If you’ve written a book and shared it with anybody there’s a high chance that someone isn’t going to like something about your book.

As much as you try to write for a specific audience, there will always be negative reviews. It’s just a part of sharing anything with the public. People close to you might be kinder in explaining why your book wasn’t for them but most strangers won’t have the same concern for your feeling.

Remember: reviews aren’t meant for the author – they’re mean for other readers.

We know it’s not easy to ignore bad reviews but if you do happen across them, here are some things to keep in mind so you don’t drive yourself crazy:

Take A Deep Breath

Despite what your brain may be telling you, a bad review isn’t the end of the world.

Yes, it might feel like everything you’ve worked for is coming crashing down but it’s one review and there are hundreds, even thousands of other potential readers who your book hasn’t reached yet.

Find a way to calm yourself down because fretting over a negative review isn’t going to help you continue writing.

Understand The Context

There is a fine line between writers and readers because many authors got to where they are through a love of books.

However, we’ve gotten to the point where reader spaces and author spaces exist.

Reviews land in the reader space and authors aren’t welcomed there. It may seem unfair but reviews are really there for other readers.

Now, if you are tagged directly in a review (especially on social media) that’s a different story. You’ll likely get a lot of flack if you respond, but some readers don’t realize that tagging an author in a negative review isn’t well-received or kind.

So understand the context of the review. Are they posting it to share their thoughts with other readers or are they telling you directly that they didn’t like your book?

Don’t Take It To Heart

When someone leaves a review, good or bad, it’s about your book – not you.

Most writers take reviews personally when they’re meant to express a reader’s feelings about the book. Of course, there are some reviewers who will interject opinions of the author but it’s not as common as social media would have you think.

Most people who review books are able to look at a work and judge it for what’s on the page and separate any personal views that an author may hold.

If you’re inserting your own views into a book then you should be prepared to not get offended by those who disagree with you.

Just remember, a negative review is not a personal attack.

Consider What They Said

Reviews are not always wrong.

As stated above, you shouldn’t take it to heart but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any merit to the review. If you’re looking at improving as a writer then it can be worth it to understand the truths behind negative reviews.

Being able to look at your work objectively and understand where it is lacking is a skill most writers continue to develop throughout their career.

It’s difficult to acknowledge where you could improve but it will help to make you a better writer and understand your readers better.

Talk It Out Privately

Because reviews are a reader space, posting about it on social media isn’t advised. However, if you are tagged in a review then it’s more up to you on how you proceed.

Certainly DO NOT harass the reviewer. They are entitled to their opinion.

The best way to get it off your chest is to talk it out privately with someone close to you. That person might be able to give you a different opinion on the review as well as support on how to move forward.

Let It Go and Keep Writing

This is probably the most important part of handling a negative review.

It isn’t easy to let it go but finding a way to come to terms with the fact that people is important to being able to continue writing.

You will find people who connect with what you write and want to support you.

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Don’t give up because of a negative review. Every writer comes across people who don’t like what they’ve written but those who become successful don’t let other people’s opinions stop them from improving and putting out new books.

If you want to find readers who are better suited to your books, StudioLink is a great place to share your work and sell your books. Through individual modules you can promote your book and tell readers exactly who you wrote it for

Publishing a book doesn’t mean that you are only going to receive good reviews. It means that you’re putting yourself in the spotlight and will have a wide variety of people who will judge your work.

If you’ve finished a book and are looking for the benefits of a traditional publisher without having to be represented by an agent, we at Third Wheel Publishing would love to see your work!