Bad Book Reviews (For Authors & Aspiring Authors)

Okay, I'm going to talk about something that is a rather hard subject to talk about in the writing community: Bad book reviews.

I just received my first bad book review on the day that the book was released. How I don't know. I mean the book was released on 4/25 and that's when the review was submitted to Amazon.

I wanted to be hurt. I really did. But then a quote that I read from a self-help book popped into my head. It was "everyone else's opinion about your book is none of your business". Now that may be a touchy quote for some. I mean you should be upset or have a right to feel a certain way when you get a bad review.

Remember something though: Not everyone is going to like your book. It may not be their typical read or may not be their cup of tea. That doesn't make your book a bad book. That doesn't mean you're a bad writer. It means that a certain individual didn't like your book. And that's okay.

One person's bad review is just their own personal opinion. Everyone has their own opinion and has a right to express their certain opinion. Like I said previously, that doesn't make you a bad writer or make your book a bad book.

For one bad review, you may get 20 good reviews. Take someone else's opinion with a grain of salt.

Now if the review has something that is constructive criticism and trying to help you in a way that's one thing. But someone tearing apart your book is another.

Since my book has launched I've gotten 2 good reviews on Amazon and one bad review. I've gotten 3 good reviews on Goodreads.

My point is you can't expect all good reviews on your book. There are going to be some bad reviews in the mix. You have to decide whether you're going to let them get to you, learn from the bad reviews, or ignore them. The choice is ultimately yours.

I've said this numerous times throughout this post. No matter who you are whether you are a traditional or indie published author or an inspiring author just remember: YOU ARE NOT A BAD WRITER!

Bad reviews don't determine how you are in your writing. It only will if you let it!