How should someone react to a negative review?
There's numerous advice online, and they state to not react. Why? It won't benefit you nor the reviewer, and it will make you look like a total jackass.
When my first published novel had two negative reviews, it stung for sure. However, you must look at those negative reviews as helpful guides. A person's constructive criticism helps you become stronger.
If I took to heart those negative reviews on my first published novel, I wouldn't had the motivation to become a better writer. It's a fact, pain or any unpleasant emotions help shape us to become better as individuals.
One could bid the differ, but a person's critique over your work can help you improve. So, instead of whining on the kitchen floor into a fetal position. I stood back up and took another stab at it. I yanked my first novel off of Amazon, and I completely revised the entire novel. I had to focus on the key elements they pointed out were horrible about the book: punctuation and grammar.
They stated it had a very good story plot, but they couldn't shake off the poor punctuation in the book. Perhaps, the perfectionist in me drove me to perfect my first novel.
When people advise to take the criticism with a grain of salt, you should definitely do that. However, you should also look at the overall message of the negative review. For example, if someone just gives you a one star then states, "I didn't even bother reading it." You shouldn't pay any attention to that review. They were lazy on their part, but they weren't lazy enough to give you a negative review. Go figure, right?
However, if someone states: "Book was great, but the punctuation sucked." Or, "Book was great, but the story line was confusing."
So, those two examples should had gave you an good idea where to start. Inside your head, your book's sounds fine. However, some people will read and interpret your story plot differently. Story plot-holes are treacherous. Imagine story plot holes like potholes in the road, and you're cruising along way to fast. When your tire hits that pothole, it could damage your vehicle.
However, plot holes are for another day. After you had read this blog, I hope you at least look at negative reviews as helpful. Helpful in a sense of becoming a better author, and it's not helpful in sales. We can all agree on that statement.
Until next time, friend! I'm glad you had read my blog post. Hopefully, you find yourself fascinated in these posts. If not, it's completely okay.
Stay awesome as usual!
When my first published novel had two negative reviews, it stung for sure. However, you must look at those negative reviews as helpful guides. A person's constructive criticism helps you become stronger.
If I took to heart those negative reviews on my first published novel, I wouldn't had the motivation to become a better writer. It's a fact, pain or any unpleasant emotions help shape us to become better as individuals.
One could bid the differ, but a person's critique over your work can help you improve. So, instead of whining on the kitchen floor into a fetal position. I stood back up and took another stab at it. I yanked my first novel off of Amazon, and I completely revised the entire novel. I had to focus on the key elements they pointed out were horrible about the book: punctuation and grammar.
They stated it had a very good story plot, but they couldn't shake off the poor punctuation in the book. Perhaps, the perfectionist in me drove me to perfect my first novel.
When people advise to take the criticism with a grain of salt, you should definitely do that. However, you should also look at the overall message of the negative review. For example, if someone just gives you a one star then states, "I didn't even bother reading it." You shouldn't pay any attention to that review. They were lazy on their part, but they weren't lazy enough to give you a negative review. Go figure, right?
However, if someone states: "Book was great, but the punctuation sucked." Or, "Book was great, but the story line was confusing."
So, those two examples should had gave you an good idea where to start. Inside your head, your book's sounds fine. However, some people will read and interpret your story plot differently. Story plot-holes are treacherous. Imagine story plot holes like potholes in the road, and you're cruising along way to fast. When your tire hits that pothole, it could damage your vehicle.
However, plot holes are for another day. After you had read this blog, I hope you at least look at negative reviews as helpful. Helpful in a sense of becoming a better author, and it's not helpful in sales. We can all agree on that statement.
Until next time, friend! I'm glad you had read my blog post. Hopefully, you find yourself fascinated in these posts. If not, it's completely okay.
Stay awesome as usual!
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