and don't mind bad ones all that much. As a writer, I know I can't please everybody. There are some authors and some books that most people consider amazing that I didn't like and there are some that I loved that were panned by critics and readers alike. One of my stories has six reviews on Barnes and Noble, five of them either four or five stars and one at one star. Yeah, it's a bad review, but the good ones more than make up for it.
I have had a couple of authors comment on my reviews in the past, which creeped me out a bit, but it wasn't as if I bashed anybody or was being dishonest. I felt kindof bad though and know that I shouldn't.
Tressa, lots of variables for any writer to consider when reading a less-than-impressed review of his or her work. And while I haven't had a bad review for my novel, I have gotten at least one three and a two rating here on Goodreads.Which for me was harder than an equivalent review, since I wasn't given anything else to go on. Was there a valid problem or issue? Or was it just a case of "The main character had the same name as my ex, and I hate my ex!"
But when we writers are honest with ourselves (hey, it's been known to happen), we recognize that it's a bit preposterous to expect we'll hit it out of the park for every reader. After all, all art is subjective, and as readers we bring a ton of baggage with us whenever we crack a book open (or boot up our Kindle, but you get the idea...).
In the end, I think sane writers understand the difference between a critically-constructive review versus a cheap ad hominem style attack. And smart writers will distinguish between the subjective ("I just couldn't empathize with the plight of the main character.") versus a genuine dropping of the ball ("Um, her hair was red six pages ago, now she's a blonde?").
And if some writer has a hissy fit because you dared critique his or her peerless prose, Tressa, then maybe they're doing you a favor by giving you the excuse to find another storyteller to patronize.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
I never read reviews. What's the point? 1) I've already written it, what do I care what they say?
2) Based on reviews I've read of other authors, most people who leave really bad reviews are either trolls or idiots.
3) I never ask a dog for culinary advice.
Michael E. Henderson
Disappointed but accepting. Bad reviews are unavoidable. All you can do is smile and move on. I would never attack a reviewer. I've considered asking for constructive criticism from reviewers, but really it's best just to let people have their say.
I tend to not take negative reviews to heart. I know that my writing will not appeal to everyone, not even all fans of the genre I write in, horror. Enjoying a book is such a subjective book. Reviews seem to be quite contradictory usually, some people say a book is boring, while others say it's the most exciting thing they have read. I think honest opinion is always good for debate, and criticism helps a writer to learn. The only review that really bothered me was someone who wrote a one star review in which they said they had only read the first page of my novel, and from that decided I was illiterate and talentless. it was a really smug and insulting review, but it was taken down in a few hours, still not sure why.so I would not worry about negative reviews too much as long as they are not insulting I think most writers can take it, you need a pretty thick skin in this game, and you may even be helping the writer to learn something.
You'll never please everybody, so don't waste your time trying. As long as they've paid, I don't mind negative reviews! :)
It depends on the type of review. If the reviewer is offering constructive criticism, I listen to what they have to say. Sometimes the criticism is well meaning, but is merely the difference between how I wrote the novel and how they would have written the book. Many times the criticism is spot on, and I take it into account for future projects. However, if the review is critical just for the sake of being critical, and is mean spirited or is just a forum for the reviewer to pontificate on how superior a writer he/she is, I ignore it.
Bill wrote: "I have had a couple of authors comment on my reviews in the past, which creeped me out a bit, but it wasn't as if I bashed anybody or was being dishonest. I felt kindof bad though and know that I s..."Yes, this is how I feel! And sometimes when I'm discussing a book in a group read or in my review, I sometimes forget there's a human behind the book and I'll be too reckless in my goofing around with what I didn't like about the book. Like in The Cipher thread. Then later I will think about the author reading the thread and feel ashamed. But, hell, they wrote a book and I have not.
Walter, I've been lucky and have never had a writer jump me about a lukewarm or bad review. I have had a writer or two comment that they were sorry I didn't like aspects of the story, but I have never been attacked. Hell, I've been confronted more times by readers pissed at something in my review. Crazy a-holes that they are.Michael, I just don't get that. When I wrote papers for college I couldn't wait to get them back to see what grade I got and what my professors thought about them. I can't imagine that writers are not curious enough to read reviews. I have left bad reviews and I'm not troll. I don't leave hateful reviews or insult the writer, though.
Michael wrote: "I never read reviews. What's the point? 1) I've already written it, what do I care what they say?
2) Based on reviews I've read of other authors, most people who leave really bad reviews are ei..."
If you don't read your reviews, Michael, how would you learn from your mistakes? Reviews are for other readers, but most (I think) would contain useful information that you could use in future books. Comments on your plotting and character development could help you at some point.
