In my ‘for writers’ series I want to focus this week on how to handle negative reviews on Amazon and other distribution networks. We’re going to take each of these bullet points one by one this week for a deeper understanding.
Always remember that your book and your publishing company is your reputation. Although you may not be a big corporation, you should think of yourself as one.
Dealing with Negative Reviews: Tips for Writers
Negative reviews can be tough to handle, but they are an inevitable part of the writing process. As a writer, it’s important to learn how to deal with negative reviews in a constructive way.
There are several reasons why readers give writers bad reviews on Amazon, and not all of them are legitimate. Here are some common reasons:
- Personal preferences: As mentioned earlier, readers have different tastes and preferences, and a book that doesn’t align with their personal preferences may lead to a negative review.
- Expectations not met: If the book does not meet the reader’s expectations, they may leave a negative review to express their disappointment.
- Technical issues: If the book has formatting issues or grammatical errors, the reader may leave a negative review to express their frustration.
- Trolling: Unfortunately, there are some individuals who leave negative reviews on Amazon simply to be malicious. They may not have even read the book or have any legitimate reason to leave a negative review. This is often done to hurt the author’s reputation or to promote another author’s work.
Anyone in the #LitRPG subgenre knows the name Aeron Kong and his “The Land” series. Kong promoted himself as the “Father of #Litrpg years ago. When there was backlash from both readers and authors, he regrouped and promoted himself as the “Father of American #LitRPG.”
Kong started a Facebook group and called it his “street team.” The idea behind it was to write reviews on The Land and subsequent books in the series to boost the algorithms on Amazon in an effort to give him more exposure.
It was a novel idea. Sadly, some members of that street team used unethical methods to tear down competing writers in this budding subgenre of science fiction.
Over the years, things got ugly.
It doesn’t just happen in #LitRPG. As a contemporary romance writer I have seen things just as bad, if not worse, in that genre. Years ago, some writers made it a cottage industry bashing other writers on Kboards.
It’s important to note that not all negative reviews are trolling, and some negative reviews can provide valuable feedback to the author. However, it’s important to distinguish between legitimate negative reviews and those that are trolling or unjustified. As an author, it’s important to focus on the constructive feedback and use it to improve your writing, while ignoring the malicious reviews that are not based on the quality of your work.
- Don’t take it personally. You are not your book. Don’t give a review free rent in your head.
It’s important to remember that negative reviews are not a reflection of your worth as a writer. Everyone has different tastes and opinions, and not everyone will like your work. Try not to take negative reviews personally.
- Use the feedback to improve your writing.
Negative reviews can provide valuable feedback that can help you improve your writing. Look for any constructive criticism in the review and use it to make your writing better. Remember, even the most successful writers receive negative reviews, and it’s how you handle them that matters.
- Focus on the bigger picture.
Remember that negative reviews are just one person’s opinion. Don’t let one negative review overshadow all the positive feedback you’ve received. Focus on the readers who have enjoyed your work, and keep writing for them.
- Take a break from reading reviews.
If negative reviews are getting you down, it can be helpful to take a break from reading reviews altogether. Remember that reviews are just one part of the writing process, and that there are many other factors that contribute to your success as a writer.
- Develop a thick skin.
As a writer, you will receive negative reviews. It’s important to develop a thick skin and not let them get you down. Remember that every writer receives negative reviews at some point, and it’s how you handle them that matters.
- Respond professionally (if appropriate).
In very rare cases, it may be appropriate to respond to a negative review. If you do choose to respond, be professional and respectful. Remember that your response will be public, and that it’s important to maintain a positive image as a writer.
Negative reviews can be tough to handle, but they are an inevitable part of the writing process. Don’t take negative reviews personally, use the feedback to improve your writing, and focus on the bigger picture. If necessary, take a break from reading reviews and develop a thick skin. And if you do choose to respond to a negative review, do so professionally and respectfully. Remember, every writer receives negative reviews at some point, and it’s how you handle them that matters.
Next we will focus on how to protect yourself in the case of unjustified negative reviews.
The key is to fight back. That includes inexpensive legal representation like Legal Shield. For a monthly fee you can talk to an attorney in your state and if appropriate that attorney can write a letter to Amazon.
I know from personal experience, often a legal letter is all it takes to get Amazon to move on the matter.
Geo Fish 