So you've got a really crappy review and don't know how to take it. I understand because the same thing happened to me. It eventually happens to every author, so don't feel like the lone ranger.
Every great book has 1 star reviews. Yes, bad reviews can hurt like a punch in the stomach or be a blow to the ego, but
personally, I can't find 1 great, or best-selling book that doesn't have some pretty
mean 1 star reviews. Even J.K. Rowling has some pretty crappy 1 star reviews- and she's awesome. There will always be people who are mad at the success of others. So don't feel bad when someone comes along and tries to
strip you of your hard work. If anything, take it as a sign that you're doing
something right. Why else would someone take the time to attempt dragging you down- unless they really feel like you ripped them off. However, in most scenarios, that is not the case.
For example:
There was an author that I didn't know personally, but apparently was threatened with my book that took 3 years to write, and had quite a few 5 star reviews; so she did one of the worst things imaginable and gave me a 2 star review telling people not to buy my book, along with several other lies. I couldn't understand why, but after doing a little research, I realized that her actions were speaking much louder than her words. I took a look at her books and book ranking, it looked like her book sales
weren't going well. I suppose that is why she took the time to
attempt destroying someone else's hard work.
But here's the thing... If someone feels compelled to write a review (good or bad),
feel honored that you had an effect on them, and then keep it moving. I would more so worry if there was no reviews. A few 1 star
reviews won't make or break you if you don't let them. Use the info given in
the reviews to advise you on how make your book better, and make you stronger.
Then come back at it again, better than before. You can then try some new promotional methods. Perhaps, go to an event or
convention that relates to your books topic, not just for networking, but to
inspire, be inspired, and maybe learn something new. Bring some copies of your
book. You also could visit some online forums and advise or talk with some
people there. If they like what you're saying, send em a copy of your book. Who
knows? You might get a good review to counteract that negative one, not to
mention all the inspiration you can get from being around other like-minded
people.
Getting a 1 star review is not the end of the world, but
wallowing in someone's negative feedback and giving up will end the possibility
of your success. Yes, when someone is completely rude or mean in their review,
it feels like crap. I'm sure when those bestselling authors got bad reviews, it
didn't feel good to them either-but do you think those authors of bestselling
books let 1 star reviews stop them from their success?... If they didn't give up,
neither should you.
Naturally with a bad review, we get hurt or defensive, but instead, take it as a compliment that someone felt the need to take the time out of their schedule to post a review about your book, good or bad. Don't let these little distractions deter you from your goal. Think tunnel vision and stay focused.
If I wanted, I could have done the same to that author and gave a horrible review to her 2 indie books that probably aren't all that anyway.
I could slander her name right now on this blog, but what's that going
to do for me? How is that going to make me any more successful? I would
much rather spend my time being productive, building something great,
and helping others do the same- as opposed to wasting my time hating on someone else.
"A wealthy man can buy a lot, but he can't buy back time."~ Unknown
Something that has helped me get through the bad reviews, and life in general is
this fact: — You can't control the actions of others, the only thing you can
control is YOURSELF.
Here's a couple of inspiring quotes for you:
“You must take personal responsibility. You
cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change
yourself. That is something you have charge of.”~ Jim Rohn
“To get something you
never had, you must do something you never did.” – Thomas Jefferson
"I may not be where I want to be,
but thank God I am not where I used to be." - Joyce Meyer
“A failure is not always a mistake, it may
simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to
stop trying.” ~ B.F. Skinner
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I really hope this helps you get over that 1 star review slump.
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