I don't believe a writer should ever leave a comment on a review. It has the potential of getting too personal. How can it not??? But, if as a writer (or even reader) you read something that you cannot ignore - wait. Please wait on it. Calm down. Cool down. Think before posting. And never get into a debate with the reviewer. Never a good idea. It never ends well. Chances are you will not change their minds anyway.
I saw the nastiest, most heated debate between a horror writer who wrote an excellent vampire novel set during the time of Jesus and an obvious atheist who detested the book I don't think she read. The author wasn't the problem, but just reaching out to her stirred up a hornet's nest. It was very unsettling and I felt bad for the author who was just trying to be nice.
Walter wrote: "Tressa, lots of variables for any writer to consider when reading a less-than-impressed review of his or her work. And while I haven't had a bad review for my novel, I have gotten at least one thre..."Very nicely put Walter.
Btw i checked out 'House of Shadows' and put in on my tbr list.
Michael wrote: "I never read reviews. What's the point? 1) I've already written it, what do I care what they say?
2) Based on reviews I've read of other authors, most people who leave really bad reviews are ei..."
I have to agree with Tressa and Charlene, how can a writer not want to have their work evaluated in some way.
Just because a review is bad doesn't mean it was written by a troll, someone who is offering constructive criticism of your work should be valued.
I'm not sure what to make of your third comment but as a reader, who buys a lot of books, I can't help feeling insulted.
Mod
1) I've already written it, what do I care what they say?
2) Based on reviews I've read of other authors, most people who leave really ba..."
I agree with you, Kate.
#3 is incredibly insulting.
To readers everywhere and particularly this group, which has the most well read members it has ever been my pleasure to meet.
Thank you, Kate. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.Tressa, another thing to consider when you (or anyone else) reviews a given work: most writers tend to consider reviews in aggregate. There will be, natch, the occasional one that zeros in like a laser beam on a problem no one else had noticed prior, but the majority of writers tend to consider reviews as a whole (with the possible exception of professional book reviewers, who typically have much more impact than the community at large).
For example, if an author's novel has collected fifty reviews, with forty-five complimentary and five ranging from 'meh' to outright disappointment, we shrug and acknowledge "Well, can't please everybody". Reverse those numbers, and there may well be an issue that warrants consideration.
I've always written short stories and wrote one that I just couldn't stop writing, which became my first book. This isn't 'old hat' for me. I'm not college-educated or experienced. How is it that I know that people's opinions are their opinions and I should just leave them alone? How is it that I know that I shouldn't try to defend myself on someone's review of my work? Is common sense really a super power?
Ian, I would say it helps to understand that even a reader/reviewer might not necessarily know why he or she doesn't care for a particular story. The default assumption some folks appear to work on is that we are all wonderfully-insightful individuals who always know precisely why we have strong, visceral responses to a given work.And sometimes we do. But sometimes we take a bullet in the id, and don't even realize we've been shot. So we struggle to make sense of our feelings, and make our best guesses.
And if we turn such a blind eye to our own soft spots, how much moreso to those of a stranger?
Writers who get defensive about critical reviews do themselves no favors. It's off-putting. Not to say a genuine misperception shouldn't be addressed, though. I got a three-star review here on Goodreads for House of Shadows from someone who criticized the book's language accessibility as a Young Adult novel. I emailed the lady and asked her where had she gotten the information that (despite its youthful protagonist) it was a YA novel, because it wasn't. She apologized, and upgraded her review once she realized she'd been mistaken.
So in situations like that, I'd say it's okay. But only under those kinds of circumstances.
Jon Recluse wrote: "Kate wrote: "Michael wrote: "I never read reviews. What's the point? 1) I've already written it, what do I care what they say?
2) Based on reviews I've read of other authors, most people who le..."
Absolutely Jon, the members here are extremely well read and I feel they have the utmost respect for authors. This group now has almost 6000 members, that's a lot of potential buyers and fans. I don't think it makes sense to alienate readers from your work.
Ian, I think Walter is right in saying that it's probably best to leave it alone if someone hasn't enjoyed your work. There are a few authors who have bad reputations due to arguing with readers over negative reviews.
Kate, I think I said the opposite of what you think I meant.Walter, I can see correcting someone if they clearly misunderstood something, but that's more the exception than the rule. Kate is correct in what she said pertaining to what she thought I meant about my earlier comments. It's best to just let most of that stuff go.
Funny, I just looked a a couple recent reviews that I had given 3 stars and the authors commented. They were not disrespectful, but I am not sure how I feel about it. I felt compelled to respond and try to be nice about it. I don't want to say anything negative about someone's life work, but tastes vary from story to story and if I write a review, then it must at least be an honest one. (The reviews really are for me, but I share them here on GR) I am just a guy who likes to read.
Has anybody gave extra stars (half-stars or whatever) to a book because the author is super nice and interacts with his readers in a positive way on forums such as GR?
Mod
But I am more likely to read books I wouldn't normally by authors who are nice.
Jon, I really like your new profile pic, and you have a pleasant smell about you. Go buy my book, fucker.
Jon Recluse wrote: "No.But I am more likely to read books I wouldn't normally by authors who are nice."
True. Didn't think about that, but you are right.
Mod
Good. I change it a lot. I wear Old Spice. Why?
Jon Recluse wrote: "Ian wrote: "Jon, I really like your new profile pic, and you have a pleasant smell about you. Go buy my book, fucker."Good. I change it a lot. I wear Old Spice. Why?"
Which Old Spice? There are so many now. I'm a Swagger guy, myself.
Mod
Good. I change it a lot. I wear Old Spice. Why?"
Which O..."
Old Old Spice, of course. I'm a traditionalist.
Jon's right about how the importance of good attitudes amongst writers, but it's especially important in social networking situations (Goodreads being a prime example), and for completely different reasons.I've a friend I've known for some time, with whom I've socialized online for years, long before I ever came out with my novel. I told her about it, of course, but for the longest time I never heard anything from her about having read it.
I never pressed her about it, though, and it only came up in conversation when it was natural for it to do so. Then one day I saw a Facebook post from her about it. She posted a review of it on Amazon, and from it I learned she'd had the book in her Amazon cart for months before buying it. Like a great many folks in similar circumstances, she had been afraid to read it, in case it sucked.
Authors, particularly those of us who are just starting out, are naturally attracted to social networking sites like Goodreads, LibraryThing, Shelfari, etc. We love books, and we want to hang out with fellow book lovers. But we're also aware that these sites are double-edged swords. Conduct yourself poorly, and you alienate potential readers. But even if you make friends, you also have to contend with the very real possibility that readers might still avoid your work, because they don't want to alienate you with a review that compares your latest magnum opus to a root canal sans anesthetic.
Not that anyone here would do such a thing. (Well, maybe Jon . . .)
This being the case, a pronounced sensitivity to criticism on an author's part becomes even more of a barrier, especially amongst those he or she considers friends. Something to keep in mind for us writers who wish to continue socializing via these mediums.
Mod
If the book sucked the surface off a toilet seat, I would private message them and tell them they owed me for a new toilet seat.
If the book was not "in my reading comfort zone", but I thought it was well written, I would duly note it in my review, and remove one star because of it.
It depends on whether I agree with the review or not. I never comment or contact reviewers but I do take it on board and use the criticism to try and improve my writing. I'm lucky to have had a lot of good reviews and the handful of bad ones I do have, tend to be more about the subject matter, which is wholly subjective.
Jon wrote: If a friend wrote a book, I would read it.If the book sucked the surface off a toilet seat, I would private message them and tell them they owed me for a new toilet seat.
Fortunately I keep my plumber on speed dial.
No. I would not give "pity" stars. But if I rate up for every book. For example a 2½ will always be a 3. And in my reviews (I'll try to write one for at least the indie writers I read) I'll state what I liked and what I think the author needs to work on. I try to be polite - and will try to remain polite. I hope it works.
Traci L. wrote: "No. I would not give "pity" stars. But if I rate up for every book. For example a 2½ will always be a 3. And in my reviews (I'll try to write one for at least the indie writers I read) I'll state w..."I wish all reviewers were like you.
Agree with earlier posters- if you want to improve as a writer, you need that feedback that reviews provide.
After someone buys my book it's their book. They can say whatever they want about it (and if I can learn something in the process of reading their review, all the better.) I think a lot of us authors are insane and act like high schoolers. Me included when I'm drunk. I do thank people for their reviews because I appreciate them putting down the money, taking the time to read one of my stories, and then sharing how they felt about it. I'd starve without people doing that. But I didn't realize that it puts reviewers in an awkward position when I comment on their reviews so I might stop--expect with people I know, like some of my friends/fans from HA. I like to make those people uncomfortable. :P
Michael wrote: "I never read reviews. What's the point? 1) I've already written it, what do I care what they say?
2) Based on reviews I've read of other authors, most people who leave really bad reviews are ei..."
Reading your comments make me want to stay away from your work, how can an author not care about the readers. Just keep a journal if you are only writing for yourself.
First I ask myself, "did this person win my book in a Goodreads giveaway?" If the answer is yes, I disregard the review entirely because 9 times out of 10 it came from a Young Adult Fiction author. ;)
A well thought out negative review can be helpful if it points out things that are wrong with the story/ writing or things that can be made better. The only negative reviews I dislike are those that just say, 'This book is crap. Avoid at all costs'. At least tell me why it's crap :)
Reviews are important. Today's environment has (sadly) become too wrapped up in them, to the point where some promotional opportunities are only available to people with X number of perfect reviews, which has spawned an actual BUSINESS where you can buy the things...I think you can give an honest review, explain what you did not like about a work, without being horribly negative. Most of the time, authors (myself for sure) appreciae honest feedback. If they did not want opinions, they wouldn't ask... ans sure, we like positive reviews best, but don't ever feel like you HAVE to be positive. The beauty of a place like Goodreads is - if you like something you can praise it and everyone sees it. If you didn't like it, you have the option of doing that same thing, or dropping an honest note to the authors about what you thought - or just not saying anything at all. If you HATED it, and you think the reason you hated it will make others hate it, the honest thing to do is just say you hated it, and why. Without the WHY behind it, both positive and negative reviews lose most of their juice.
-DNW
Mod
Even though I'm always right.
Lee wrote: "After someone buys my book it's their book. They can say whatever they want about it (and if I can learn something in the process of reading their review, all the better.) I think a lot of us autho..."ha! I appreciate it when an author pops in a review to say "thank you." Nothing wrong with that at all. I think that it shows the author cares - Especially authors that I know and have a rapport with.
It is creepy though, when an author says something like "Sorry you hated my book" or takes offense and responds to a specific comment made in the review.
Luckily, I have several author friends that I very much enjoy interacting with. There are a bunch here at HA, and I would be sad if they felt they could not comfortably comment or say a thank you!
Jon Recluse wrote: "Being a loner, and slightly out of step with the world in general, I never know if why I like something will appeal to the masses.Even though I'm always right."
I don't think any of can really know that.
Yes. You are. :)
All negative reviews are tough to take, but it's part of the game. The only time a negative review gets under my skin is when the reader/reviewer gets something entirely wrong. For instance, there are two negative reviews for Shock Totem issues on Amazon, both from the same person. In each review the main complaint is the nonfiction, because he or she doesn't understand why it's there. But here's the problem:
"i purchased the collection to read stories, and felt very ripped off with all the extraneous filler."
"What seems to be the standard format for all Shock Totem anthologies..."
Shock Totem is a magazine, neither an anthology or collection. Nonfiction belongs in a magazine. Now, this person is not obligated to enjoy the nonfiction, but to hold its mere presence against us is unfair.
So this is the kind of stuff that bugs me.
Nonsensical low ratings annoy me, too. There is a review for Beautiful Sorrows on Amazon that says the collection is "okay," then gives it one star. One star! Haha. That means "I hate it." Three stars means "It's OK." I'd rather have three stars, dammit! =)
And here on Goodreads, someone gave two of our issues one star and added them to a shelf called Diarrhea. Haha. Also on that shelf are other books, all featuring work by Mekenzie Larsen. Clearly this person has an issue with her, so all the publishers "suffer."
Drives me bananas! =)
Remember, though, an author is always right, even when they're wrong. Compromise is not always a good thing.
Eh, I wouldn't sweat any of this. Write what you love, however the hell you like, whether you're an author or a reviewer but always be honest to yourself. It's not worth arguing with anyone on the internet. It always makes you look bad (this goes for authors and reviewers) and feel bad or angry. You're never going to change a person's opinion and stating that they got the facts wrong may feel good for a few minutes but it may also turn people off. Most people don't care and are able to sniff out false reviews. I use to sweat every review I posted but now I post and don't look back. People are going to hate you, love you and feel "meh" about you no matter what you write. I've read some great stuff that others think is crap and I've read some stinkers and written negative reviews (which are sarcastic but hopefully not too mean) but it's only my opinion which in the scheme of things doesn't matter much at all. I prefer honesty over those lame ass "read between the lines" or "only say good things" type of reviews. I am one of those pain in the asses who will buy books based on negative reviews unless the author is a tool who tries to change a reader opinion. I am also one of those PIA readers who believe a book with all 5 star reviews must be total crap. VERY few (if any) books deserve all five star reviews. Hell, there are people who don't like chocolate. How am I supposed to believe everyone adores a certain book? This is the general public we're dealing with here. I also write reviews for fellow readers not for author publicity. When I see those all 5 star only reviews I instantly think the author has either responded to one of those $5 for a good review ads or enlisted their friends, family and taught their pets how to type out gushy reviews. I like weird shit that many people despise. I've had people come out and tell me I have atrocious taste in books for liking something and hating something else and I took it as a compliment. I guess it's all how you look at things.
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